HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10-17-2000APPROVED MAY 1.2001
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
October 17, 2000
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 17,
2000 at 7:30 p.m. in the boardroom of the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North
Carolina.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr., and Commissioners
Margaret W. Brown, Alice M. Gordon, Stephen H. Halkiotis and Barry Jacobs
COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Manager
Rod Visser and Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe (All other staff members will be identified
appropriately below)
NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT
AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE. ALL RECORDINGS OF THE MEETING WILL
BE KEPT FOR 5 YEARS.
1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Chair Carey asked that the County Commissioners consider adding two appointments, one for
the Board of Health and one for the Chapel Hill Planning Board, to the agenda as item 11 -
Appointments.
PUBLIC CHARGE
Chair Carey read the public charge.
2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS
a. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered as the Board
addressed the items on the agenda below.)
b. Matters not on the Printed Agenda -NONE
3. BOARD COMMENTS
Commissioner Gordon distributed some material to the County Commissioners on the
Transportation Improvement Program from the Metropolitan Planning Organization. She said that
the MPO would have public comment periods and also some division meetings. Orange County's
division, number 7, will have the hearing on November 28th in Greensboro. She asked that the
County Commissioners review the material and give her any feedback on any of the projects.
Commissioner Brown asked about the critical issues. Commissioner Gordon said that there
were a lot of critical issues such as the overall issue about where the money should be placed.
There are also specific projects that either go up or down on the regional priority list. Some of the
major questions have to do with the whole process, particularly the role of local governments in
decisions concerning approval of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to the small committee meetings and how they have
been successful. Specifically, he has seen success with the County website, the County video, the
Northern Center, the EDC discussion with Hillsborough, and the successful approval of the small
plan by Hillsborough. Now there is the challenge to look at a comparable series of steps to take
care of the Old 86 and I-40 development zone. He said that the County Commissioners have spent
a lot of time on reviewing and approving subdivisions. He suggested that two County
Commissioners start meeting with the Manager, County Attorney and Planning Director on proposed
subdivisions before they are placed on the agenda. If the Board is interested, he suggests they ask
the Manager to try it. He wants to streamline the process.
Chair Carey suggested that the subdivision approval meetings take place on a trial basis
between now and the goal setting retreat to see how it works.
Commissioner Jacobs feels there should be a place in County government where issues can
be worked out before they are presented to the County Commissioners. Also, with reference to the
Scattered Site workshop that will be held in Raleigh on October 31St, he asked if any of this money
could be used for citizens who do not have indoor plumbing. He would like to see a plan from staff
so that people can be identified and helped. Also, with reference to Dr. Diehl's subdivision he asked
if the County could build into the subdivision regulations some kind of acknowledgement and/or
ability to make decisions based on enforcement histories of people who are coming before the
Board with proposals.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the report from United Way and the fact that the
County has no standards for the agencies it funds. He asked that the County Manager work on
some parameters for funding. He said that this was the perfect thing for the Human Relations
Commission to discuss. Regarding Carol Woods, he mentioned that last year the County honored
them for paying a living wage and an item on the agenda indicates that again Carol Woods has
donated $7,000 for a Nursing Home Advisory Committee project.
John Link proposed that he meet with the Human Relations Commission Chair and the Human
Service Advisory Chair and talk about the parameters for funding outside agencies.
Chair Carey made reference to housing without indoor plumbing and suggested discussing this
issue again to see if something further can be accomplished in this area.
Chair Carey announced that a tour has been set up for the Meadowmont site on Tuesday,
October 31St at 1:00 p.m. Also, a tour has been set up for Scroggs and Pathways for Friday,
November 3~d. Members of the County Commissioners indicated they would like a value engineer to
accompany them on these site visits.
4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
John Link said that on August 15th the County Commissioners approved and submitted to the
state rules and regulations for the Neuse River Basin. He said that on October 11th the Water
Quality Committee of the Environmental Management Commission approved the ordinance and has
asked to use the ordinance as a model. He congratulated the Planning staff and Kristi Anspach for
her role in developing these rules and regulations.
5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
a. Commendation -Timothy Toben and Preservation of Pickard's Mountain Natural
Area
The Board considered a resolution commending Timothy P. Toben for protecting the
Pickard's Mountain Natural Area in southwestern Orange County. Environment and Resource
Conservation Director David Stancil and Rich Shaw came forward with Mr. Toben. David Stancil
read the resolution.
A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution as stated below:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND RECOGNIZE TIMOTHY P. TOBEN FOR PRESERVATION
OF THE PICKARD'S MOUNTAIN NATURAL AREA
WHEREAS, Orange County contains a number of important natural and cultural resource treasures,
and
WHEREAS, Pickards Mountain in Bingham Township is one such treasure, listed on the Inventory of
Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat as one of the most important natural areas in the County, and
WHEREAS, the majority of the Pickard's Mountain natural area became available for sale in early
1999, and
WHEREAS, Timothy P. Toben stepped forward as a conservation buyer to purchase 350 acres of
this area and preserve an important 143-acre portion through a conservation easement with the
Conservation Trust for North Carolina, and
WHEREAS, Orange County through its Lands Legacy program seeks to conserve priority natural
and cultural resource areas through voluntary acquisitions and partnerships with other private and
public entities, and
WHEREAS, private land conservation in collaboration with non-profit land trusts is inherently
consistent with the principles of the Lands Legacy program:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Orange County Commissioners publicly commend Mr. Timothy P. Toben for his outstanding
commitment to the conservation of natural resources in Orange County by his conservation
purchase and subsequent deeds to preserve Pickards Mountain.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County recognizes the personal and financial sacrifice made
by Mr. Toben toward preserving the County's natural resource heritage.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Molly Beecham from the Conservation Trust said that public/private partnerships were the
cornerstone of their success and encouraged the County to join the State and the local Eno River
Association and Triangle Land Conservancy in protecting and preserving land.
b. Creation of School Issues Task Force
The Board considered a resolution appointing a standing school issues task force.
John Link said that this resolution requests that the Commissioners appoint two
representatives from each school board and two representatives from the Board of County
Commissioners to address school needs and other issues. Also, because of the bond referendum in
November 2001, it is important to address school construction standards and student capacities for
each school.
Commissioner Gordon said that there was already a Schools and Land Use Council
which could address some of these same issues.
Commissioner Halkiotis said that this task force could get the County ready for a
November 2001 bond referendum and then it could be disbanded. He thinks that this task force
could discuss the issue of school construction standards. He feels that there are a lot of issues with
school capacity that need to be discussed and defined.
Commissioner Gordon suggested calling it just a task force instead of a 'standing' task
force. She said that it sounds to her that this would be a school facilities task force.
Commissioner Jacobs feels it is important to resolve a lot of school issues, especially the
construction standards.
Chair Carey feels that the school boards intend that this committee will not only address
facility and construction issues but other school/County related issues. This group may not meet
continuously but only when needed.
Commissioner Gordon suggested calling this a task force and referring things to the task
force as necessary.
Commissioner Gordon made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adopt and
authorize the Chair to sign the resolution as stated below, changing the name of the task force to the
School Facilities Task Force.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING A TASK FORCE TO REVIEW AND DISCUSS MATTERS OF
MUTUAL INTEREST TO ORANGE COUNTY, THE CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO CITY SCHOOLS,
AND THE ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS
Whereas, a task force comprised of two members each of the Orange County Board of
Commissioners, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education, and the Orange County Board of
Education met productively several times in 2000 to discuss matters related to school funding
options and a proposed policy on planning and funding school capital projects, and
Whereas, a topic at the September 25, 2000 joint work session among those three governing
boards was the possible establishment of a work group to meet periodically to discuss matters of
mutual interest that arise out of such joint work sessions or through other circumstances, and
Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners recognizes the need for a possible November 2001
bond referendum to fund some School and County long-range capital needs, and
Whereas, the Board of Commissioners views school construction standards and school capacity as
integral components in projecting the need for future capital facilities, and
Whereas, the Board of Commissioners believes that it would be beneficial to receive direct input
from school elected officials regarding these components and the need for future schools;
Now, therefore be it resolved that the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby
endorse the creation of a School Facilities Task Force that will meet periodically as needed to
address matters of mutual interest, to be comprised of two members each from the Orange County
Board of Commissioners, Orange County Board of Education, and Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of
Education, with those governing boards to designate their own representatives, and
Be it further resolved that this task force should undertake as its first set of tasks the development
of recommendations concerning school construction standards, school capacity, and any other
related matters that have a bearing on the scope and elements for school facilities that might be
included in a probable November 2001 bond referendum, with task force work to begin by November
2000, and delivery of a report on these matters to the Orange County Commissioners no later than
January 18, 2001.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Commissioner Halkiotis and Chair Carey will serve on this task force and Commissioner
Jacobs will be the alternate.
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS -None
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None
8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve
those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below.
a. Minutes
This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
consideration.
b. Petition for Abandonment of 0.25-Mile Segment of Virginia Cates Road from the
State Maintenance Program
This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
consideration.
c. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Refunds
The Board approved seven requests for motor vehicle property tax refunds for a total of
$684.93 in accordance with the resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference.
d. Agreement Renewal between Health Department, UNC School of Dentistry and UNC
Hospitals
The Board renewed and authorized the Chair to sign an agreement with the UNC School
of Dentistry and UNC Hospitals for dental resident services.
e. Dental Clinical Fees Increases
This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
consideration.
f. HOME Program -Property Acquisition
The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a development agreement with
Habitat for Humanity for the acquisition of real property.
g_ Employee Dental Insurance for 2001
The Board approved an increase in rates for employee dental insurance effective January
1, 2001.
h. Training Funds for Caregiver Outreach Program
The Board received $7,000 from the Carol Woods retirement community and $950 from
the Triangle J Regional Ombudsman Program for training of personal caregivers in non-profit adult
care homes.
i. Orange Public Transportation Agreement Renewals with Participating Agencies
The Board renewed and authorized the Chair to sign agreements for vehicle leases and
driver assignments.
L Amendment to Household Hazardous Waste Collection Contract
The Board amended an existing contract with Safety-Kleen (TS) Inc. to extend household
hazardous waste collection services through June 30, 2001 and authorized the Chair to sign.
k. Contract with Triangle J Council of Governments for Household Hazardous Waste
Support Services
The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract with Triangle J Council of
Governments to provide household hazardous waste support services through June 30, 2001.
VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes
The Board considered minutes from the following meetings: March 27, 2000 joint meeting
with the school boards; March 29, 2000 budget work session; April 4, 2000 regular meeting; and,
April 11, 2000 work session.
The minutes were delayed to the next meeting.
b. Petition for Abandonment of 0.25-Mile Seament of Virainia Cates Road from the
State Maintenance Program
The Board considered a petition from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for
abandonment of Virginia Cates Road in Hillsborough Township from the State-maintained
Secondary Road System.
Commissioner Jacobs said that the several times he has been to the Occoneechee
Mountain, there have been people fishing in the pond that is on Virginia Cates Road, and he asked
about the park's policy on access to the pond.
Craig Benedict said that he would investigate this further. The primary reason for the
closing of the road is to be able to cut off public access to the park after hours.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to
approve a petition from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for abandonment of
Virginia Cates Road in Hillsborough Township from the State-maintained Secondary Road System.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
e. Dental Clinical Fees Increases
The Board considered approving dental clinical fee increases for certain procedures.
Commissioner Brown asked about the services offered in the dental clinic and who uses
the program. Health Director Rosemary Summers said that the dental clinic can be used by anyone
in the County. One of the clinics is in Carr Mill Mall in Carrboro and the other one is in Hillsborough
at the Health Department. The clear focus is on the Medicaid population and people who cannot
access dental services otherwise. Most of the patients are children, although adults are taken on an
emergency basis. Only three percent of the current patient load is full pay patients. The clinics
serve about 15% of the children that are on Medicaid. The rest of the children that are on Medicaid
are served by Piedmont Health Services and by the dental school. There are now three private
providers that take Medicaid children in Orange County.
Commissioner Brown asked about the fee increases and Rosemary Summers said that
the State Medicaid program was restructuring the way it provides reimbursement. In the past, one
flat fee was received for a package of services every time a Medicaid client came in. Now, each
individual service will have to be billed separately. The reimbursement rate is somewhat lower,
depending on the services received.
A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to
adopt the dental clinic fee schedule as presented.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA
a. Policy on Planning and Funding School Capital Projects
The Board considered adopting a policy on planning and funding school capital projects.
John Link summarized this agenda item. He said that the draft in Attachment 1 is what the staff is
proposing that the Board adopt. Attachment 3 is an effort to capture the concerns and ideas
expressed by school superintendents and/or board members during the process. All parties have
not agreed to Attachment 1, but it addresses a number of concerns raised by the school boards and
staff since last March.
Commissioner Brown made reference to page two, and the pre-planning phase, and
providing money for design work before siting a facility. Budget Director Donna Dean said that the
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board has previously asked for up front money to plan and design
a school. Commissioner Brown said that it concerns her that money would be given for design of a
school when a site has not been identified.
Chair Carey made reference to page 7, item #6 and the statement that, "School systems
will not expend or encumber for planning of any project until the Board of County Commissioners
has approved the plan concept." He said that this statement assumes that the Board has to approve
a certain amount of money for the basic planning before the concept plan is done.
Commissioner Brown would like to define specifically what one would spend money for,
when it would be spent, and how much.
John Link said that once the school board has funding in their budget, it is their money. If
they have $50,000 in their fund balance, they can spend that for preliminary work. What this is
saying is that if additional funds are needed for preliminary planning, the schools will need to come
before the County Commissioners for approval.
Commissioner Brown said that she wants to know what items would be included in the
funds for planning.
Commissioner Brown made reference to page 4 under Site Standards and suggested
changing the third bullet to say, "The availability of public utilities within the urban service
boundaries." There was a consensus to make this change.
Commissioner Brown said that there was no specific reference to value engineering and
asked if it should be included. Donna Dean said that it was mentioned on page 6 and was called
"cost effective facilities initiative."
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the concept pre-planning phase and said that it
does need clarification. He suggested that the document could be specific on what would be
included in the pre-planning phase. He made reference to potential school sites and asked why
these discussions would not be in closed session. Geoffrey Gledhill said that typically school boards
will have already selected a site and made an option on the property before they come before the
County Commissioners to request the necessary funds.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to page 3, the first page of Attachment 1, and the
fact that the Superintendents will provide the County Manager with project updates. He would like to
make sure that these are written project updates for the Board to see.
Commissioner Gordon made reference to page 5 under Construction Standards and said
that it should be clear that co-location of facilities is to be encouraged where appropriate.
Commissioner Brown made reference to page 5 and the last paragraph where it uses an
example of a "larger than standard gymnasium". It would seem that although this is used as an
example that it is something that fits in with the standards that have been developed for parks. She
said that the standards for parks may not have been brought to the attention of the school boards.
Commissioner Halkiotis asked who decides when there is an opportunity for co-location of
facilities. John Link said that the memo of understanding says that this process is one between the
schools, the Towns, and the County. Commissioner Halkiotis asked where the coordination would
come from.
Chair Carey said that when this document is brought back with the revisions, the
Memorandum of Agreement for Providing Coordinated Site and Facility Planning should also be
included.
Commissioner Brown suggested that maybe once a year the Board and the school
boards review the documents that have been agreed upon.
A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
approve a policy on planning and funding school capital projects with the following revisions: 1)
Clarification on the pre-planning and planning process; 2) The discussions about sites in an open or
closed session; and 3) Clarification on the Memorandum of Agreement for Providing Coordinated
Site and Facility Planning. This also includes the changes in language by Commissioner Brown and
Commissioner Gordon. A corrected copy will be in the Permanent Agenda File in the Clerk's office
and also placed in the policy handbook located in the Clerk's office.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
It was decided that a revised copy would be submitted to the County Commissioners on
November 1St for their confirmation of the changes made.
b. Draft Schools Adeauate Public Facilities Ordinance Memorandum of Understandina
Transmittal
The Board discussed and considered transmitting the proposed Schools Adequate Public Facilities
memorandum of understanding and ordinance, and a resolution of support from the Schools and
Land Use Councils to the two school boards and the municipalities in Orange County.
Planning Director Craig Benedict said that this document incorporates all the changes as
suggested by the County Commissioners at their October 2nd meeting. The ordinance will eventually
be adopted into local government plans. He summarized the process that has taken place over the
last year. The issue of capacity will be determined jointly by the County Commissioners and the
school districts. Regarding the affordable housing issue, there will be some consideration for
affordable housing within the ordinance, but there will not be an exemption. He is asking that the
County Commissioners approve moving forward with transmitting the proposed School Adequate
Public Facilities memorandum of understanding and ordinance to the municipalities and the two
school systems.
Commissioner Gordon thanked the staff for all the work they have done on the memo of
understanding and the ordinance.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to page 9, section 8 and said that it was hard to
follow the way the changes were shown.
Geoffrey Gledhill said that the comments he received were from the Towns of Chapel Hill,
Carrboro, and Hillsborough. He has not received any comments from either school board. The
concerns were centered on affordable housing. The recommendations from the attorneys are to
eliminate the section on affordable housing altogether. He said that if you include the notion that
somehow the County Commissioners are going to build schools to accommodate affordable housing
then pretty soon the Board of Commissioners become responsible for affordable housing almost
individually. He said that there was no question that affordable housing impacts school facilities. He
made reference to the appeal process and said that the lawyer and planning work group thought that
since the caps are a condition of development approval, that the final administrative decision on
whether the caps are issued needs to be with the local government that is responsible for approving
the development.
Commissioner Jacobs suggested that there be an explanation for why the section on
affordable housing was taken out and that the explanation be attached to the transmittal. Also, the
explanation for the appeal process change will be attached.
Commissioner Brown made reference to page 10 and the statement "elderly and/or adult
care living and/or adult special needs facilities" and asked if this relates to handicapped adults.
Craig Benedict said that this would include all senior center housing for adult special needs.
Facilities for the disabled would also be included. Geoffrey Gledhill said that the section in the
ordinance was written in more detail.
Commissioner Brown made reference to the statement "restricted to dormitory housing for
university students" and asked what would happen if there was a group home for high school
students. Craig Benedict said that there would be an impact on the public schools from a group
home.
Commissioner Gordon made reference to section 8 on affordable housing and asked if
the memorandum of understanding would be silent on the issue if it was not included in the
ordinance. Geoffrey Gledhill said that the memorandum of understanding would be silent on
affordable housing because affordable housing does impact school facilities.
A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to
transmit the memorandum of agreement with the above revisions and the proposed Schools
Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance to the school systems and municipalities for review, comment,
and possible adoption and to add this as an item on the public hearing notice that the County
Commissioners will consider on November 1, 2000. Formal adoption of the ordinance will be
considered after the public hearing on November 27, 2000.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Geo-Base/Land Manaaement and Permit Information Trackina Svstem
The Board considered approving the acquisition of permitting and inspections computer
software.
Craig Benedict summarized the information in the agenda with a Powerpoint
presentation. He explained the extensive process the staff went through in determining the best
system for permitting and inspections. The most important need that this software will provide is
connectivity between various County departments. This is part of the long-range Information
Technology plan. Joel Dunn, Chairman of the IT Committee, was present. The staff sent out 22
requests for proposals for the software and received ten responses. The staff is recommending that
the Board approve the purchase of permitting and inspections software from ACCELA, in an amount
not to exceed $177,222. Additional hardware will be needed to run the software through the
telephone system, and a proposal will be brought to the Board after the software is put in place.
Complete implementation of the system will take 18 months or less.
Joel Dunn, Chair of the IT Committee, said that the IT Committee had reviewed the
proposal and worked to try to make sure that the software fits within the overall goals and philosophy
that the Orange County IT staff is trying to put together. He said that this package comes as close
as possible to a 100 percent fit with the County. The IT Committee believes that this vendor is going
to continue to provide the kind of enhancements and increased features that are going to allow the
County to do very good things. He was available to answer questions from the Board.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the agenda abstract that mentions that future
releases of the product should address the web access limitations. He asked if this was discussed
with the vendor and if there were any assurances. Joel Dunn said that it was pretty clearly
understood that any software package was going to have to embrace the web. There was
assurance that these limitations would be addressed by ACCELA
Commissioner Jacobs asked about Eden and the fact that they scored high on several of
the criteria. Craig Benedict said that when Eden was brought in as one of the finalists, they ranked
well on paper and the RFP, but a lot of things were uncovered in the telephone conferences.
Commissioner Halkiotis asked if anyone was using the ACCELA system in North
Carolina. Craig Benedict said that no one in North Carolina was using this system. However, there
is a system in Bedford, Virginia and the staff took a trip to see the system in action.
Commissioner Brown asked how this interfaces with the systems in Chapel Hill, Carrboro,
and Hillsborough regarding erosion control, tax assessor, land records, and Register of Deeds.
Craig Benedict said that the municipalities did not have these advanced software systems, but there
is a mechanism within the ACCELA software that when the County permits something in erosion
control, emails can be sent directly from the software package through the Internet to inform them
that something is happening.
Concerning 911 and the EMS system, the data conversion cost, which is roughly $8000,
is going to help the County make sure that every house has the appropriate address.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to
approve the purchase of permitting and inspections software from ACCELA, in an amount not to
exceed $177,222, and authorize staff to execute all documents associated with the acquisition and
implementation.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
d. Use and Access Plan -McGowan Creek Preserve
The Board considered a proposal for future public access and use of the McGowan Creek
preserve.
Environment and Resource Conservation Director David Stancil was available to answer
any questions in lieu of the Powerpoint presentation. The recommendation is that the Board gives
any revisions or comments to David Stancil.
Commissioner Brown said that there should be trash containers and recycling containers
on the site. She asked if there was any way to have a telephone. She asked why horse riding was
excluded.
Conservation Manager Rich Shaw said that the trails in this preserve would be for
pedestrians and not horses because there is no connection of properties.
Commissioner Jacobs suggested having criteria to determine what is allowed on the trails
(i.e., horses, bicycles, etc.). Also, regarding the signage, he suggested that the sign say, "No
Vehicles" because bicycles are allowed. He also suggested having Spanish on the reverse side of
the sign.
Commissioner Jacobs asked about access from the west. He asked if DOT had been
contacted about allowing the County some kind of curve before reaching the Orange-Alamance
Water plant. Rich Shaw said that this issue was raised and DOT emphasized the hazardous nature
of this particular roadway. He said that it could be explored further with DOT.
Commissioner Jacobs is concerned about people turning around in the driveway of the
water plant to get to the preserve.
Commissioner Halkiotis suggested using international signage for things that are
prohibited. He feels there should be some educational signage about the adjacent landowners'
properties and the water supply. He reiterated the importance of trash collection devices.
Commissioner Gordon made reference to the proposed rules, number six on page six,
"Personal property not authorized by the Orange County ERCD may not be placed within the
boundaries of property for more than two consecutive days," and asked why this would be allowed to
be placed at all. Rich Shaw said that these rules were taken from another area and the thought was
that an attempt would be made to find out who the owner of the property was if it was something of
value.
Commissioner Gordon does not think that the property should be stored at the site at all.
Commissioner Brown suggested signage that would indicate the uniqueness and fragility
of the site and that the property was paid for by the citizens of Orange County.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to
adopt these rules and that the above comments be included and brought back for final approval on
November 1St
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
e. Highridge Subdivision -Preliminary Plan
The Board was to consider a preliminary plan for the proposed Highridge subdivision.
However, this item was postponed to November 1St
10. REPORTS
a. Construction and Demolition Waste Regulation for Recycling
The Board was to review a proposed ordinance regulating construction, demolition and
other recyclable wastes. However, this item was postponed to November 1St
b. Solid Waste Facilities -Siting Options
The Board was to hear a report on existing and potential future solid waste facilities.
However, this item was postponed to November 1St
The Board agreed to extend the meeting to 10:45.
c. Additional NCACC Legislative Goals Information
The Board received additional information on possible legislative goals to forward to the
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners for the 2000 General Assembly session.
Chair Carey said that he has a problem with the legislative goal on permitting signs on the
interstate for small retail businesses.
Commissioner Brown would like more information on the income tax credit. She is
interested in adding the expansion of DOT's definition of narrowing the roads to encourage rural
development and environmental conservation.
Commissioner Gordon suggested forwarding the first two goals and the one on page two.
Commissioner Halkiotis supports the signage on the interstate for the small retail
businesses.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
forward the first two NCACC legislative goals on the Use Value System and the authorization to
io
NCDOT to develop alternative subdivision road techniques for rural areas to preserve trees and limit
land disturbance and erosion.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
11. APPOINTMENTS
A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to appoint
Julie Coleman to the Chapel Hill Planning Board for the term ending June 30, 2003.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to appoint
Alice White to the Board of Health for the term ending June 30, 2003. This was the
recommendation by the Board of Health.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12. MINUTES -NONE
13. CLOSED SESSION -NONE
14. ADJOURNMENT
With no further items to discuss, a motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by
Commissioner Brown to adjourn the meeting. The next meeting as listed on the regular meeting
calendar will be held on October 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel
Hill, North Carolina.
Moses Carey, Jr., Chair
Beverly A. Blythe, CMC
11