HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-01-1998 - 9a1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 1, 1998
Action Agenda
Item #~~ ~
SUBJECT:
ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT (ERCD)
DEPARTMENT: MANAGER.. PUBLIC HEARING: Yes X No
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED': Yes X No
ATTACHMENT(S):.
• Follow-up Memorandum
• Proposal: Environment and Resource
Conservation Dephrtmext (ERCB)
`INFORMATION CONTACT:
John Link, Extension 2300
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough - ?32-8181
Durham - 688-?331
Mebane - 22?-2031
.Chapel Hill - 967-9251.
PURPOSE: To consider action implementing the new Environment and Resource
Conservation Department proposal.
BACKGROUND: On June 22, the Board established a new Environment and Resource
Conservation Department (ERCD), and instructed the Manager to develop a
proposal for formation of the new department. During the summer, a work team
of staff members developed a report that which describes a proposed mission,
tasks and resource needs of the ERCD.
The Board reviewed this report on October 6 and October 20, and agreed to hold a
public hearing on November 4 to receive citizen comment. A total of 20 persons
spoke at the November 4 public hearing, with 10 persons speaking in favor of the
proposal and five in opposition. Five citizens asked questions and provided
comment without expressing an opinion.
To address the comments at the hearing, staff and Commissioner Gordon have
met with the Economic Development Commission, Commission for the
Environment and Agricultural Districts Advisory Board to clarify the proposal
and answer questions. Building on this feedback, staff has prepared afollow-up
2
memorandum that identifies and reviews many of the thoughts expressed. Where
recommended, the proposal for forming the department has been revised
accordingly. Many of the comments did not address specifics of the proposal
itself, and therefore, few changes have been made in this area.
By far, the most common theme was a call for close coordination with existing
agencies and departments that work in this area. As indicated in the proposal, this
is one of the primary focus areas for the initiative. To further strengthen this
intent, the only substantive addition to the proposal involves having the
department plan and hold a series of joint meetings in 1999 with other stakeholder
agencies, departments and boards (including the Soil and Water Board, and
Triangle Land Conservancy). These meetings will provide a vehicle for the
coordination of efforts among the different groups interested in resource
conservation, and should foster collaborative arrangements and identify different
interests and needs.
RECOMMENDATION:. The Administration recommends that the Board adopt the proposal to form the
Environment and Resource Conservation Department as amended, with the
follow-up memorandum attached as Appendix G. Staff will use the month of
December to lay the groundwork for the new department, and prepare follow-up
items for Board review. Since existing personnel and space will initially be
utilized, the new department should be ready to get underway at the first of the
year. As such, an effective date of Monday, January 4, 1999 is recommended for
the Environment and Resource Conservation Department.
3
Memorandum
To: Board of Commissioners
From: John Link, County Manager
Date: December 1, 1998
Re: Formation of Environment and Resource
Conservation Department (ERCD)
On November 4, the Board received public comment on the proposal to
form the Environment and Resource Conservation Department -which
was established by the Board on June 22.
At the public hearing, a number of citizens provided comment on the
proposal, offering thoughtful ideas and questions.
To ensure that the intent and meaning of the proposal was better
understood, staff has been reviewing the proposal and meeting with
other advisory boards and citizens (including November 12 with the
Economic Development Commission, and November 18 with the
Agricultural Districts Advisory Board) to discuss the proposal.
The following sections attempt to address the comments at the hearing
related to the proposal for forming the department, followed by a
recommendation for action.
Comments from the Public Hearing
A total of 20 persons spoke at the November 4 public hearing. Ten
citizens spoke in favor, including the chairs of the Board of Health and
the Commission for the Environment. Five persons spoke in
opposition, while five additional citizens asked questions without
indicating an opinion. Comments were also received at the subsequent
meetings listed above.
Whether speaking in favor, in opposition or simply raising questions,
the comments on the proposal fell into three main areas. These areas,
along with the results of our review and reflection, are provided below:
Note: Questions regarding issues outside of the proposal to form the
department (should it exist, cost) are not evaluated here, since these
issues have already been addressed by the Board in the June 22 action
to establish the department.
1. Working With Other Agencies Involved in Conservation
A number of comments from the public hearing noted that there are
existing agencies working on resource conservation issues. Many
persons asked that careful attention be paid to working in conjunction
with these groups. In particular, the work of the Triangle Land
Conservancy, area landowners and the role for the Orange Soil and
Water District in resource conservation was mentioned. All of these
organizations have an important role in resource conservation,
although they sometimes have differing interests and needs.
The Triangle Land Conservancy and other local organizations have
clearly accomplished positive first steps in resource conservation in
Orange County. However, it is worth noting that the new ERCD would
provide opportunities for activities and coordination that do not
currently exist. There are several areas where the new department
would perform new activities, or coordinate activities that have
previously been handled piecemeal or in disparate fashion:
• While many of the existing agencies perform important roles and
are valuable components of the resource conservation picture, there
are often different specialized areas of emphasis and interest
among conservation organizations that may not coincide with the
goals and interests of the County.
• The program for identification and prioritized acquisition of critical
natural and cultural resources would be a new task not currently
performed.
• There is currently no coordinated function in the County to pursue
and develop grant proposals for funding of resource acquisition -
whether this be acquisition of a wetlands habitat or a future park
site.
• There is no central location for coordination of the data on the
different types of resources in the County, and no one agency
charged with maintenance and upkeep of the different databases.
The new department would offer a coordinated means of
maintaining and building new databases of previously disparate or
incomplete information, linking areas previously not coordinated,
such as data on water resources, air quality and recreation sites.
• The new department will offer staff resources for new groups such
as the Commission for the Environment and Master Parks and
4
e
5
Recreation Work Group, which are currently staffed on a temporary
basis by a number of different persons.
• Finally, as previously noted, there is no place in the County
government where these issues have a specialized focus and
attention.
While there are a number of new areas that the department would
address, the proposal retains a strong emphasis on coordination with
conservation-oriented organizations and agencies. In several places in
the proposal, the importance of coordinating and workin4 with all of
these (and other) agencies is listed as being of paramount importance,
and will be one of the department's initial tasks.
There are a number of existing examples of County departments.
working collaboratively with other agencies and groups toward a
common goal. One such arrangement already exists in the area of
environment and resource conservation.
Since 1993, the County has been conducting a ground water initiative
to learn about this resource. The Water Resources Committee of
County citizens includes members from a broad perspective of the
County - with a member of the Soil and Water Board serving as chair.
Over the past four years, substantial coordination has been developed
between the departments of Planning, Soil and Water, Environmental
Health, the County Engineer and Cooperative Extension in this multi-
yeareffort. Bridges have also been built to the NC Division of Water
Quality (Ground Water Section) and the US Geological Survey. The Soil
and Water office houses the Ground Water Center, where citizens can
call with questions about ground water and be referred to the
appropriate department or outside agency. Environmental Health and
Planning coordinate on the collection, electronic transfer and mapping
of GPS satellite data on new wells and septic tanks. Cooperative
Extension provides valuable support in the public
education/information component, with the County Engineer closely
involved with technical programs.
Other County departments, similar in nature to the ERCD, have
developed strong collaborative relationships with outside agencies and
internal departments. The Economic Development Commission and
Economic Development Department work closely with the existing
Chambers of Commerce in the County. The nature of this relationship
is one of collaboration toward common economic development goals,
rather than competition. Economic Development staff has also worked
6
closely with the staffs in many other departments, and with state
agencies on common goals.
Likewise, the Housing and Community Development Department is one
of many players working toward goals of safe and affordable housing.
Housing/CD staff work closely with organizations such as Orange
Community Housing Corporation, the HOME program, and Habitat for
Humanity, among others, toward common goals.
These examples illustrate ways that local government can coordinate
both internally and externally with other groups and organizations in a
way to foster partnership and decrease competition. As in the free
market, to the degree that competition would exist, it might well serve
a positive force by providing incentives for different private/public/non-
profit entities to work jointly toward the common good of resource
conservation.
Therefore, there is no reason to expect that a new department of
Environment and Resource Conservation cannot develop close working
relationships with the agencies that share goals of resource
conservation, if not always identical interests. The nature of the
collaboration and working arrangements will, by necessity, be
developed as they evolve over time.
Even so, one step to initiate this coordination can be taken now, and
has been added to the proposal for the new department. An
amendment to the proposal calls for the new department to coordinate
with other organizations and entities through a series of joint meetings
with organizations and stakeholders, based on topical areas of interest.
During 1999, the department could coordinate these meetings on
anticipated categories of interest. These joint meetings could go a long
way toward identifying the specific interests of the different
organizations working in this field, by exploring goals, plans and needs
with all known stakeholders and "players." These meetings would also
provide a vehicle to ensure that the new department works proactively
and collaboratively with the many agencies and departments. The list
of agencies that should be part of the joint meeting series would
include (but not be limited to):
• Orange County Soil and Water District
• Triangle Land Conservancy
• The Nature Conservancy
• Conservation Trust of NC
• Duke University
7
• University of North Carolina
• State of North Carolina (Eno River State Park)
• OWASA
• The Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Mebane and Hillsborough
• Orange County Health Department
• Orange County Recreation and Parks Department
• Orange County Planning Department
• Commission for the Environment
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Agricultural Districts Advisory Board
• Water Resources Committee
• Planning Board
There are undoubtedly many other groups not listed above which can
be coordinated with.
2. Accomplishing Resource Conservation Through the Planning
Department
A related comment from the hearing deals with whether these plans
and activities could be accomplished within the existing Planning
Department.
This concept was evaluated at the outset of the plans for forming the
new department. For a number of reasons, trying to accomplish the
many goals (new and old) in the confines of the Planning Department
is not recommended. These reasons include:
• Lack of Economy of Scale /Limited Resources in Planning.
The proposal for the new department calls for a mix of existing staff
two new positions to focus on new areas of emphasis. The new staff
positions, an administrative assistant and Natural Resource
Conservation Manager, would be needed regardless of the location
of these tasks. As indicated in the proposal, new boards that have
been created will require administrative support beyond available
resources in Planning, and the priority land identification and
acquisition efforts will require a person with abackground/education
not currently available. No new short-term space needs have been
identified by the creation of the new positions, so there are no cost
benefits to keeping the proposed initiatives in Planning. In
summary, the same relatively-small amount of money, time and
resources would be incurred whether as a new department or as an
expanded function of the existing Planning Department -unless a
substantial redirection of responsibilities, staff and financial
8
resources in the Planning department were implemented. The
possibility exists that time/staff costs could be higher by trying to
accomplish these many tasks in Planning, as inevitably staff
members working on environment/resource issues would at times
be pulled away for other objectives and needs -increasing staff
costs and slowing action on the initiatives planned.
• Regulator versus advocate: Planning is a regulatory department
by nature, enforcing building codes, the Zoning Ordinance, the
Erosion and Sedimentation Ordinance and the Subdivision
Regulations. By contrast, the tasks planned for the ERCD would
largely be more of an advocacy department, much like Economic
Development and Housing/CD. Trying to accomplish the new
expanded role in resource conservation through the Planning
Department could pose conflicts of interest. In general, it is difficult
for a department to be both a regulator and an advocate at the
same time.
• Competing objectives: The goals and purpose of the Planning
Department cover a wide variety of important, but different, areas
of focus. Some of these areas include development standards,
erosion control, small area plans, Planning Board initiatives, Public
School impact fees, growth management, and Joint Planning with
other local governments and the schools. Placing the goals and
tasks planned for the ERCD in Planning would inevitably force these
programs and plans to compete against the myriad of different
objectives and goals in Planning -competing for resources of time,
staff, and money. The expressed purpose of the new department is
to raise environment and resource conservation to a higher level
and provide a point of focus. Accomplishing this goal would
unquestionably be much more difficult by making it compete with
other goals/objectives in Planning.
Finally, it should be noted that this would not be the first
department of this type in North Carolina. Forsyth County has an
Environmental Affairs Department that started in air quality but later
expanded to address a wider range of environmental issues. The
department staffs the Environmental Affairs Commission, much like the
ERCD would staff the Commission for the Environment. Not
coincidentally, Forsyth is one of the most-successful counties in the
state in preserving resources, particularly farmland. Mecklenburg
County also has a Department of Environmental Protection, which
staffs the Mecklenburg Environmental Protection Commission and
works in areas of surface water, ground water and air quality among
9
others. Other departments similar to the nature of the proposal exist in
other states, as well.
3. Board of Directors
One speaker at the hearing suggested creating a new Board of
Directors for the department to work with, drawing members from
different areas of interest and organizations. This an interesting
concept, and staff could be instructed to explore the idea further at a
later date.
4. Other Comments
Two speakers asked that the new department develop a close working
relationship with County landowners, noting that such a relationship
would be crucial to success in acquiring priority resources. We agree
that this is a vital component of the new department's task -and
would propose to involve interested landowners in the proposed
meeting series for 1999, in addition to other forums and methods.
The idea of a different title for the department came up at the
Economic Development Commission meeting. One member suggested
that the word "department" implied a large, bureaucratic organization
- which is clearly not the intent of the proposal.
Recommendation
The efforts of the last six months to develop the mission, tasks and
program for the new department rely heavily on previous reports and
knowledge, ideas and concepts from the Board, and staff research.
Using these components as a framework, the proposal attempts to
develop a program for environment and resource conservation that
builds on the existing base of organizations, departments and
individuals, where possible. The primary focus of the proposal remains
to be found in two keywords: voluntary and collaborative.
There are many mechanisms that exist to allow the County to work
proactively with agencies, boards and other internal departments
towards the goals of environment and resource conservation. The
opportunity exists to build on the examples of the farsighted citizens
who have already found ways to conserve resources on their
properties. By providing a higher focus and profile, the new
department should be able to greatly expand the potential for resource
conservation that has occurred to date while working closely with other
10
stakeholders. The existing staff that would be part of the department
have developed working relationships with many of these stakeholders
through past and current initiatives, and would be instructed to
strengthen these in the months ahead.
The proposal for the Environment and Resource Conservation
Department has been amended to address and heighten the focus on
collaborating with existing agencies and organizations. Staff believes
that this, along with the other plans for close coordination, will result in
an enhancement of success for all of the stakeholders on environment
and resource conservation.
I am therefore recommending that the Board approve the proposal for
the new department, as amended. The subjects explored in this memo
would be attached as an Appendix to the proposal.
Given the lack of short-term space or personnel changes, we believe
that a starting date of Monday, January 4, 1999 is reasonable for the
Environment and Resource Conservation Department, and recommend
that as the effective date.
~1
PROPOSAL:
ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE
CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT (ERCD)
1. Mission of the Environment and Resource Conservation
Department (ERCD)
On June 22, the Board of Commissioners established a new Environment and
Resource Conservation Department. The May 25 memoranda from Dr. Gordon
(please see Appendix E) lay out a number of concepts that would easily translate
into a mission for the new department. Based on the staff work group's reading,
this mission statement would include:
A. Overseeing, implementing, and coordinating County goals for
environmental protection and resource conservation.
An important key for the County's future quality of life is `staying green
while we grow'. The concept of "green infrastructure" has become popular
in other counties and regions as a means of providing reasonable access
to nature and establishing a Countywide system of natural areas, parks
and trails to support wildlife populations. The preservation of our skeletal
framework of natural areas and important resources has been identified
as a crucial component of how livable Orange County will be in the future.
A number of the existing Commissioners goals are directly related to this
concept, and the creation of this department. While future goals may be
added to address new initiatives that the Board wishes to address, the
following goals represent examples of ways that the County is already
working to build and maintain "green infrastructure." The following goals
appear to be a good fit with the new department, and responsibility for
them should be transferred to the Environment and Resource
Conservation Department:
1. Natural Resource Preservation
2. Water Resources (ground water)
3. Historic Preservation
4. Farmland Preservation
5. Watershed Protection
6. Shaping Orange County's Future
7. Sustainability
12
This department will have primary responsibility for these areas (e.g.,
natural resources), In addition, it will coordinate the acquisition programs
and the records for other areas, as outlined below.
B. Developing a plan and program for the acquisition of land for
resource conservation, and implementing that program.
One of the new department's most significant tasks will be to elevate
planning for resource protection to a new level through the voluntary
acquisition of the County's most critical land resources. While some
planning and prioritization of important resource lands has occurred to
date, a comprehensive program to evaluate the County's most important
resources will need to be developed so that the County can begin
systematic acquisition of land through conservation easements, fee
simple ownership, or other agreements. This department will take the lead
in identifying and recommending natural and other resources to be
protected and conserved, as outlined in Section A above, and will also
coordinate the conservation of resources recommended by other
departments, such as Recreation and Parks. This program will be of a
voluntary nature and will be subject to review and approval by the Board
of Commissioners, before the County can begin acquiring lands through
conservation easements, fee simple ownership, or other agreements.
It should be noted that development of this area of emphasis will be a
stepwise process involving check-in points with the Board of
Commissioners at every step. The major elements of a land acquisition
program might include:
1. Organizational Structure. The County may wish to consider a
process for establishing a land trust, or developing a partnership with
an existing land trust, such as the Triangle Land Conservancy.
2. Land Conservation Criteria. Deciding what resources to protect
and acquire is fundamental. The County has the following plans and
programs in place for ranking priority resources:
Inventory of Natural Areas and ~Idlife Habitats. Orange County's
most significant natural areas and wildlife habitat were described in
the Inventory of the Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats completed
in 1988 by the Triangle Land Conservancy. In the next few months,
the TLC is scheduled to complete a Wildlife Habitat Study ranking
prime wildlife habitat areas.
Comprehensive Resources Map. Developed as part of the Rural
Character Study and Flexible Development process, this map is
13
incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan and identifies important
natural resources in the County identified to date.
Farmland. For farmland resources, the Agricultural Districts
Advisory Board has developed a program to use the Land
Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) system for ranking prime
farmland.
Parkland and Recreation Lands. The County is currently pursuing
an update to the Master Parks and Recreation Plan, through the
Master Parks and Recreation Committee. This effort to identify
current and future resources is being held in conjunction with the
Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough (who have their
own parks and greenways programs).
Historic Sites and Landscapes. The Historic Preservation Element
of the Comprehensive Plan describes an evaluation and ranking
system for historic resources.
3. Land Resources Database. A GIS database of prioritized land
resources wilt be created for use in evaluating acquisition options. This
database will include data previously generated by the County and the
Triangle Land Conservancy, along with new research. Upon
completion of the Comprehensive Resource Acquisition Program, the
ERCD will coordinate the compilation of a records and mapping
database that contains prioritized areas that will be maintained and
augmented over time.
4. Land Acquisition Mechanism. The County will have the
mechanism and expertise to acquire desired land or sites, and to
manage those sites as appropriate. Implementation of the
Comprehensive Resource Acquisition Program will be instituted using
the current and new personnel resources, as well as seed or matching
money from the County, augmented with grant funding from a variety
of possible sources, such as the Natural Heritage and Clean Water
Trust Funds.
While the development of a comprehensive acquisition program will be
ongoing, there will be options on an interim basis to enable the County to
work with voluntary conservation easements and donations, or to develop
school/park sites. There may also be opportunities to purchase desirable
properties before the comprehensive program is completely developed
(e.g., the recent purchase of property at the Northern Human Services
Center). These options are shown in Attachment A.
14
C. Integrating current and future data into a comprehensive resource
database.
In order to accomplish the above initiative, department staff must
coordinate previous work with new inventories of natural, cultural and
recreational resources to develop a Comprehensive Resource Database.
This will involve amulti-level coordinated Geographic Information System
database that encompasses all of the County's land preservation
activities, with records and mapping capabilities of all activities. This
database will be used not only by ERCD staff, but wilt also help many
County departments that are also involved in resource conservation -
such as Recreation and Parks, the Soil and Water District office, and the
Use Value program under the direction of the Tax Assessor's office.
D. Providing staff support to boards and commissions.
There are a number of standing and ad hoc commissions or boards that
are working on active Commissioners goals listed in Section I.A. Based on
the May 25 memo and the expected work duties, ERCD staff members
will provide support to the following boards:
Board or Commission Status
Commission for the Standing commission
Environment
Historic Preservation Standing commission
Commission
Agricultural Districts Standing board
Advisory Board
Water Resources Committee Ad Hoc committee, scheduled to
merge efforts into Commission for the
Environment in 2000
Shaping Orange County's Joint ad hoc task force with County as
Future Task Force lead entity, scheduled to conclude
6/1999
Master Parks and Recreation Joint ad hoc task force with County as
Work Group lead entity, with recommendations
and priorities to be developed by 1/99
E. Working with other departments/agencies.
With the nature of its duties, the ERCD will be a department with strong
linkages to several other departments. Due to shared data and other
considerations, astrong relationship will be required with the Planning
Department. Developing this level of coordination will be enhanced by the
1.'~
fact that some members of the recommended ERCD staff have been in
the Planning Department for years, and currently have a strong
relationship with staff in Planning. Additionally, one position is proposed to
be shared between Planning and the ERCD (please see page 13 and
Appendix B). There may also be shared duties with Planning in
developing implementing ordinances, due to the fact that the
implementing ordinances for Flexible Development/open space/rural
character are in the Subdivision Regulations and to a lesser degree the
Zoning Ordinance. Responsibility for the Environmental Impact Ordinance
must also be defined. As such, these two departments should meet in the
near future to work out details of ordinances and plans with overlapping
issues and plans for coordination.
The Soil and Water District is another department with which the ERCD
will need to coordinate closely, especially in terms of possible roles for
farmland conservation easements. Other departments that will require
coordination might include Environmental Health, the County Engineer,
Cooperative Extension, Recreation and Parks, Tax Assessor's office, and
Economic Development.
Additionally, there are a number of other agencies and organizations
that are important stakeholders in the preservation of resources.
Concerted efforts to coordinate and work collaboratively with groups
such as the Triangle Land Conservancy, the Orange Soil and Water
District, and other boards and agencies will be undertaken. An
important first step toward this collaboration would be a series of
joint meetings with organizations and stakeholders, based on topical
areas of interest. During 1999, the department could coordinate
these meetings on anticipated categories of interest.
These joint meetings could go a long way toward identifying the
specific interests of the different organizations working in this field,
by exploring goals, plans and needs with all known stakeholders and
"players." These meetings would also provide a vehicle to ensure
that the new department works proactively and collaboratively with
the many agencies and departments. The list of agencies that should
be part of the joint meeting series would include (but not be limited
to):
• Orange County Soil and Water District
• Triangle Land Conservancy
• The Nature Conservancy
• Conservation Trust of NC
• Duke University
• University of North Carolina
10
• State of North Carolina (Eno River State Park)
• OWASA
• The Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Mebane and Hillsborough
• Orange County Health Department
• Orange County Recreation and Parks Department
• Orange County Planning Department
• Commission for the Environment
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Agricultural Districts Advisory Board
• Water Resources Committee
• Planning Board
• Others not yet identified
~'~ . "'~ . ~ ~ ~ -fi.-.: r
~. r
Planning Flexible Development and open space
issues, Environmental Impact Ordinance,
protection of watersheds and natural
resource sites through ordinances; GIS data
sharing; other operational coordination
Soil and Water / NRCS Possible acquisition of farmland conservation
easements/land resources, farmland
preservation, surface water resource
protection (for agricultural operations), other
conservation programs
Environmental Health Water Resources (ground water) programs,
watershed protection
County Engineer Water Resources (ground water) programs,
watershed protection
Cooperative Extension Service Farmland preservation
Recreation and Parks Coordination on parkland acquisition, passive
recreation (open space) lands
Economic Development Sustainability
Tax Assessor Coordination of Use Value program with other
conservation initiatives, such as farmland
preservation and property appraisals
necessary for buying conservation
easements
The department may also coordinate its work with other groups such as the
Schools and Land Use Councils and the Master Recreation and Parks Work
Group.
17
II. Tasks for the ERCD
To a degree, the tasks and workplan for the department will evolve along with
the goals and changes to the mission statement over time. There appear to be
eight areas of tasks and duties for the ERCD staff, based on the mission and
the May 25 memos.
A. Water Resources (ground water) Project. The Water Resources project
involves a 10-person Committee, a public education campaign and a
significant Ground Water Resource Investigation in conjunction with
USGS. The USGS resource investigation is entering the second of three
years and will wrap up in June, 2000. After final recommendations in year
2000, the work of this Committee is planned to merge into the
Commission for the Environment, and that group would begin to develop
implementation programs for ground water, and synthesize surface water
and ground water protection into an integrated program. This is the final
step of the Water Resources goal, and all of this would become the Water
Resources Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
B. Land acquisition plan/program for resource conservation and
parkland ("Comprehensive Resource Acquisition Program"). The
Comprehensive Resource Acquisition Program is outlined in some detail
by Dr. Gordon in her second memo, and includes an assessment of the
loss of resources that has occurred to date, an inventory of resources at
present, and development of a program of easements and purchase for
the future that involve a number of approaches. Fortunately, some of the
preliminary GIS work in this area has been accomplished -but additional
efforts will be needed to complete the task, including the collation of data
from inventories previously compiled. This program will coordinate the
acquisition of land for historic sites, natural resources, parks and
recreation, and farmland -using matching funds and seed money from
the County. Initiatives already underway include the Schools/Land Use
Councils' efforts and the Master Recreation and Parks Plan.
C. Initiatives from the Commission for the Environment. As a new group,
the Commission has yet to identify many of its programs or plans, but
clearly the efforts in water (linked with the Water Resources project), air
quality, biological and other natural resources, environmental indicators
and sustainability would fall into this realm and be coordinated with the
other tasks outlined here.
D. Development of Comprehensive Resource Inventory/Database. As
part of the Comprehensive Resource program, we will need to develop a
process for maintaining records and a database of natural, cultural, and
recreational resources. Much of this would be GIS-based and related to
the above.
18
E. Staff Boards/Commissions. As previously mentioned, staff members in
this department will be responsible for staffing the Commission for the
Environment, Agricultural Districts Advisory Board, and Historic
Preservation Commission -along with the Shaping Orange County's
Future Task Force and Water Resources Committee until their completion
in 1999/2000. Coordinating the agendas and initiatives from these boards
will be a significant part of the staff work load, as all of the boards and
commissions have ambitious and challenging projects.
F. Developing Elements of the Comprehensive Plan. The County's
Comprehensive Plan has several elements which have not been
completed or undertaken. Chief among these would be the eventual
Water Resources Element (coordinating surface and ground water
programs) and the Natural Areas Element, both of which would fall into
the realm of the Commission for the Environment. Preliminary plans to
combine the work of the Rural Character Study and Flexible Development
for the Open Space/Rural Character element were developed several
years ago, but have not been finalized. Given the nature of the
department's duties, staff would need to coordinate with the Master Parks
and Recreation effort on finalizing that element of the plan. Given the
strong relationship of resource conservation in the Land Use Element,
ERCD staff could also assist the Planning Department in preparing the
planned 2001 update of that element, as well.
G. Farmland Preservation. The department will work with the Agricultural
Districts Advisory Board on current and future goals and initiatives related
to farmland preservation, including enhancing and promoting the
Voluntary Agricultural Districts program.
H. Historic Preservation. The department will work with the Historic
Preservation Commission on current and future goals and initiatives
related to historic preservation, including local landmark designations and
National Register nominations.
I. Shaping Orange County's Future / Sustainability. A multi-year joint
initiative, Shaping Orange County's Future is nearly two-thirds completed.
Orange County serves as the lead coordinating entity of the project, and
David Stancil, the project coordinator will be moving into the ERCD
department (please see Attachment B). Assigning another planner to
coordinate completion of this project would be difficult given the
complexity of this project, and the May 25 memo on the new department
indicated that Shaping Orange County's Future coordination could move
to the ERCD pending its completion next year. This would make sense,
especially given the fact that many of the issues and goals of Shaping
Orange County's Future have a strong linkage to environment and
resource conservation. Related to this is the Commissioners goal on
sustainability, which uses Shaping Orange County's Future as a
springboard for launching a County program to integrate sustainability into
County policies and programs. Since these issues are intertwined, and
~5
much of the underpinnings of sustainability lie in the environmental area,
ERCD staff could continue to coordinate efforts in this regard working
closely with the Commission for the Environment, Economic Development
and other County departments.
III. Evaluating Resource Needs for the New Department
Using the mission and tasks outlined above, the staff work group has evaluated
and assessed the resource needs of the new department (personnel, equipment,
budgetary and space).
One method to adequately accomplish this evaluation is through adual-modal
approach -with two trains of thought.
In the first approach, the ERCD is looked at as if it were a new department
"starting from scratch", with no available resources to call on. Once needs are
assessed using this approach, the second model is a parallel assessment of the
new department, given known resources and opportunities that exist within the
County.
Review of these two models together enables a clearer picture of the necessary
resources for the new department, and might point up any gaps between needs
and available resources.
A. Evaluation Model #1 - "Starting from Scratch"
1. Personnel
Personnel needs for a new department would be based around the
mission and tasks, as previously noted. Using this a base, these would
appear to include:
a) Background and knowledge of surface and ground water planning and
management
b) Background and knowledge in biological resources, air quality,
sustainability and general environmental issues
c) Background and knowledge in identifying and prioritizing natural and
cultural resources, including natural areas, wildlife habitats, historic
preservation, archaeological sites and farmland preservation
d) Experience and knowledge in land acquisition for resource
conservation and recreation
e) Experience in working with citizen boards and other
agencies/departments to accomplish multi-task objectives
20
f) Background and knowledge in working with geographic and other
databases (including GIS and tabular database record systems)
g) Background and experience in working with community visioning
initiatives, including sustainability and community-building
h) Background and experience in providing administrative support to
citizen boards and commissions
2. Equipment
If personnel should have the above qualifications and experience needs,
equipment for acompletely-new department to accomplish the tasks
outlined would appear to include:
a) adequate office space
b) furniture and file storage for staff members,
c) networked personal computers and a printer,
d) telephones, and
e) at least one GIS workstation and digitizing table with linkages to other
departments, a plotter, and the internal network.
B. Evaluation Model #2 -Using Existing Resources to Meet Needs
1. Personnel
Having assessed the needs for a new ERCD built "from scratch",
personnel requirements for such a department might translate into the
following positions:
a) One position to provide administrative support to department staff and
develop board/commission meeting minutes.
b) One position to provide GIS and database support for resource
inventories and records, as well as developing new coverages as part
of board/commission initiatives. This position should have strong
working knowledge of ARC-Info GIS systems and database programs.
c) One position with a combined background of environmental science
and resource acquisition, with knowledge of natural and cultural
resource identification and planning, and substantial expertise in land
acquisition for resource conservation and recreational purposes. This
position should also have knowledge of inventory/database systems
and strong presentation skills.
d) One position to coordinate the work of boards in historic preservation
and agricultural districts.
e) One position to serve as department head, with supervisory and
budgetary experience, along with a broad background in open space,
21
water resources, natural and cultural resources, other environmental
areas, as well as strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
In evaluating current resources, it is apparent that, with one notable
exception, all of the tasks for the new department are currently housed in
the Planning Department to the degree that they are dealt with. Transfer
of the duties and work tasks outlined above would involve shifting relevant
personnel and equipment to the new ERCD.
Fortunately, because many of these tasks are currently being addressed,
there are staff members in the Planning Department that have sufficient
background and experience in many of the areas listed above. One
Administrative Assistant in the Planning Department has experience
providing support to existing staff members working on these projects,
and with advisory boards that deal with the new department's subject
areas. Two GIS Project Coordinators are currently on staff that are
knowledgeable about environment and resource-related coverages, and
have strong knowledge of the ARC-Info system. The current Special
Projects Planner position has significant expertise with historic
preservation and farmland issues, as well as previous background in
natural resources. Finally, the current Land Use and Environmental
Planner has significant expertise in water resources, open space,
sustainability and other environmental issues - as well as supervisory and
budgetary experience.
2. Equipment
Similarly, the equipment needed for the new department is currently
located with the personnel listed above. All of the staff members have
personal computers and existing office furniture and storage space. Three
GIS workstations and three digitizing tables are currently in the Planning
Department. Existing telephones and computer networking arrangements
are in place, if the new department stays in the Planning and Agricultural
Center.
3. Space
Space needs constitute an area that would need to be addressed. No
available space in other buildings exists at this time. Reconfigured space
in the Planning and Agricultural Center would be the recommended short-
term solution to space needs.
If existing staff were transferred from the Planning Department, the
Planning budget would need to be adjusted to reflect the personnel,
operating and capital expenses that would be shifted to the new ERCD.
22
C. Gaps between "Starting from Scratch" and Existing Resources
Combining the theoretical and existing resource assessments, a large
majority of the department's needs could be met from Planning Department
staff. Even so, there are a few possible "gaps" for the new department that
may need to be addressed:
1. The one area where existing resources do not cover department needs is
in the area of resource acquisition and environmental science background
for the identification and prioritization of resources. Meeting these needs
will require a new position with land acquisition and environmental science
background.
2. Further information will be developed for an interim and long-term
acquisition program, as specified in Section I.B and Appendix A, so that a
program with the ability to meet specific needs for resource land
acquisition can be implemented. Questions regarding the entity to serve
as a "land trust" (County, Triangle Land Conservancy, Soil and Water
District) will need to be addressed.
3. The Planning Department has an existing Administrative Assistant that
provides board and staff support, but re-assignment of this position to the
ERCD would leave the Planning Department without support for the
boards that it would retain, not to mention daily administrative functions.
4. In terms of equipment needs, most could be acquired through the transfer
of resources from Planning. However, a new printer and ARC-View
software will be needed (not available for detachment from Planning), and
office equipment for any new positions would also need to be acquired.
IV. Recommended Personnel and Equipment Needs
Upon completion of the evaluation of the mission, tasks and resource needs of
the new department, the Administration recommends the following program to
initiate an Environment and Resource Conservation Department.
A. Personnel
As previously stated, a considerable proportion of the mission and tasks for
the new department are a reconfiguration and expansion of efforts and
projects currently handled by existing staff in the Planning Department.
Based on the assessment of resources, the Administration recommends a
combination of existing and new personnel for the new department. Two
permanent positions and 1.5 project-funded permanent time-limited positions
are recommended for re-assignment from the Planning Department to the
23
new Environment and Resource Conservation Department. Two new
permanent positions (a Natural Resource Conservation Manager and an
Administrative Assistant position) would be created to meet needs not
available from current Planning personnel. Finally, one current position
(retitled Land Use and Preservation Planner) is recommended to be shared
between the Planning Department and the ERCD -with reconfigured job
duties to meet needs in both departments (please see Section C below, and
Appendix B).
The recommended personnel and related costs for the new department are
shown in Attachment B, Recommended Personnel and Costs for the
Environment and Resource Conservation Department.
B. Equipment Needs
Likewise, equipment needs for the new department can largely be met using
existing resources. It is recommended that each of the re-assigned staff keep
their existing personal computers, office furniture and storage space in the
new configuration. One existing GIS workstation would be dedicated to the
new department, with a shared arrangement with Planning for the second
workstation/digitizing table. A new printer and furniture/PC's for the new
Natural Resource Conservation Manager and Administrative Assistant would
be purchased. Existing network linkages between Planning and the
department would be retained, for both personal computers and GIS
workstations.
C. Space Needs
In the immediate short-term, no changes to existing office arrangements are
recommended through the end of calendar year 1998. In the meantime, staff
will continue to explore two alternative configurations in the Planning
Department and/or a portion of the Planning/Agricultural Center breezeway.
One of these two options would be undertaken in 1999 to provide a distinct
space for the new department utilizing existing building resources.
D. Budgetary and Other Recommendations
1. Since a re-assignment of personnel and tasks would occur from Planning
to the ERCD, a concurrent transfer of related funds to a new budget would
be needed. The administration and staff will work with the Budget Director
to transfer relevant funds from the Planning Department budget to a new
ERCD budget.
2. While a significant portion of the existing Land Use and Environmental
Planner's current duties would be transferred to the new department
(please see Appendix B), responsibilities related to the Land Use Element
of the Plan, demographics and Township Advisory Councils will remain in
Planning. As such, I am recommending that the existing Special Projects
24
Planner II position be retitled Land Use and Preservation Planner, and be
split between the new ERCD and Planning. This position would be re-
assigned to the Comprehensive Planning Division to cover the functions
not transferring to the ERCD, with a substantial portion of job duties
staying in Planning and a smaller portion in the ERCD.
3. The Orange Soil and Water District Commissioners have provided a
proposal for their involvement in some of the duties listed herein (please
see Attachment D). The Soil and Water District, in conjunction with the
Natural Resource Conservation Service, offers a number of programs and
opportunities for County partnership efforts and funding possibilities. The
Soil and Water District has recently hired a Neuse River Basin Technician,
who will begin working on the possible purchase of riparian buffer areas in
the Neuse basin. In addition, opportunities through the USDA
Conservation Reserve Program offer additional opportunities for
cooperation with Soil and Water in voluntary conservation for agricultural
erosion control or water quality. A summary of some of these programs
can be found in Appendix D. With a clear need to build a strong tie with
this department, it is recommended that the administration and staff meet
to pursue the nature of this relationship over the next several months.
4. In the event that land or easement acquisition becomes available during
this fiscal year, money from the contingency fund could be utilized if the
land is deemed important for resource acquisition. Attachment A
summarizes the options for short-term land/easement acquisition on a
temporary basis while the Comprehensive Resource Acquisition Program
is developed.
5. Comments from the Orange County Board of Health were received on
Thursday, October 1. The Board of Health comments are attached as
Appendix F.
6. An alternative process for formation of the ERCD has been received from
Commissioner Bill Crowther. This process is attached as Appendix G.
V. Proposed Costs
Since the majority of the department's work will use existing resources, most of
the funding needs for FY 99 can be transferred from the Planning budget. An
additional estimated $52,000 would be needed as start-up costs for the new
department. It is recommended that this funding be appropriated from the
Board's $250,000 contingency for FY 99.
~ ~nsise - •~z-~ ~«r.a~•
25
Appendix A
Options for Interim Acceptance of
Conservation Easements and Other Land
Donations
zs
Possible Interim Program for Land Acquisition
During the interim period when the necessary process, prioritization and program
for the Comprehensive Resource Acquisition Program is being developed, there
may be occasions where the County will be approached about voluntary
donation of land, either through conservation easement orfee-simple dedication.
The County has, for several years, promoted voluntary donations of land, and
has sponsored conservation easement workshops for the public and created
incentives for land conservation within its Flexible Development standards in the
Subdivision Regulations. By working with existing State and Federal agencies to
promote programs such as the Forest Stewardship Program, the Conservation
Reserve Program, and the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, among others, the
County can enhance voluntary land conservation initiatives.
Interim Acquisition Of Conservation Easements and Purchase of Land
Prior to developing a Comprehensive Resources Acquisition Program, the
County may desire to acquire conservation easements from willing property
owners, when such proposed acquisitions are consistent with resource
preservation goals. Such proposed acquisitions may be motivated by a
landowner's estate plans, or by other initiatives. The County may also be
presented with the opportunity to purchase desirable parcels of land.
In order to move quickly in such instances, the County should acquire the ability
to negotiate an acquisition, execute the necessary documentation, and accept
the donation or obtain title to the land. In these cases, the County would provide
stewardship and/or acquisition funds at the outset. To facilitate these activities,
the County will hire a Natural Resources Conservation Manager. Among the
abilities of this new position will be significant expertise in identification and
prioritization of natural resources, and substantial experience in the negotiation
of land acquisition.
It is recommended that the County begin to develop an interim program based
on the above, and report back to the Board with a proposed interim acquisition
program.
27
Appendix B
Recommended Personnel and Costs for the
Environment and Resource Conservation
Department
1. Administrative Assistant II -Proposed new permanent full-time position
Because there are no existing administrative assistants in Planning that could
be re-assigned without dramatically affecting the ability of Planning to
address the boards and staff it retains, it is recommended that a new
Administrative Assistant position be established for this department. The
Administrative Assistant would be needed due to the responsibilities of
supporting staff and developing commission/board minutes for several
boards.
Associated Costs: $18,000 (half-year salary and benefits)
Impact on Planning Department Projects: None.
2. GIS Project Coordinator -Proposed reassignment of existing permanent
full-time position.
This position would be responsible for coordinating GIS products and the land
records database for staff and the commissions/boards that the department
supports. It is recommended that current GIS Project Coordinator Beth
Young be re-assigned to the ERCD. As one of two existing Planning GIS
members, Beth has had many occasions to produce coverages of an
environmental and resource conservation nature, including recent work with
the Triangle Land Conservancy on the "Landscape Wth Wildlife" report.
Associated Costs: None
Impact on Planning Department Projects: A substantial portion (perhaps
over 50%) of recent duties for Planning GIS personnel has been related to
environmental or resource-oriented projects. As this position becomes part of
the new department, existing Planning GIS projects in this field will be
accordingly reassigned to the ERCD. One GIS workstation and access to a
second would be shifted to the new department, consistent with the shift in
workload and projects.
28
3. Land Use and Preservation Planner (split position between Planning
and ERCD) - Proposed reassignment of existing permanent full-time
Special Projects Planner II position.
This position would have duties split between the Planning Department and
the ERCD, with the majority of duties in the Planning Department. Duties and
responsibilities with the ERCD would include staff support to the Historic
Preservation Commission and the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board. The
remainder of the position's duties would be in the Comprehensive Division of
the Planning Department, related to long-range land use and preservation
planning. A position outline that illustrates the duties with both departments is
attached (please see Appendix C). The duties related to the new ERCD are
currently performed by Special Projects Planner Don Belk. In four years
with the County, Don has served as staff resource person for the Historic
Preservation Commission and the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board. He
has also worked with the County's Flexible Development program, and has
previous experience in resource conservation assessment and land
acquisition.
Associated Costs: None
Impact on Planning Department Projects: The shared nature of this
position would allow Planning to meet needs left by the transfer of other staff,
while also meeting needs of the ERCD by allowing this position to continue
work and experience with Historic Preservation and Agricultural Districts.
4. Natural Resource Conservation Manager -Proposed. new permanent
full-time position.
This new position would be the primary staff person responsible for
identification of the County's natural resources and prioritization of natural
resource acquisition needs. In assessing the land conservation needs and
acquisition priorities, this position will apply a knowledge of environmental
science in developing recommendations.
The Natural Resources Conservation Manager will be responsible for
obtaining appraisals and negotiating the purchase and/or donation of land,
and will work with other department staff to develop and evaluate a
comprehensive resource database that prioritizes and targets the County's
natural resource preservation efforts.
Associated Costs: $25,000 (half-year salary and benefits)
Impact on Planning Department Projects: None.
29
5. Environment and Resource Conservation Director -Proposed
reassignment of existing permanent full-time position.
This position would serve as department head, planning and directing the
department's activities, supervising staff and administering the department
budget, personnel and related matters. The position would also serve as
primary staff resource to the Commission for the Environment and the Water
Resources Committee. Current Land Use and Environmental Planner
David Stancil has almost 10 years of experience with the County, and
currently serves as staff resource for the Water Resources Committee,
among others. David has three years of project budget experience, and
developed much of the FY99 Planning Department budget. He also has
supervisory experience, currently supervising two permanent (time-limited)
positions and two intern positions, and has substantial background in surface
and ground water resources, sustainable development and open space
issues. With the Shaping Orange County's Future project nearing completion
in mid-1999, transition to new staff coordination would be difficult. It is
therefore recommended that David Stancil continue his work as Shaping
Orange County's Future project coordinator in addition to his other duties.
Because of the change in duties for this re-assigned position, Personnel
would conduct a classification and pay study of the position after the new
duties are assumed. Based on this, Personnel would recommend a
reclassification of the position to an appropriate classification and salary
grade to recognize the new duties. This would occur within the first six
months of the new department.
Associated Costs: None at present (classification study pending)
Impact on Planning Department Projects: Many of the existing duties of
the Land Use and Environmental Planner would be re-assigned with the
position, but some duties would remain in Planning, including work with the
Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan and demographic analysis. To
address this need, the existing Special Projects Planner position will be
retitled Land Use and Preservation Planner, and split between Planning and
the ERCD, with the majority of work duties in the Planning Department.
Note: Attachment C to this report contains major functions for the Natural
Resource Conservation Manager and the reconfigured Land Use and
Preservation Planner position.
In addition to these positions, there are two permanent time-limited positions
that are funded from projects that would be among the duties of the new
ERCD.
3 t?
6. Shaping Orange County's Future Project Planner -Proposed
reassignment of existing permanent time-limited position.
This position works exclusively with David Stancil on the Shaping Orange
County's Future project, and is 100% funded from the joint project budget,
which contains appropriations from the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro as
well as Orange County. Since Shaping Orange County's Future
administration will be moving to the new department, it is recommended that
Project Planner Pam McIntosh move to the new department to optimize
coordination. This position is scheduled to end on June 30, 1999.
Associated Costs: None
Impact to Planning Department: None, all duties would transfer.
7. Water Resources Planning Technician -Proposed reassignment of
existing permanent part-time, time-limited position.
This is a permanent, part-time, time-limited position that coordinates the GIS
ground water database component of the Water Resources project. It is
funded in entirety by the Water Resources project budget, and is under the
supervision of David Stancil as project coordinator. Like the above time-
limited position, this position would end June 30, 1999. Since the Water
Resources project would become part of the ERCD duties, it is recommended
that Planning Technician Margaret Jones move to the new department for
the duration of her employment.
Associated Costs: None
Impact to Planning Department: None, all duties would transfer
Total Estimated Start-Ua Costs of New Department - FY 99
New Administrative Assistant (half-year, includes benefits): $18,000
New Natural Resource Conservation Manager
(half-year, including benefits): $25,000
Furniture/computer needs for two new positions: $ 7,000
New printer/software licenses: $ 2,000
Total $52,000
The following table shows the changes to the Planning Department that would
take place if the recommended changes are instituted. It should be noted that a
significant portion of the duties of the Planning Department would also move to
the new ERCD with the reassigned personnel.
31
• ° a ! � � a � s
� • i.:
� ::::;.,;;;:�;;;::::;::;::�:;:;>�;:,;;::;�:�>;:;r::;»:....:�;:><:�>�::.�.;:;;>;;::::::::�:;:;:.;::;:.;::>::_:::>:i::>::>:�;;:;;;��;;;::.: • , ^
,4dm�:n�str��t���:>Ql��t��n >;> :> >>»<:;><: <: <> <>
Administrative Division
;Plan�ti�g:�3i��`::,;::::>::,:;`:. :::::. ;;;.:: :: :,. ;: Planning Director
>::;;;::>:::;<:<.:>:::;:>><>;: ;::>::>:;
�' s±c�a�:�?>;::::�:::;:»:»<>: <»:<:::>:::>`. . : ,::::::::.
� ,:::: :.>:'>��3�����'���!�f1�t�:;�'������;; Administrative Assistant II
�tl�'.,�''����:ii:#I�'��:;r,::;:::::::;'..>::,?>'>:��.:::>�:»�::<::;�:>�;::>:::>::��'�':�:�:�::>::�::::v::::<:<:>::>:!>::':�!:<:>::>:!>�:::»::::!::»:::<
.:: �3#�t��::�������:<�:�;>;::;::>::>::>::>::>;:::><:<:::>::::::>:::::>;; Administrative Assistant I
;�:�:�{y::�:�`.�t:y:��<;:::;:::�:.:�:wy�::::j::,:>�:>::;:::::,/::.�.:>,:,;�:.:.;�.>a.>{>�:i:::;y��y.�;:::y:>�::��:;,:�?!::»::�::::::::>�:::;;�::;;:::::::>�:>::i:<:;::::>::>�::':'::>:::<::
�::::1.7.itF:F��Q 1���.:/�1'��7i31�RK.fE<:�:;:::;;::;:::i«<:::ci:;:::::::;>:;:;;i:::::::::2;2�:
�:.::;;::i::�:;:s::>:::i:�:':a;:i�:a.s::::2:::':.:::::;:;:::::i:::>::i::2.s:.::.::.::::::::::::::::::.::�
;::�Oli't .`C£�;'<:.:.
h�����:::������n:::;>::>:::::::::::::!<:::;::::> <:;::>:>:::;::: Comarehensive Division
>>;::::::>:><>::;::...:::>::»::>::>::>::>:>:::::>;::>>:>::<:»>::>:::
>:�� r����>.''»>:::»:" : > ::. :::::: : .. .
{� :::::::..::::::��:.;���r�t�tg.;.���������r::;;;;:;::;;;; Comprehensive Planning Supervisor
�::.1�;�>:r.:>::>:�r��,`:::i>z:«<.>:�:':`:,::>::.>:;::>:::<:>:<::>��::;::>�::::>::;�::>;:�;>��:::��::<:>�::�:�:�»:::>:':»>:«:!�:'::::::;:>:>:<::::::!
;��t�;�s�'���������l���t�r'. ;. Transportation Planner
;;:�"; : ;: ::':::;:::<>';> ::::::::.>::: >:<;:.::;.<> :;;> ';:::::: :;`<;'::::»>:<
,�G��'�r,����;��'tt�e�'�`�CJ!�`�:.. ;...e�t';;;.;,.;: Land Use/Preseroation Planner art
:...:::;;��:.>;:.»;>::>:.::.;:. �P )
f��':`_::> ::::::::>..:;>::.:::>:�<<.<�<><;<`<:'.:>:::>:::::::::;;:::>::>::;::_<:>::?:>::>>::::;; ::;::»>:
df� ::.;:.;;�i��tt�r�:::::::::»»>:;::>::><:::;:::»::: :<; ::>::>:>::>:>«>:<::
� ;;:> <:::>>:: >::::: .:>.<::t:>:::;;;:.:,:. > :.>::::".:>:>: ::::.:.>:.:><:;;::<.:::.:>::>::
l�r��r��!� �'scf�;��r�n�a.��r,�e�at�f�e�.;..
�r�e����t�d��a �.����-����e�>:>` :. :.. :::;>::>;..;::;`:>
�r ':s'i::;:''i::i::;::::::i:�.�'�'>':::;:i:�:::i:::::::i:::i:i»;:::ii:�:::ii:;::::::::i::i:::::i::i::i:::::::�iii::::
'::�F:��:i::::::::::_`::`:.:'..:
��t� ;�����::>t�i����::::>:::::»>::::::>::::::>::::>:<:>:::>::><::>::;::::>:<:::<>::::>:>
P.....:.::::.::.:::::::::::::::::::.:::::::::::..:.::.:;:.;:.;:.;;:.::.:::::;.::.;:.;::.;.>;;::
,;C;:;:>::>::<:><::': :::;; >:.:<::::':':':`':»:<:>:::>:::::::::>:::::':>:>::::>::::::::::>:'::::>::::>::::>:::::::::>::::::>:::«::
� n �... ..:<.:»::::::>:::<:;:»:::>::>::>::»>:;::<:.<:>::>:>::<:>::<:;::;:::>::>::> Cu rrent Planni nct
'!'�::€;f�r°'':``>:::: ':>::><><>:>:>:> ,< ;:,;:>>:;:;;;;;.:>;>:>:>: ;;;:>':;:::>:»:`:?::::;:<::::>:'»»>::>
�!?��'���!� :��..�w���`.._ ;,: .:.:... Current Planning Supervisor
<:f�la�::>;;; , ,>:;;:;:.:: ,;:.:><:>:::.:<;:.;: > :::.:.< :>::::;:«., ::::: >s:::<::::«::>:::>:
t��r�� ��.��s����'���t} , . , .... Planner II (Landscape Architect)
"'�I::. :.:::: '::: ::'::::::.�:>:>::>;>;<.::>;:><'.','°:::::<:::::::>::>::::::>::::<:::::::::>::>:>:<::<::::::>:::>:::::
��t��r<�:I.:����r�e����:>::»»<:;::>::;:»»»»»>::»::>::»»»>:>:<:: Planner II (Enforcement)
`:'F�I::::::.:::<<:::>::::'>::>::>:':<':::<:::>::::<!;;;; ;:::<:>::::»;;::::>:::>::>:::>:`:::<:>::::>::>:>:;:>::::::::::>:::<:>:>:>:>::::>:::
��n�r:��;.::;;;;:.::;;;;:.:::;:;::;;::.;:.::::»>::>::>::»»»»:<::::»::;::>: <:>:::»::>:>«:> Planner I I
.:�::F'I�>�;;:>:�::';'.:'>:::�:;��:::::;;::;;::>:�>!:<::::;:::::;!'>:�:�>:'>�:<::::::::>:::>':<::<::<:::::::>:::��:<�:::::::<::::::;>�:>:�:�>:�:;:;::;<:;::::<;:;<::::::>:::
;:.. ���r� ::. Planner I
�::::^:''i:iiii:�'::::.'.iii:.i::::.:'..i:::ii::::.i:::::�..�'i.i:i:'::.i:i::ii:i':i.:i:::�j}:::<:.::::::iii:::�::::
�nf+��t�€��n:::��t'�i��::>C')���E�n:;:>:;::::;:::;;::;:::::::::: Information Services Division
<:>::>:::::<::<;.::,:<:>::>::»»�>::<;>::>:>:::>::<:<.:..:.»>;:::::>::>::>::»>:»»:»::>::»::»»:
>���'::�'�Q .
�:;:����d���t�t':::.:�:;:::>:::::::::::>:::>:::::>::::><: <:;:;::<::<;: GIS Pro'ect '
�. �:::.�..::::.:::::::::::::: 1 Coordinator (1)
�r :::»:;..,;:<:;,;,::;:>.<;<> :::::.,.::::::>::::>::''>:`::::::>:::>::::::::<:':::<:>::>::>::'':::::::':'>::;::::<:>:::;<:::>?:>::<:>:::«
;:. ......... �.;;:.;;:.;;;;;;:.::.;:.;:.;::.;::::::::»>::»;:>:::::>:;::;::<>:<:;<:>:::<:>::;::> Erosion Control
;Err���c�' > :>:::;:.: .::,: .::>«:>;; ;_> :::>::>::::::::::::>:::::>:::<:::::<:::>.:::> :;_:<::
, .�..���#�c���. r�t5c��` . :: ;: ,;; Erosion Control Supervisor
;E�r�s��';';;;';:::"::::: : >::::«.;:.;::,, »:><:<:;:: �::::::>::>::>'>::::>::::>::::>:
t�;"�ta�#���;�f'��!��.��.,<�u��t��,;,:;,:;::;:;_;:<,,,:; Erosion Control Office� I I (vacant)
�������:::��'t��4��3�f'�e�'. . ; ;> Erosion Control Officer
>:Eri�is€'' ::` '' ` ;:`"`;"::;:: `;':<:>::::::::::>::: ::`:'::>:::::;:::::<!::>:::::>::::::>:::>:>:»:::
;;;;:;: ;;::��.�€��t��t:<��r,;;::::;;:.;::;<:<>;::>::>::;:.>::<;::<;>::>::>::;:<>:>::::< Erosion Control Officer
�: 3[. ��
:�iR�i�::��.;�:_�:;::.::;��>?<>;::.:.:::;:.::�«;':�.::�:;:�;;:<:;:s;,;>:..iiiEi;i:ii:i;i;iiiikii<i;ii;iii:::>;::i:i:i;iii:�ii;i:ii;::i�i':::
it�.i I�s . r�ns :;:. ;, ; ; Building Inspections
;:<:<.>:.:>:.:::>:«<:;:»:<:<::>::>:<:>>;>«::»::>::
;:�a�`:<,,; :.>:: ::<:;><::<:<:,«,;:::;:: :; :;:.;:.>:: . , .
�:���±�r��r���t:�����v€s�!�:.;:;;:<;:;;;<:::;:;:::::;; Code Enforcement Supervisor
'>:�:st7 ':: ::::: ><<;::>:>:«:»:::;<::,';..::::...»:>:<:>::::::i:�.>.:::::»:'::>':::>::::>::>::::<?>:>
d� ��#`�r:����it���r.,���-,���:,:;;;;;,,:: :;.;,:,;; Code Enforcement Officer III (3)
Pl�nn�r!t �?�r�������q� Planner II - Permit Coordination
f��r::::`.`::,:::,':.:;:::>:>:<::<:<:::.:>::::':>':::;::::>:::<:<'''::>::::>::;; :;>::::»::::>>:::::;::::>::::::>:>::>:
m�:T±��.-�h���:.::.:.;:.::::::::<::::;:::::«:»>;:<;:.;:;;;;»:;;;;<.>:<.:: Permits Technician
TOTAL FTE's: 24.0 (25.5) TOTAL FTE's: 21.75
32
Appendix C
Major Functions of:
1. Land Use and Preservation Planner
2. Natural Resource Conservation Manager
33
Land Use and Preservation Planner (Planner III
This would be a split position, shared between the Planning Department and the
Environment and Resource Conservation Department. The majority of the
position's duties would be in the Planning Department.
Planning Department Duties
In the Planning Department, the position would be assigned to the
Comprehensive Planning Division. Job duties and responsibilities would include
working with special projects, ad hoc committees, and policy analysis.
Specifically, the Land Use and Preservation Planner would:
• Evaluate proposed amendments to the Land Use Element of the County's
Comprehensive Plan
• Perform statistical analysis, including population projections and estimates
and an annual New Housing Starts report
• Work with the Comprehensive Planning Supervisor to coordinate Small Area
Plans authorized by the County Commissioners
• Work with the County Attorney as staff support to the Water and Sewer
Boundary Task Force
• Serve as staff support to the Bingham and Chapel Hill Township Advisory
Councils
• Provide information to citizens regarding the Land Use Element of the
Comprehensive Plan
• Work on additional special planning projects, such as cooperative planning
efforts with other jurisdictions
• Coordinate and oversee Neighborhood Information Meetings and issues
related to the Flexible Development provisions of the County Subdivision
Regulations
Environment and Resource Conservation Department Duties
Duties and responsibilities with the Environment and Resource Conservation
Department would include:
Staff support to the Historic Preservation Commission
Staff support to the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board
~4
Natural Resource Conservation Manager
This new position would be located in the Environment and Resource
Conservation Department (ERCD) and report to the Department head.
This position will work with the other members of the ERCD on the creation,
maintenance and implementation of the County's strategic natural resource
conservation plan, focusing on the following areas:
Identification of Resources: This position will be the primary staff person
responsible for identification of the County's natural resources and prioritization
of natural resource acquisition needs. In assessing the land conservation needs
and acquisition priorities, the position will apply a knowledge of environmental
science in developing recommendations. The Natural Resources Conservation
Manager will work with other department staff to develop and evaluate a
comprehensive resource database that prioritizes and targets the County's
natural resource preservation efforts.
Acquisition of Highest Priority Natural Resources: The position will. be
responsible for developing specific strategies to conserve land and other natural
resources. This will include obtaining appraisals and negotiating the purchase
and/or donation of targeted natural resource properties, whether through
purchase in fee-simple or interests at less-than-fee levels such as conservation
easements or other agreements. This also will include negotiation of terms and
development of draft agreements and contracts for acquisition.
Financing and Funding: The Natural Resources Conservation Manager will
identify grant opportunities and will seek grant funding to augment County
matching funds, including the development of grant applications. The position will
seek to maximize available state and Federal funds to achieve the department's
goals though the acquisition and management of natural resource properties.
Education/Outreach: The position will build partnerships with landowners,
interest groups and the general public through education and outreach in support
of the ERCD goals including acquisition and maintenance of natural resources.
35
Appendix D
Memorandum and Materials from
Soil and Water Conservation District
(Note: New information only. Does not include packet of
materials previously distributed on August 26)
/' 36
-~ ~ ~pR 2 9 RECD NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
e~~
~,~,~~~ Apri124, 1998
NCDENR
Dear Soil and Water Conservation Distract S1,~pervisors and Staff:
JAMES B. HUNT JR. ~~; ~• )~~
!
GOVERNOR We aze contacting you about an exciting new USDA program-the
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). This program was
established by the 1996 Farm Bill to cost-effectively meet specific
conservation and environmental objectives of the state and the nation. A state
WAYNE MCDEYITT
S can propose to enhance the familiaz Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) aS
ECRETARY
l
`
long as the program is consistent with the CRP regulations. A successful
:; proposal will mean open enrollment for producers and over four dollazs of
" `
.~; federal funds for every state dollaz spent on the project. Four states have
c. DEwEYEioTTa ; - ~ already received approval for CREP projects and each one totaled $200
DiRECroR million or more. North Carolina must move quickly to submit its proposal
.-. ; because USDA funds are limited and enrollment authorization ends on
~'~ September 30, 2002.
~- -~~~a: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with
,~ ~ ~~~
-:. assistance from a working group consisting of interested agencies, including
- - ~
~~J the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and
- ~
~' the Division of Soil and Water Conservation, has been developing a draft
;
-~
~
proposal for North Carolina. We now have enough details worked out to
'_.
~`
., share it with you and ask for your comments and support.
Briefly, North Cazolina is proposing a $274. million program to
enroll up to 100,000 acres of active farmland near rivers, streams, field
. "- ditches, and wetlands in 15-year CR.P contracts and permanent
easements. USDA requires the state to provide at least 20 percent of the total
-' project costs. USDA will pay annual rent, bonuses, and maintenance fees for
. ~ _ = IS years and 50 percent of installation costs for eligible BMPs. The state
-... ~ ' ~ proposes to pay for purchasing permanent easements on approximately 65,000
'~~?
:.:., acres after the CRP contracts expire (however, the state's payment must be
. :, made when the property is enrolled), and proposes to pay up to 40 percent on
installation of the riparian forested buffer BMP on approximately X0,000
' - ~
-
1 acres. The geographic focus covers the Chowan, Neuse, and Taz-Pamlico
.
- . ~=~=~:; river basins and the Jordan Lake watershed.
:. We aze enclosing for your review the pertinent portions of the
proposal-the executive summazy, project description, and cost analysis. We
- =~~~» want to bring to your attention the recommended role for the affected Soil and
Water Conservation Districts (pg. 17) and the recommended $7.~0 per acre
per year through the year 2002 for each acre enrolled by a District in
soa___ a~wn~R
P.O. 807[ 27687, RALEIGH. NORTH CAROLINA 2761 1-7687 ~
PHONE 919-733-2302 FAX 91 9-715-3559 CONSERVATION
AN EQUAL OPPO RTUNITYIAiFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER - 50°'e RECYCLE O/10 a POST-CONSUMER PAPER
37
permanent easements (page 21). This payment is to help offset the additional costs of the
Districts for participating in the program.
The draft proposal will be presented to the Clean Water Management Trust Fund
trustees on Apri127 and to the Soil and Water Conservation Commission on IV1ay 13 to
secure their support and commitment of matching funds. During the next six weeks, we
will be contacting other stakeholders before submitting the final proposal.
Please call any of us if you have questions or contact Donna luloffitt at 919/715-
6103 to provide feedback on the draft proposal or if you would like to have a copy of the
complete proposal. We would appreciate letters of support sent to Assistant Secretary for
Natural Resources Sherri Evans-Stanton, DENR, P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, NC 27611-
7687 before May 13.
We are totally behind this proposal and hope that you will be, too. We think this
project is a tremendous opportunity to work together to improve water quality, erosion
control and wildlife habitat in the targeted river basins and watershed in North Carolina.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
i
C. Dewey Botts
Soil and Water Cons.
919/715-6097
Enclosures
cc: Sherri Evans-Stanton
Donna Moffitt
Tim Jones
James Ferguson
Eddie Stroup
Carroll Pierce
Cecil Settle
ASTC-FOs
DSWC Area Coordinators
Sincerely,
Marya K'ollstedt
Natural Resources Cons. Serv
919/873-2101
Sincerely,
Philli . Farland
Farm Service Agency
919/875-4800
~ Channels. anher natural or constructed. that
M are planted !nth Sudable vegetabOn
to protect soil `rom areswn dunng rains.
G toss .valer.vay5 Can help heal ^yUllieS and
:vashouts. and cr=any reduce 'oss of topsoil
and :he sedimentanon of ;creams. ponds.
and lakes.
i:at!C:'/ %a.'?! .ai ?35 ~Cf 'i~/~:C!i,`2
Small areas ~:+hose purpose is providing
cover and a :eater source :or ~NilClife.'Plater
is impoundeD using embankments. terms. or
other methods. and surrounded by a Small
area planted :vith permanent cover.
Vegetation planted t0 reclaim areas in which
saline water is seeping to the surface. Planted
areas 'upstream" reduce the amount of'r/ater
recharging the seep. and salt-tolerant plants
reclaim the contaminated seepage area.
Wellhead protection areas. ceslgrated by :he
Environmental Protec9cn .~cencv IEP41 er an
appropriate State agent/. %elo assure th.e
safety of municieal .eater ;ucclies dra•.vn hem
•,ve115. 1/egetation planted :r. 3n area ;urrcund-
ing the wellhead •.vdl help crotect the :eater
succly tram contamination.
Each of the rnservaucn oraClces out-
lined above .vJl to ;utlect ;o `urther require-
ments under an approved c_nserraUCn plan
designed :o maximize eflecaveness and
tongevdy.
To learn more about the Cxservauon
Reserve Program. wore to ;he following
address:
USDA FSA Public Affairs Staff
1J00 Independence Avenue, SW
STOP 0506
Washington DC 20250-0506
Information on FSA can also be found on the
FSA's World Wide `Nob home page. at
www-fsa-usda.gov
The Unned Slale3 Deparlmenl of .lgr~tullure IUSDAI
prohibil9 dl$enrrlelatgn in n9 prbgram4 On !hB bas4 OI
race. coot. nanonal orym. aer. ~euq~on, 9qe. oisabinry.
polnieal beliel9 and marHel Or bmnial 31alUS. INOI oil
Orohit9led bases apply to all programs.) Person9 w!th
disabilllie9 •wlro regnre allemabve 'r'oans :or
COmmunKanon W program mbrmabon ibradle. urge pool.
audiotane, et[.1 shoule contact USDA s TARGET Gemer
a1202.72p-26001vpice one -D01.
To file a complaint wnle me Secretary of Agrtcunure. U. S.
Depanmenl of Agntullure. 'Nasnmglon. D.C., 20250. Or
call I-800-2a5-8aa01vpKel or x.2021 720-t f 27 ITDDI.
USDA r9 an equal empbymem ocportumry emoloyer.
PA~te0g
August 1997
~r ~
lit.. ~D%IS.°i'~~llli)il
11 _'Jei'ti'e Pi'D~i'Ciii'
Gnltinurnis Sig;rr-C Ir jnr Hilt-Prirrrt~
Prurri~ e'i
L~~ ~/~ United Slates
Department of
Agritullur!
~ _ -- x
c;
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
is the Federal Government's single largest
environmenlat improvement program and one
of its most productive and cost-efficient. It is
administered by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation
(CCC) through the Farm Service Agency
(FSAI.
Established in 1985, the CRP encourages
farmers to voluntarily plant permanent areas of
grass and Trees on land That needs protection
from erosion, to act as windbreaks, or in
places where vegetation can improve water
quaky or provide food and habitat for wildlife.
The farmers must enter into contracts with
the CCC lasting between 10 and 16 years.
In return, they receive annual rental payments,
incentive payments for certain activities, and
cost-share assistance to establish the
protective vegetation.
In previous years, a landowner had to
appry to participate in CRP during announced
sign-up periods. Since September 1996,
however, owners have been able to sign up
for the program any time during the year for
certain high-priority conservation practices.
Provided certain eligibility requirements are
met, acreage is automatically accepted into
the program at a per-acre rental rate not to
exceed the CCC's maximum payment amount.
Land owners and operators may t>e
eligible to participate in the CRP. landowners
must have owned the acreage for at least 1
year and operators must have leased the
acreage for al least 1 year to be eligible.
Land eligible for enrollment includes crop-
land that is physically and legally capable of
being cropped in a normal manner, and that
has been planted or considered planted to an
agricultural commodity in any 2 years hom
7992 to 1996. The acreage must also be
determined eligible and suitable lolany of the
bllowing practices:
Filler Strips
Areas of grass, legumes, or other vegetation
That litter runoff or waste water by trapping
sediment, pesticides, organic matler, or other
pollutants. Filter strips are established on
cropland at the lower edge of a field or adja-
cent 1o bodies of water.
Riparian Butlers
Areas of trees and/or shrubs, next to ponds.
lakes, and streams that filler out pollutants
from runoff, as well as providing shade for
fish and other wildlife. The vegetation's
natural litter also provides food and shelter for
valuable wildlife.
Riparian buffers are planted so that runoff
must litter through them before it reaches a
pond, lake. or stream. Buffers can also be
placed next to wetlands, such as marshy or
swampy areas.
Shelter Belts, Field Windbreaks. and
Living Snow Fences
Belts of trees or shrubs planted in single or
multiple rows. Such tree rows and hedges
reduce wind erosion, protect growing plants,
and provide habitat for wildlife. They can also
shelter structures and livestock. Field wind-
breaks protect fields Irom erosion, and snow
fences help manage snow.
40
Appendix E
Establishment of New Department
Background Information
1. June 22, 1998 Agenda Abstract
2. May 25 Memoranda on Establishing New
Department
~1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Action Agenda
Item No 9 - d
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 22, 1998
SUBJECT: PROPOSAL TO FORM A NEW ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION
DEPARTMENT
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
DEPARTMENT County Commissioners
--------------------------------
ATTACHMENT(S): Yes - Two May 25 Memos
1. Proposed Revision to Commissioners
Goals and Objectives
2. Comprehensive Resource Conservation
Program
PUBLIC HEARING YES NO x
BUDGE T AMENDMENT : _YE S NO
INFORMATION CONTACT
Commissioner Alice M. Gordon
TELEPHONE NUMBE R
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Mebane 227-2031
Durham 688-7331
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PURPOSE: To establish a new Environment and Resource Conservation
Department.
BACKGROUND: Orange County places a great deal of emphasis on
environmental matters, including environmental protection, and
therefore has established a Commission for the Environment.
Furthermore, in the Commissioner's Goal on Natural Resource Protection,
the County Commissioners have recognized that resource conservation
should have a distinct identity and a higher profile in county
government. According to the revised milestones for evaluating
resource conservation as a function of county government, the
commissioners are scheduled to make a decision about this function in
June, 1998. Instead of establishing a new division of the Planning
Department, the commissioners should establish a new Environment and
Resource Conservation Department to oversee the County's activities in
the areas of environmental protection and resource conservation. The
two memos attached explain the rationale supporting this recommendation
and provide the conceptual framework for implementation.
RECOP~NDATION: Establish a new Environment and Resource Conservation
Department. Approval of the new department includes the following steps:
1. Establishment of the New Department
The Board of County Commissioners hereby establishes a new
Environment and Resource Conservation Department.
f '.
42 ' +
2. Conceptual Framework
The Commissioners hereby adopt the conceptual framework for
this new department outlined in the May 25, 1998 memorandum from Alice
Gordon to the Board of Commissioners and Manager entitled "Proposed
Revision to Commissioners Goals and Objectives."
3. Implementation
The Commissioners hereby instruct the manager, utilizing this
conceptual framework, to formulate recommendations concerning the actual
staffing of the department, amount of funding needed, space requirements,
and other details, and to bring those recommendations as an agenda item
to the Commissioners by mid-September, 1998.
4. Comprehensive Resource Conservation Program
Since one of the proposed tasks of the new Environment and
Resource Conservation Department is to devise and implement a
comprehensive resource conservation program, the Commissioners also
instruct the manager to provide recommendations concerning the
implementation of that program as an agenda item by mid-September, 1998,
using the conceptual framework provided in the May 25, 1998 memorandum
from Alice Gordon to the Board of Commissioners and Manager entitled
"Comprehensive Resource Conservation Program."
43
NIEMQRANDUM
To: Board of Commissioners and Manager
From: Alice Gordon
Subject: PROPOSID REVISION TO COMNILSSION'ERS GOALS AND OBJFCI'lVT•~
Date: May Z5, 1:998
CATEGORY: Resources Protection and Development
GOAL: Natural Resource Protection (page 3 )
TASK: Evaluate "Resource Conservation" as a separate division in the
Planning Department co give the function identity and a higher profile.
According to the Revised Milestones for evaluating Resource
Conservation as a function of county government, the commissioners are
supposed to make a decision about this function in June 1998. Instead of
establishing a new division of the Planning Department, I recommend that the
commissioners establish a new Environment and Resource Conservation
Dep~tznent to oversee the county's activities in the areas of environmental
protection and resource conservation.
ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT
Rationale
The county commissioners have already recognized that resource
conservation should have a distinct Identity and a higher profile in county
government. This separate function has been analyzed in the Technical
Report entitled Preservation as a Function of Local Government Orange
County, April 1997. Using this report as a foundation but revising some of the
concepts in the report, the commissioners should establish a new department
to implement this function to give ii the focus and resources it needs.
Over the past decade the Planning Department has added a number of
resource conservation activities and support for new advisory boards which in
other jurisdictions are sometimes handled by a separate department. Also, the
commissioners have discussed other initiatives, such as acquiring conserva-
tion easements or acquiring schooUpark sites, which do not have enough
county support to allow successful implementation. we need a comprehensive
resource conservation program to protect land resources such as significant
forests, farms, and historic sites Orange County should also protect its other
important resources, such as air and water. All of these efforts should be
centralized in a new department.
FunctionstDuties tcompare with page 3-7 of the Technical Report)
Environmental Protection. Responsible for the county's efforts in the
area of environmental protection, including protection of afr quality, water
resources, land and other resources, as stated in the county's current goals and
objecrives and as stated in the charge to the Commission for the Environment.
Land ACQtiiSIt10II and Related Activities. Responsible for conservativn-
related land acquisition, conservation easements, transfer of development
rights and purchase of development rights and similar programs related to
natural resource conservation, farmland preservation and conservation of
cultural. historical and archaeological resources. It would be advantageous to
have expertise in this azea for smart negotiation of land purchases/easements.
r~
Page 2
Coherent Resource Conservation Pr~¢ram and Resource gerords.
Responsible for developing a coherent resource conservation program
encompassing all of the county's land preservation activities, and for keeping
the records and developing GLS maps documenting the preserved areas. The
department would twice the Iead in identifying natural resources to be
protected and conserved, and would coordinate the conservatlozz of resources
recommended by other departments, such as Recreation and Farks.
Staff $uQOOrt for Relevant Boards and Coramisslons, Provision of
administrative, technical and professional support to the Board of
Commissioners, Commission for the Envirorunent, Water Resources Committee,
Historic Freservation Commission, and committees related to environmental
protection and the conservation of natural wad historical resources . This
would include support fur the formation of a Iand trust, if one is formed. It
would also include support for the Shaping Orange County's Future Task Force,
perhaps as a joint effort with the Planning Department.
Staff Suonort for Implementation of Relevant Ordinances. This
function would need further discussion, but the department probably would
provide sraff' support for the implementation of appropriate ordinances such
as the Environmental Impact Ordinance.
Liatison with Aoc~rooriate Deoarunents and Agencies This department
should closely coordinate its activities with the Planninng Department:
St f
Staffing would be similar in quantity to that suggested for the Planning
Department division. but the focus and expertise of the staff would differ. Costs
should be similar to forming a separate division in the Planning Department.
Full time planner -Department Head (level of expertise probably Planner gI}
Full time planner (probably Plarmer II?
Fart time GLS staff person and some clerical assfstance.
In terms of existing staff, the changed focus of this resource
conservation effort and the intent to include environmental protection would
make David Stanch a core person, considering his background and current
activities as an environmental planner. He could also finish his responsibili-
ties concerning Shaping Orange County's Future_ Une of the current GLS
staffers, Miriam Coleman or Beth McFarland, would also be appropriate. Etaily
Cameron would ao longer be central in this conf guration, and the subdivision
concept plans wad landscaping functions would seem more appropriate in
Current Planning where they should remain. Other staff would be discussed.
Implementation
The commissioners would approve the formation of the new department
in principle, following the proposal given above, and direct the staff to
formulate appropriate wording for the Goals and Objectives and also for an
implementing resolution. The goals and resolution would be approved by the
commissioners at the June 2 regular meetfng. The actual stafFin.g of the
department and other details of bringing it into existence would occur
according to a time schedule and guidelines developed a.nd approved lacer by
the staff and commissioners.
44
~;5
~IEMORANDUNi
To: Board of Coaunissioners and Manager
From: Alice Gordon r~plG-
Subject: Comprehensive Resource Conservation Program
Date: ~iay Z5, I998
In considering our Goals and Objectives, I have proposed that the
commissioners form a new Environment and Resource Conservation
Department rather than a new section of the Planning Department. One of the
casks of that new department v+~uld be to devise and implement a
comprehensive resource conservation program. The purpose of this memo is
to describe [hat program and suggest a method for its implementation.
COivIPREH~INSIvE RESOURCE CONSERvATIO~+ PROGR4~1
Rationale
Orange County's natural resources, and other resources, are
disappearing at an alarming rate. For e~ca,mple, in the last decade 10 percent of
the couary's prime forest land has been lost. The county commissioners could
actively work to slow this trend by initiating, financing, and implementing a
comprehensive resource conservation plan for Orange County. The plan
should include conservation not only of forest land, but also farmland and
historic sites and other significant resources.
Elements of the Prog~
School/Park Acquisition (existins oolicv) Purchase of park sites
which can be used later for schools or for schools in combination with parks.
Financed by reserving the equivalent of one cent on the taY rate:
Acquisition of Other Significant County, Resources Furchase of parcels
significant for their natural resources or for other valuable features.
Financed by continuing to reserve the equivalent of one cent on the taY .rate,
and then leveraging these funds by seeking grants from available state funds
such as the Clean Water Trust Funds.
Further Description of a Comprehensive Resource Conservation Program
as a first step, we could document the loss of natural resources and
other resources using GIS rm:~ps, and then project what future buildout would
be (assuming present trends) in the next fifty years. The county has data
from the Triangle Land Conservancy documenting the location and extent of
the rernalning prime forest land. The second phase of chat study will establish
conservation priorities for these lands. We also have documented the most
significant farmland and historic sites. With this information in hand we
should move quickly to draw comprehensive resource protection maps. The
digitized data bases for these maps will be dynamic and capable of continuous
updating reflecting the changes in status.
46
Page 2
li sing this information, we should devise a comprehensive resource
conservation plan for Orange County. Once we have this plan, we can ~~ to
acquire land. We have a fund now of between one and two million dollars for
school park sites, but no active method of finding and acquiring sites. we
have no comprehensive plan for the acquisition of other resources. However,
Land prices are escalating at an unprecedented rate and potential sites are
being developed. With this fund we can set about purchasing Iand whether in
the form of conservation easements, purchase of development rights, fee
simple; or other conservation tools.
Although two miU.ion dollars is a relatively small amount of money, it
can be considered seed money for future funding, used perhaps tv match
available state funds from the Natural Heritage and Clean Water Trust Funds.
Later we can seek other methods of fuzancing to provide a continuing source
of funds to purchase and maintain natural areas, farmland, and recreational
properties, which will balance the quality of life in our cosnmunity as
development in our area increases.
Tv facilitate the development and implementation of a Comprehensive
Resource Conservation Frogram we should focus county efforts in a new
Environment and Resource Conservation Department as proposed.
Coordination of County Deva,rtments to Supj~Ort This Program
Planning DetaartmenS. There would be e.~ctensive cooperation between
the Funning Department and the new Fnvfronment and Resource
Conservation Department. For example, they would cooperate in the writing of
new elements for the county's comprehensive plan and on efforts related to
Shaping Grange County's Future.
Rgcreatzon and Parks. The parks task force is working to develop a
master plan for recreation and parks. Their recommendations would be
integrated into the comprehensive resource conservation program.
Purchases could be arranged by the new department, and the department
could keep a record of all such purchases.
Other De~artnients and Boards. There would be cooperation with other
departuzents and/or advisory boards. For example, there would most likely be
cooperation with the Purchasing Department and with the Agricultural
Districts Advisory Board.
Implementation
1. Continue the one cent scb.ool/'park reserve fund.
2. Hold a wnric session in August or as soon as can be arranged to discuss
this proposed program and its relationship to existing preservation goals and
programs.
47
Appendix F
Comments from the Orange County
Board of Health
(October 1, 1998)
°,.", ., °~ (~r~ngE Cnau~t~ ~e~l#~ ~P#t~L`flltPnt
d~ ~,y _
r ~ Rosemary L. Summers, ~Il'H, DrPH
Timothy /. lees, Chair
Orange Caunry Board of Health
.r, >
Ri~sard E. Whiffed Human Services Ceater
300 W. Tryon Street, P.O. Box 8181
Hillsborough, N.C.27278
Telephones (919) 732.8181 Fax: (919) 6443007
Health Director
Management Division
Joyce Lee, ~dminiatradve 04ficer
To: Margaret Brown, Chair County Commissioners
Through John Link, County Manager
From: Orange County Board of Health ~ ~/
Through Rosemary Summers, Health Director/~~(~'d
Re: Recommendations from 9/24/98 Meeting
Date: September 29, 1998
°°`y " 48
v°
Q
odd
~ 3
^.... c~.m. wr, w..w,
Southern Human Service Center
2501 Homestead Road
Chapel Hill. N.C. 27516
Telephones (919) 968.2022 Fax: (919) 968
The Board of Health at its regular meeting had several comments they wished to share with the
Commissioners as the new Environment and Resource Conservation Department (ERCD) is
developed. Recommendations fell into two substantive categories:
• A need for clear articulation of collaboration requirements between the new department and
already existing departments with overlapping responsibilities,
• A need for clear authority and accountability indicators for the new department.
You invited draft language to be submitted that would reflect these two areas. -
The following are suggested changes to the draft of 8/26 based on the Board of Health
discussions.
I. Mission of the ERCD
To promote and coordinate the conservation of natural and cultural resources in Orange
County.
II. Scope of Responsibility (new added section)
The-ERCD will have primary responsibility for developing a plan and program for the
acquisition of land for resource conservation and developing and maintaining an integrated
database for natural and cultural resources. In addition, it will collaborate with other relevant
county agencies in areas of overlapping responsibility to provide support for Commissioner
adopted goals in the natural and cultural resource area. The ERCD will have no regulatory or
rulemaking authority.
III. Major Activities (this replaces much of the section labeled "Mission" under the current
draft)
1. Coordinate with other relevant county departments, Commissioner goals for natural and
czltural resozrree conservation. These will include Natural Resource Preservation,
Historic Preservation, Farmland Preservation, Water Resources and Watershed
Protection.
Brenda Crowder-Gatnes, Vice Chair
Orange County Board of Health
Chapel Hill Durham Mebane
(919) %84501 (919) 688.7333 (336) 227.2031
49
2. As is on page 1 under mission.
3. Integrate current and future data into a comprehensive natural and cultural resource
database. Discussion as is on page 1 under mission.
~. Collaborate with other county agencies in providing staff support to boadds and
commissions with overlapping responsibilities. For example, the Commission for the
Environment and the Water Resources Committee staff support should be a shared
responsibility with the Division of Environmental Health of the Health Department.
Each department would jointly staff the Commission.
5. Develop collaborative relationships with other departments/agencies.
Add second pazagraph on page 3, under number 5.
The Orange County Health Department (OCHD) has specific regulatory authority granted by
state statute in the areas of water supply protection and on-site sanitary sewage disposal systems.
In addition, the interface of the environment with human health has always been a core public
health function. The expertise of the staff within environmental health and their already
established linkages to expertise at the state level will be a valuable resource for the new
department. With these functions in mind, the health department should be one of the core
collaborators with the ERCD in any areas involving groundwater, water protection, water
resources, air quality, and agricultural land uses.
Add air quality, agricultural and industrial use of land to chart under environmental health on
page 4.
III. Tasks for ERCD (same as section II, page 4 in current draft)
Water Resources Project
Add at end: The Environmental Health Division of the OCHD should be involved as
implementation plans begin to be developed as part of the Water Resources Element of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Initiatives from Commission on the Environment.
Add at end: In the water resources and air quality areas, joint-staffing arrangements
with the Environmental Health Division of the OCHD should be pursued
_ Development of Comprehensive Natural and Cultural Resource Inventory
Staff Boards/Commissions.
For those areas in which an already existing staff and board exist with oversight responsibilities,
a written plan for collaboration should be established for staffing and communication of relevant
issues. A "Staff Advisory Committee"should be established to assist in coordination. Annual
joint meetings of relevant boards and commissions should be established to encourage linkages.
For example an annual joint meeting of the Commission for Environment and the Board of
Health should be part of the regular meeting calendar.
50
Developing Elements of Comprehensive Plan.
Substitute for second sentence: The water resources element of the plan should have
substantial ongoing input from the Environmental Health Division of the OCHD and from the
Board of Health.
The Board appreciates the opportunity to review the proposal and offers these changes for your
consideration. They certainly support the commissioner's desire to have a coordinated,
comprehensive natural and cultural resources program Orange County.
Cc: Board of Health
Ron Holdway
51
Appendix G
Alternative Process for
Formation of the ERCD
(submitted by Commissioner Bill Crowther)
ORANGE COUNTY 52
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Action Agenda
Item No
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 20, 1998
SUBJECT: ALTERNATIVE PROCESS FOR ESTABLISHING THE ENVIRONMENT AND
RESOURCE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
DEPARTMENT County Commissioners PUBLIC HEARING YES NO x
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
BUDGET AMENDMENT: _YES NO
ATTACHMENT(S): YES INFORMATION CONTACT
Commissioner Bill Crowther
TELEPHONE NUMBER
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Mebane ~ 227-2031
Durham 688-7331
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PURPOSE: Consider an alternative process for establishing the
Environment and Resource Conservation Department.
BACKGROUND: If it is true the "devil is in the details" then it would
be prudent to proceed with written agreements for each of the
collaborating departments. (See Attachments)
RECOMMENDATION: The Board of County Commissioners should direct the
Commission for the Environment to prepare a draft Memorandum of
Understanding with each department that is projected to collaborate with
the new ERCD. Those should include (but not be limited to), Orange Soil
and Water Conservation District (NRCD), Health Department, Planning
Department, Recreation and Parks Department, etc.
All Memorandums of Understanding will be approved by
the Board of County Commissioners before the official start of a new
environment and Natural Resources Department.
53
Orange Soil and Water CoasErvation District
3C6 Revere Road • P.O. Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278 • Phone: (919) 732-818t Ext. 2754
Fax: (9t 9) 732.7559
Au;ust (9, 1998
To : Mr. John Link. County Mana;er
From : Orange Soil and Water Conservation District
Subject: Conservation District's Functions i-t Natural Resource Conservation
Mr. Link,
We have reviewed the proposal to Form Tlie Environment and Resource Conservation Department dated
June 22, 1998 which emphasizes the importance of Natural Resource Conservatiort-in Orange County.
We share the same concerns and would like to take this time to reinforce our commitment by making you
aware of die ceso~~cces the District and its partners have to offer.
The local Soil and Water Conservation Districts have been and continue to be the backbone of natural
resource conservation efforts in North Carolina and throughout the nation. Through the Conservation
Partnership in North Carolina, county, state, and federal agencies combine to form a wide resource base
which addresses many natural resource concerns. Tl~e District works hand in hand with The Natural
Resources Conservation Service and otlur partners to provide technical assistance to landowners
involving natural resource conservation and management. Attached is a listing of the types of technical
resources available co Orange County citizens through the Conservation Partnership. (See attachment A.)
The Conservation Partnership also provides a wide variety of finaiuial resources. These include Funding
roc technical assistance, cost sharing and incentive programs. These programs promote and assist citizens
with installation of Best Management Practices which help to improve water quality and conserve
resources. These programs also have a tremendous impact on sustaining and protecting the resource base
in Orange County. Attached is a listing of the programs available and a summary of the impact of some of
these programs. (See attachment B.)
The District is committed to the -preservation of agriculture in Orange County. Statute GS- l39 allows the
District to assume many functions relating to resource conservation in its respective county. (See
attachment C.) The District and its staff are we!(-placed co help the county meets its farmland protection
foals. The District has agreed to hold Conservation Easements. (See attachment D.) The District may
be willing to expand its role in this area. Some unanswered questcon still remain as to available
resources, and legal and regulatory auth~C~c j~ ~~~~~ -
54
~~tr. lohn Link
Pave 2
August t9, 1998
The Orange Soil and Water Conservation District continues co provide a strop; conservation program ror
the citizens of Orange County. Our program could be strengthened even mote by receiving input Com
citizen groups, commissions, committees, and ocher county departments. The District Board is made up of
elected and appointed representatives from Orange County. The District Board would welcome input
through Associate Supervisors positions. The positions can be used as advisors to the board to assist them
in goal setting and determining resource priorities in the county. The District will soon be developing its
Operational Agreement with the County and other partners. This would be an ideal time for input from
the County Commissioners, local organizations, and ocher county departments to meet and discuss what
mutual needs and services we can provide each ocher.
The Conservation Partnership is committed to quality leadership and customer service for the
conservation of our natural resources. The District would like to continue to be a lead agency in
conserving our natural resources and meeting the .needs of the citizens of Orange County. .
[f you need any addtional information please contact the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District ac
Ext. ?751.
w. ~~..
Charles Snipes
Chairman
Attachments