HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20090519 APPROVED 8/18/2009
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
May 19, 2009
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May
19, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Valerie P. Foushee, and Commissioners
Alice M. Gordon, Barry Jacobs, Pam Hemminger, Bernadette Pelissier, and Steve Yuhasz
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Mike Nelson
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Laura Blackmon, Assistant County
Managers Willie Best and Gwen Harvey, and Clerk to the Board Donna S. Baker (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.
1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
- PowerPoint presentation for item 7-b, Presentation of Manager's Recommended FY
2009-10 Budget
- Proposed abstract for item 6-d (pink sheet) - Process for Evaluating Town Site
Suggested For Transfer Station
- Additional information for item 6-d (blue sheet)
- Additional applicant for Human Rights and Relations Commissions, item 10-b (teal
sheet)
- Memo from Orange County Planning and Inspections
Chair Foushee asked for a motion to add item 6-d, Process for Evaluating Town Site
Suggested for Transfer Station.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon to add this item as item 6-c and make
item 6-c as 6-d. Motion failed for lack of a second.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger
to approve adding the item as 6-d to the agenda: Process for Evaluating Town Site Suggested
For Transfer Station.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
PUBLIC CHARGE
The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
2. Public Comments
a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
Anna Mercer-McLean spoke on behalf of the Community School for People Under Six
and read the following letter to the Commissioners:
"Community School for People under Six, a nationally accredited child care program under the
National Association for the Education of Young Children and 5-Star licensed by North
Carolina will be dislocated from the Northside facility due to the construction of the Chapel
Hill/Carrboro Elementary School #11. With our current Orange County lease agreement
expiring on June 30, 2009, we are requesting: 1) an extension of our lease agreement until
June 2010; and 2) financial support in the amount of $150,000 to complete the necessary
repairs and renovations on the proposed site at 102 Hargraves Street in Carrboro that will be
leased to CSPU6 upon approval at the Carrboro Town of Alderman's meeting.
CSPU6 has struggled financially since the announcement that a new school would be built on
our home site of over 38 years at Northside; and to learn that we would have to find a new
"home". Families have terminated their care and/or not enrolled due to the uncertainty of the
program's status. It took 6 months to bring our status back to a calm; but now we are at the
same point again of uncertainty; and families again are terminating care. We lost good
teachers during the year due to the economic status that this unforeseen change caused for
the school. We have served the community, and we met the needs of a diverse population.
We want to help our families to feel more secure; and to reassure them that we will continue to
exist in Orange County to provide the best early care and education for their child (ren).
An extension of our lease will allow us time to raise the other$100,000 to achieve our
renovation goals (Total $250,000). The current site has 7 classrooms; and the proposed site
only has 3 classrooms. We are working to develop a plan to reconstruct office space and
patio space into two classrooms; and to modify bathroom space into usable office space; while
repairing other areas that are needed to meet building, sanitation and licensing standards.
Thank you for your consideration. Our 56 children, 15 teachers and 3 support staff appreciate
you for your work and commitment to young children."
David Dusto is a library student at UNC and he asked the County Commissioners not to
close the Carrboro Library. He has worked there and he received a scholarship from the
Friends of the Carrboro Branch Library. He said that this opportunity would not be provided to
other students if the library is closed. While working there, he viewed the library as an
educational and economic engine. He said that jobseekers, teachers, students, and
immigrants who want to learn English all used the library. He said that it is a theft of library
services from the Carrboro taxpayers.
Gerry Christmas spoke on behalf of the Carrboro Branch Library. He said that a library
is an essential for any town even though we are going through hard times. He said that a
library is the most practical and economical institution. He said that the County Commissioners
must not allow this to happen and they must hold on to their library and their little arts center.
He said that both are only little in the physical size. Mentally, both are enormous in their
emotional, spiritual, cultural, and intellectual impact. He said that when his family first came to
Carrboro in 1992, they had to struggle and they lived without a computer and they did without
until, though teachers expected students to type homework, they ended up using the
computers at the branch library. They never left the library without a book or a movie. He said
that the library played an important part in his daughters' getting into their first choice colleges.
Krista Bremer spoke in support of the Carrboro Branch Library. She said that she has
been at the library almost every weekend for the past six years. It has given her a sense of
community. Some of her best friends are people that she has met at the library. She is able to
access resources close to her home. She said that she reads books at her child's preschool
and children are anxious to hear her every week with books from this library. She echoed that
this space is needed in these economic times for books and computers. She said that the
library transcends class and there is equal access.
Aliya Suayah said that she has been going to the library for six years — since the age of
2. She said that it is one of her favorite places in town. She said that if this library closed she
would feel that a piece of her would be missing. She loves browsing her favorite sections. It
would be a great loss to Carrboro if the library were to close.
Ismail Suayah said that he came to this country 30 years ago. He said that when he
lived in an impoverished environment there was a public library. He said they would find
children gathered around one book back then. He said that public space should be created in
hard times and not closed.
Desiree Goldman is a Director with the Greater Chapel Hill Association of Realtors.
This organization is part of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan Coalition. She said that
the coalition wants to thank the County Commissioners for taking the time to meet with the
organization earlier this year. They look forward to working with the County Commissioners,
Planning Board, and staff in support of the mutual interests in promoting a path to
sustainability that balances environmental health, social equity, and economic prosperity. The
Coalition supports the County Commissioners' decision to rank Comprehensive Plan
Implementation and Economic Development District planning among their highest priorities for
fiscal year 2009-2010. The Coalition also agrees that consolidating the County's land use
ordinances and regulations into a single, unified development ordinance is a prerequisite for
successful Comprehensive Plan implementation. Therefore, the Orange County
Comprehensive Plan Coalition recommends that a work plan and timeline be approved for
creating a unified development ordinance, implementing the Comprehensive Plan, developing
plans for economic development districts.
Chris Moran said that he also represents the Coalition and the InterFaith Council. He
also supports including the Carrboro Library. He said that he supports what Desiree has said
and he also supports the implementation schedule. He thinks that it will be truly successful if
the Board works hard with its advisory boards and includes working with other local
governments and agencies. He thinks that the Comprehensive Plan can help plan
developments that will include ample caregivers for people that may experience domestic
violence, loss of income, death, and other socioeconomic problems. This is also about
sustaining services in Orange County. He asked the Board to be creative with its process and
figure out new ways of sustaining and amplifying services for all that are dependent on those
services with a lack of safety net at the federal level. The InterFaith Council now serves 2,191
households in the food pantry just in Carrboro and Chapel Hill. This is a 67% increase from
last year at this time.
Allen Rosen is a member of the Village Project and also a member of the Orange
County Comprehensive Plan Coalition. He said that they have been involved in the
Comprehensive Plan process for two years. He said that they are presenting a proposed work
plan and timeline. The Coalition also supports the development of plans for the three
economic development districts. He pointed out the second recommendation on the handout
from the Coalition:
2. As per section 1.5.2 of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan — Plan Review and Evaluation
— each Element Lead Advisory Board —with the assistance of County staff and working in an
interdependent, integrated fashion — be tasked with
a. developing "a set of evaluation criteria, including a set of sustainability and
community building indicator, or metrics, together with specific action statements" by
November 30, 2009, and
b. developing and presenting "Element Status reports to the Board of County
Commissioners" which " will include a review and evaluation of Plan goals and objectives using
the evaluation criteria" by January 31, 2010.
Lolita Baldwin spoke in support of the Community School for People Under 6. She
went there as a child and now she works there. She said that this school does a lot for the
community and they need an extension on their lease. She said CSFPU6 has been a great
place since 2001 as a part of the daycare center.
Nancy Fenner spoke in support of the CSFPU6 and the extension of their lease.
b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
(These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda
below.)
3. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations-NONE
4. Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner
Pelissier to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below:
a. Minutes
The Board approved the minutes from April 21, 2009 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board.
b. Appointments
(1) Advisory Board on Aging — Reappointments
The Board reappointed Heather Altman and Haryo Marsosudiro to first full terms ending
June 30, 2012.
(2) Alcoholic Beverage Control Board — Reappointment
The Board reappointed Rosa Tilley to a first full term ending June 30, 2012.
(3) Animal Services Advisory Board — Reappointments
The Board reappointed Rachel Beckham and Rob Gray to first full terms ending June 30,
2012 and Tracy Carroll to a second full term ending June 30, 2012.
(4) Orange Water& Sewer Authority Board of Directors (OWASA) — Reappointment
The Board reappointed Fred Battle to a second full term ending June 30, 2012.
c. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Release/Refunds
The Board adopted a refund resolution, which is incorporated by reference, related to 51
requests for motor vehicle property tax releases or refunds in accordance with North Carolina
General Statutes.
d. Ratification of Submission of a Grant Proposal for the Farm Enterprise Incubator at
the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research Center
This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
consideration.
e. A Resolution to Foster Genocide Remembrance
The Board approved a resolution to recognize and remember the millions who have perished
through acts of genocide, and authorized the Chair to sign.
f. Home and Community Care Block Grant for Older Adults Funding Plan, FY 2009-10
The Board approved the recommended Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) for
Older Adults Funding Plan for FY2009-10 in the amount of $469,299 and authorized the Chair
to sign.
Space Allocation and Cost Reimbursements at Skills Development Center and
Hillsborough Commons
The Board approved increased space allocations for Employment Security Commission and
Joint Orange Chatham Community Action at the Orange County Skills Development Center
and Hillsborough Commons and requested reimbursement for facility costs and authorized the
Manager to sign.
h. Renewal of Contracts with In-Home Aide Providers to Provide In-Home Aide Services
to Eligible Adults
The Board approved continuing the contracts to provide In-Home Aide Services with Arcadia
Health Services, Inc., Personalized Patient Home Assistance, Inc., Southern Home Care
Services, Inc., Touched by Angels Home Healthcare II, Inc., Triangle Home Health Care, Inc.,
and Homewatch Caregivers of the Triangle, Inc. and authorized the Chair to sign the contracts
contingent upon approval of the Orange County FY 2009-10 budget.
i. Renewal of Contract with Betty Rintoul, Ph.D. to Provide Mental Health Screenings for
Young Children in Child Welfare System
The Board approved continuation of a contract with Dr. Betty Rintoul to provide mental health
services for young children involved with child welfare services and authorized the Chair to
sign pending approval of the Orange County FY 2009-10 budget.
L Renewal of Contract with Northen Blue, L.L.P. for DSS Legal Services
The Board approved the FY 2009 — 10 contract for legal representation with Northen Blue,
L.L.P. for the Department of Social Services and authorized the Chair to sign.
k. Approval of Continuation of Contract with OPC
The Board approved the contract renewal with Orange-Person-Chatham Local Management
Entity for a part-time liaison to assist clients of Social Services to access needed mental health
services and authorized the Chair to sign contingent upon approval of the Orange County FY
2009-10 budget.
I. Renewal of Contract with UNC Hospitals for DSS to Provide Medicaid Workers
The Board approved the contract renewal of the contract for income maintenance staff at UNC
Hospitals and authorized the Chair to sign contingent upon approval of the Orange County FY
2009-10 budget.
m. Renewal of Contract for Social Work Services Between Orange County Schools and
Orange County Department of Social Services
The Board approved renewal of the contract between the Orange County Schools and the
Orange County Department of Social Services for the provision of eight Department of Social
Services positions and related supervision to provide social work and case management
services in the schools and authorized the Chair to sign contingent upon approval of the
Orange County FY 2009-10 budget.
n. Fiscal Year 2008-09 Budget Amendment #8
The Board approved budget and grant project ordinance amendments for FY 2008-09 for
Social Services, Solid Waste Department, Planning, Arts Commission, Department on Aging,
and Commissioners' Contingency.
o. 2010 Census Complete Count Committee
The Board approved creation of a Complete County Committee, authorized a letter of
invitation, approved a resolution to promote the 2010 Census and approved the "sun-setting"
of the Committee in May 2010.
Recommendation to NCDOT Concerning the Addition of Northridge Lane to the State
Maintained Road System
The Board forwarded the Northridge Lane Petition for Addition to the State Maintained System
to NCDOT with a recommendation to the Board of Transportation accept Northridge Lane for
maintenance as a secondary road.
Resolution Endorsing Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Grant Agreement
with the NCDOT
The Board will consider accepting conditions set forth in a Congestion Mitigation and Air
Quality Agreement Resolution with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and
authorize the Manager to sign.
r. Approval of School Capital Project Ordinances
The Board approved the School capital project ordinances for FY 2009-10 as follows:
- CHCCS Window Replacements (Lincoln Center) - $206,210
- CHCCS Roofing Projects (Lincoln Center, Carrboro Elementary, Seawell
Elementary) - $943,790
- OCS — Central Elementary Cooling Tower- $100,000
- OCS — Efland Cheeks Elementary Cooling Tower- $125,000
TOTAL - $1,375,000
VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA:
d. Ratification of Submission of a Grant Proposal for the Farm Enterprise Incubator
at the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research Center
The Board considered ratifying the May 13, 2009 submission of a grant proposal for the
Farm Enterprise Incubator at the WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research Center to NC
A & T State University for inclusion in a grant proposal to the US Department of Agriculture
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.
Commissioner Gordon said that she had no objection to this, but she noted that in the
financial impact it talks about indirect costs related to grants. She wants staff to come back
with a report about the indirect costs policy for grants.
Commissioner Hemminger asked how much time this would take for staff.
Laura Blackmon said that the staff did an indirect cost analysis for purchasing
paybacks but all of this depends on the grant. There is no way for the County to be
reimbursed for these expenses.
Commissioner Gordon said that she is more concerned about having a principled way
to get these indirect costs reimbursed. She wants a report done of what is being done now in
cases when the county would be eligible to recover indirect costs.
Laura Blackmon said that the County does not charge other governments for doing
grants and only staff time is used.
Donna Coffey said that in setting the fees in the past, they have included indirect costs
in the fees. The County also charges indirect costs for the Department of Social Services.
This money is recouped from the State. In cases of grants, the money is recouped when it can
be. There is no formal policy, but this has been the past practice.
Commissioner Gordon said that when it is possible to recoup the costs, it should be
done. She would like a brief report on how indirect costs are computed. Donna Coffey said
that the County does contract for an indirect cost plan, and this is provided by an outside
vendor. The contract is approved by the Board. This is used as a benchmark. It is a large
document.
Commissioner Gordon asked Donna Coffey to write up a brief summary on the indirect
costs policy and how much the County can recoup.
Laura Blackmon said that it might be easier to go through this process when there are
examples. This would be difficult to bring back to the Board during the budget season.
Commissioner Gordon said to bring it back in the fall.
Commissioner Yuhasz said to please highlight this in the fall to have more discussion.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz to
ratify the May 13, 2009 submission of a grant proposal for the Farm Enterprise Incubator at the
WC Breeze Family Farm Extension & Research Center to NC A & T State University for
inclusion in a grant proposal to the US Department of Agriculture Beginning Farmer and
Rancher Development Program.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5-1. Public Hearings (SITTING AS THE ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD)
The Board of County Commissioners recessed as the Board of County
Commissioners and convened as the Orange County Housing Authority Board.
a. Orange County Housing Authority Public Hearing —Annual Public Housing
Agency (PHA) Plan — Section 8 Housing Program
The Board conducted a public hearing and considered approval of submission of the
Annual Public Housing Agency Plan for the Orange County Housing Authority and authorizing
the Chair to sign.
Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes said that the purpose of the
public hearing is to receive comments regarding the Orange County Annual Public Housing
Agency Plan for 2009. This annual plan is required as is a five-year plan in order to be eligible
for Section 8 funds. The five-year plan describes the mission of the agency and the long-
range goals and objectives for achieving this mission. Orange County approved the last five-
year plan on April 19, 2005. The annual plan does not propose any significant changes in the
administration of the Section 8 program.
There are currently 623 families that are being served, which represents 254 property
owners that lease property to Section 8 voucher holders. There is a waiting list of about 1,400
families. The average wait time for someone receiving assistance is going from 18 months to
24 months and is getting longer. She said that there may be some opportunity to apply for
more vouchers.
Commissioner Yuhasz said that Tara Fikes has talked about closing the waiting list and
Tara Fikes said that this may happen before the end of the year. She said that surrounding
counties have closed their lists and people are coming to Orange County for assistance.
PUBLIC COMMENT: NONE
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner
Pelissier to approve submission of the Annual Public Housing Agency Plan for the Orange
County Housing Authority and authorize the Chair to sign the Certification of
Compliance/Board Resolution on behalf of the Board at the end of the public comment period.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
The Board of County Commissioners adjourned the Public hearing as the Orange
County Housing Authority Board and reconvened as the Board of County
Commissioners.
5-2. Public Hearings (Sitting as the Board of County Commissioners)
a. Zoning Atlas Amendment (Rezoning) — 214 Phelps Road
The Board considered the Planning Board recommendations on, and considered
approval of, a petition to rezone portions of a parcel of property located at 214 Phelps Road.
Planner Michael Harvey made this presentation.
APPLICATION SPECIFICS:
•Applicant: Planning Staff/Charles and Mary Beth Helgevold
•Address: 214 Phelps Road
•TMBL/ PIN: 2.46..40H / 9866-58-5983
•Size of Parcel: 4 %2 acres
•Zoning: Existing Commercial Five (EC-5), Agricultural Residential, Little River Protected
Watershed,
•Township: CEDAR GROVE
•Land Use Element Map (LUEM) Designation: Agricultural Residential
Rezoning request:
Rezone a 46,500 square foot portion of property from Existing Commercial Five (EC-5) to
Agricultural Residential (AR), and
Rezone a 46,500 square foot portion of property, currently utilized to support a commercial
landscaping operation, from AR to EC-5
Staff Recommendations:
•Deliberate on the petition,
•Recommend approval of the petition finding that:
a. Application is complete —Article 20
b. Correct alleged error— Sec 20.3.2 (c)
c. Carry out intent of Comprehensive Plan— Sec 20.3.2 (e)
3. Recommend approval (Attachments two (2) and three (3) to the BOCC
PUBLIC COMMENT: NONE
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner
Pelissier to approve the Administration recommendation to receive the Planning Board
recommendation, close the public hearing, and approve the proposed zoning atlas amendment
petition finding that:
a. The Zoning Atlas Petition is complete in accordance with the provisions of Article 20
of the Zoning Ordinance.
b. Per Section 20.3.2(c) of the Zoning Ordinance, staff and the property owner have
identified the alleged error that would be corrected through the approval of the
petition. Specifically, the EC-5 zoning designation would be reconfigured to
incorporate the commercial operation located on the property.
c. Per Section 20.3.2(e) of the Zoning Ordinance, the approval of the Zoning Atlas
Petition would carry out the intent of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan.
Specifically, the approval of the petition would cause the reconfiguration of an EC-5
zoning designation to include an existing non-residential land use. By approving
the petition, the existing non-residential land use would be property zoned and,
therefore, would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
The motion also includes approving the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 3) and
Resolution of Rezoning Approval (Attachment 4).
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
6. Regular Agenda
a. Creation of County Attorney Department and Authorization for New
Paralegal Position
The Board considered approving the County Manager's recommendation to make
changes to the Orange County organizational structure by creating the County Attorney's
Office reporting to the Board of County Commissioners; to approve a new position of
Paralegal; and to amend the County's Classification and Pay Plan.
Laura Blackmon said that with the hiring of John Roberts as the in-house attorney a
County Attorney department had to be created. She referred to the organization chart in the
packet. The paralegal pay grade is at 14. The attorney has reviewed this job description and
approved it. She said that the County used to have an outside attorney with a full house of
attorneys and support staff. It is difficult to predict what will be needed.
John Roberts said that the paralegal position is necessary and an in-house legal
department will result in significant cost savings in the long run. He asked the County
Commissioners to approve this position.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner
Pelissier to approve the County Manager's recommendation to make changes to the Orange
County organizational structure by creating the County Attorney's Office reporting to the Board
of County Commissioners; to approve a new position of Paralegal; and to amend the County's
Classification and Pay Plan.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Efland Sewer Low-Income Rate Assistance
The Board considered information on assistance options for low-income customers of
the Efland Sewer System.
Engineering Specialist Kevin Lindley said that in December 2008, the County
Commissioners approved a four-year increase to the sewer rates. The Board also asked the
staff to investigate the potential for assisting low-income customers. Engineering staff met
with Staff Attorney Annette Moore and representatives from the Tax Office. The two major
findings were:
- It would not be legal for the County to offer sewer bill assistance to low-income
Efland Sewer customers exclusively. If sewer bill assistance were to be offered to
low-income Efland Sewer customers, then every income-eligible resident of Orange
County would be entitled to the same assistance.
- It would not be legal for the Efland Sewer fund to offer a discount rate to low-
income Efland Sewer customers.
- There are currently programs in place which low-income Efland Sewer customers
could turn if they needed assistance on their sewer bills. These programs are the
DSS Emergency Assistance (EA) program and the Samaritan Relief program
administered by Orange Congregations in Mission. The EA program can provide up
to $150 every six months.
Commissioner Jacobs asked Social Services Director Nancy Coston if the Emergency
Assistance program could be called something else. His concern is that people will not ask for
help every month because it is not an "emergency." Nancy Coston said that it was never
meant to be a monthly payment for anyone, but if the bill was behind and the customer had not
used up the limit, then they could be entitled to the money. Work First funds are used for this
program and it has to follow these guidelines. Part of the eligibility includes a shut-off notice.
Laura Blackmon made reference to the list of tiers for monthly bills. This is a four-year
program. She said that the proposal for the Board is to monitor the first and second year to
see the impact on the neighborhoods and then reevaluate where they are.
Commissioner Pelissier asked if there is capacity in these funds for additional people.
Kevin Lindley said that the Town of Hillsborough has also agreed to let Efland customers use
part of the water assistance fund.
Commissioner Yuhasz asked that notice of these programs go out with the shut-off
notice.
A motion was made by Commissioner Yuhasz, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger
to implement an information and referral process to alert all Efland Sewer customers on how to
access Emergency Assistance programs administered by both Social Services and OCIM,
including that funding by the Town, to help eligible households pay their utility bills and monitor
and assess the demand for Emergency Assistance caused by increased sewer rates during
the first year (FY 2009-10) and use those findings to formulate recommendations to the Board
about future levels of assistance that may be necessary.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Capital Project Ordinances Amendments
The Board considered approving amended capital project ordinances appropriating
additional funds for School Capital Projects which are over budget and making various
corrections to County Capital Project ordinances.
Laura Blackmon said that last fall the staff brought forward some issues with the School
Capital Projects and the County Capital Projects. Finance has been itemizing the differences
that resulted in the staff asking for some fund balance in order to set this right.
Financial Services Director Gary Humphreys said that these are not all of the
amendments the Board of County Commissioners will see and the items have been organized
in groups. The first group is for the schools. He said that with the exception of the one on
Pathways Elementary, all of the funds were allocated to the projects but not reflected
necessarily in the budget. He said that the budget amounts are not significantly out of line with
what the schools show as their budgets.
Commissioner Hemminger verified that this had no negative impact on the schools and
is a matter of cleaning up the books.
Discussion ensued about why this is being done.
Gary Humphreys said that this involves eliminating the existing revenue source and
replacing it with the appropriate revenue source.
Commissioner Gordon said that you really cannot tell what has happened by reading
this document. She said that she would like to see the overall picture and complete project
ordinances. She is concerned about this because project ordinances are what implement
projects. She also wants to make sure that all stakeholders, such as the schools, department
directors, etc., are involved in reviewing these changes.
Laura Blackmon said that the project ordinances should list all of the revenues, etc.,
and the Board should have all of the information it needs.
Laura Blackmon said that bond money should be spent right away and not nine years
later and Commissioner Gordon agreed.
Commissioner Yuhasz said that he would like to see the original project ordinances
because it would make a lot more sense to him. He asked that the staff bring a random
sample of these.
Chair Foushee said that it would be important for the public to know what measures
have been put in place to make sure this does not happen again. Gary Humphreys said that it
would be a matter of reviewing these on a constant basis.
Laura Blackmon pointed out that there was a lot of confusion during the conversion to
MUNIS. The project ordinances should be closed out when the projects are completed, and
this has not been happening in a timely manner.
Commissioner Jacobs asked what percentage of the 2001 bond money had not been
spent. Gary Humphreys said that the only thing left is what was authorized for the alternative
financing which was substituted for the bond money. More than 90% of it has been spent.
The majority of what is left is in Lands Legacy and Parks and Recreation.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he is not in favor of spending bond money just for the
sake of saying that it was spent. Most of it has been committed. He is tired of this
conversation. Also, regarding the $600,000 for the Soccer Superfund, the Board has asked
the Manager to meet with Chapel Hill and Carrboro and figure out a plan for spending that
money. Laura Blackmon said that she could report back on this in June.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the School Capital Reserve Fund and said
that the reason it was spent was because Governor Easley took more than $2 million from the
County during the budget process and there was money that could be reassigned. He said
that if this was replenished, he does not think that the Board of County Commissioners was
aware of it, and if it is something else, he would like to know what it is. Also, the Board
appropriated money from the Commissioners' Contingency toward paying for a position earlier,
and he asked for the minutes from last year's budget, and then $25,000 was put in the
Commissioners' Contingency for the Attorney search. This money should not have been in the
Commissioners' Contingency, yet there was still $40,000 in the Commissioners' Contingency,
which was only $40,000 to begin with. He said that something is not tracking.
Chair Foushee said that it would seem that an appropriate motion would be to approve
the capital project ordinance amendments that are included in the packet:
- Pathways Elementary - Orange County Schools Capital Project Ordinance'
- Playground Protective Services — OCS Capital Project Ordinance
- Smith Middle School Campus — CHCCS Capital Project Ordinance
- Indoor Air Quality— CHCCS Capital Project Ordinance
- Central Recreation Repairs — Capital Project Ordinance
- Homestead Community Center Capital Project Ordinance
- Soccer Superfund Capital Project Ordinance
- West Ten Soccer Complex Capital Project Ordinance
- Twin Creeks Park Capital Project Ordinance
- Greenways Development Capital Project Ordinance
- Homestead Aquatic Center Capital Project Ordinance
- Lands Legacy Capital Project Ordinance
- Northern Human Services Center Park Capital Project Ordinance
- Southern Community Park Capital Project Ordinance
- Bolin Creek Greenway Capital Project Ordinance
- Equipment and Vehicles Capital Project Ordinance
- Conservation Easements Capital Project Ordinance
- Debt Issuance Costs/Transfers Capital Project Ordinance
A motion as made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Chair Foushee to
accept the ordinance amendments as stated above as long as there is no direct cost back to
the General Fund or Fund Balance.
Commissioner Yuhasz said that he will vote for this, but he would still like to see some
samples of what these look like after adopted. The Board agreed.
Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to urge the Board to vote against this
since it is not just a clean up of the accounts and the Board should get a complete explanation.
VOTE: Ayes, 3; Nays, 3(Commissioner Gordon, Commissioner Pelissier, and Commissioner
Jacobs)
MOTION FAILED
Laura Blackmon said that the staff would bring it back and include samples in the next
agenda.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the bonds and said that he has asked for
several years for information. The voters were promised in 2001 that the bonds would result in
no more than a seven-cent property tax increase. He has asked for this repeatedly and the
Board has never gotten it.
d. Process for Evaluating Town Site Suggested For Transfer Station
The Board considered a possible solid waste transfer station location on Millhouse
Road as suggested by the Town of Chapel Hill at the Board of County Commissioners work
session on May 14, 2009 and reviewed the process in relation to on-going investigation of Site
056.
Solid Waste Director Gayle Wilson said that at the May 14, 2009 meeting, Chapel Hill
Mayor Kevin Foy brought up a site on Millhouse Road as a possible site for a transfer station.
It was not a formal offer, but on the table for discussion. He said that the purpose of this item
was for the Board to give direction to the staff about this site. It is his understanding that if the
Board chooses to proceed to evaluate this site; it would be done on a parallel track with the
Howell property. Information could be brought back by June 161h. However, it is likely that the
wetlands recommendation on the Howell site would not be ready for the June 16th meeting.
Staff would like to bring this back at the August 18th meeting.
The Manager's recommendation is that the Board:
-Direct staff to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the Town site and report findings at
the June 16th BOCC meeting;
-Confirm staff will continue the COE wetlands determination of Site 056 and to return at
the August 18th BOCC meeting with the results, including the Planning Department
decision on the enhanced environmental assessment of the site; and
-Consider a final decision on the location of the transfer station at the August 18th
BOCC meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Charles Viles, Vice President of the Board of Directors of Emerson Waldorf School,
read a letter.
"Dear Board of County Commissioners,
As Vice President of the Emerson Waldorf School, I am writing to you today to
express our deep concern regarding recent developments in the site selection process for the
proposed Waste Transfer Station. Through media reports and communications with our
neighbors, we have learned that a 32-acre site immediately adjacent to our school is under
some level of discussion.
Now in our 25th year, Emerson is the academic home for 265 students from pre-k
through High School, ages 3 to 18. The vast majority of these children reside in Orange
County, Carrboro, or Chapel Hill. Our core and overriding mission is the education of children
using a curriculum and educational philosophy that is grounded equally in academics, art,
music, drama, and physical activity. The campus we live on is vitally connected to this
curriculum and thus our ability to deliver this education effectively.
Physically, our campus comprises 55 acres that straddle Millhouse Road. A good
portion of this land, 20 acres, is located southeast of Millhouse Road, west of the railroad
tracks and directly adjacent to the 32-acre site under discussion as a Waste Transfer Station.
We use the 20-acre tract daily to deliver both curricular and extracurricular programs. Third
and fourth graders learn about farming by planting, maintaining, harvesting, and eating food
from a school-maintained garden on the property. Middle school students use it as a
laboratory to learn about botany, hydrology, and local geography. High school students play
soccer and ultimate Frisbee on the sports field. Several all-school programs and celebrations
are held on this land each year.
Given the activities cited above, it is clear to us that a proximate Waste Transfer
Station is essentially incompatible with a school. Indeed the County has noted this
incompatibility in its community-based criteria for site selection, citing it as an `extremely
important' factor. Accordingly, we hereby state our strong opposition to siting a Waste
Transfer Station off Millhouse Road. Our concerns include the following:
-Traffic. Large waste containing trucks on Millhouse Road pose considerable physical
safety hazards for both vehicular and pedestrian users of Millhouse Road, a road
which bisects our property. EWS students must cross this road every day as part of
daily school activities.
-Environmental Impact. This includes smell, above ground and below ground water
runoff, airborne contaminants, and an increase in scavenging animals like rats.
-Fairness. As is well-known, our area of the County has borne and continues to bear a
disproportionate share of the infrastructure cost associated with Town and County
operations. This includes the landfill itself as well as the Town Operations Center.
It is unfair to ask us and our neighbors to bear yet another large project.
To date, we have learned about the WTF siting possibility through emails, media
reports, and back-channel communications. As a school we have had just a few days to
evaluate the potential impact to our educational mission and to formulate an initial response.
This whole activity around the Millhouse Road site is ad hoc and out-of-process when
compared to the evaluation and consideration of other sites in Orange County. As stated, we
hope this `idea' has a short life. However, should it remain alive, then we hope and expect a
more direct and productive communication channel."
Mindy Grossman read her husband, Jan Grossman's, comments.
"I served on the Town Operations Center Advisory Committee during the siting,
planning, and building stages of the facility. One of the major issues with neighbors about this
property was use of that triangular piece of land in the rural buffer north of the stream.
Neighbors were concerned that the city would try to use the piece of land for building
additional Public Works buildings and an animal shelter or a homeless shelter. At several
meetings, the city pledged that it would never build on that piece of land and that they would
use it solely for storage of brush during hours that the landfill was not open and abandoned
cars that they were going to sell. The city claimed that this site would be regularly cleared of
the trash and cars and that they wouldn't let it become a dump. Neighbors asked for the
promise in writing. The city did not comply. Neighbors asked for the minutes of the meeting to
be made public. The city never wrote or published them. Another promise made at these
meetings by the city to the neighbors was that no buses or trucks would travel on Millhouse
Road north of the operations center. They claimed that all traffic would go south. Now buses
regularly travel north at the center on the unimproved, windy road that passes by a school.
When I asked again about this, the city said that they made no such promise. The minutes of
the advisory board meeting would show otherwise, but they do not exist. Now I understand
that the county/city is considering this site for a potential home of the Waste Transfer Station.
And why not? The neighbors seem to have reasonably adjusted to the two landfills, the solid
waste convenience center, the public works, the transportation department, the park and ride,
and the animal shelter. Did someone say this area was rural buffer? Thank you for your
attention and your time."
Cornelius Kirschner said that last Thursday he gave the County Commissioners a
blurb concerning this new development and he also emailed the County Commissioners.
When he came to the meeting on Thursday, he realized that there were new faces and that
some history might be helpful. He wrote another blurb and wanted to read it into the record.
He said that he has been a resident since 1971 before the existing landfills, so he knows all of
the history.
"As a result of the Town of Chapel Hill locating its Town Operations Center on
Millhouse Road, the residents on Millhouse Road have experienced a considerable increase in
traffic on our country road. The non-upgraded part goes from the Town Operations Center
north to Allen and Sons Barbecue on NC 86. I contacted the State Highway Patrol to help with
the speeding problem, and at that time they responded that they could do nothing since the
whole road, both the upgraded part to the south and the old road to the north, was not posted
at all for speed limit. Thus, the speed limit was simply 55 miles per hour, even though directly
in front of my property, the cautionary speed limit with yellow signs is posted at 20 miles per
hour. The State Patrol said I could petition the State Highway Department to have the road
posted at a lower speed limit. I did this. I secured signatures of the property owners here on
Millhouse Road and asked that the speed limit be reduced to 25 miles per hour. The State
was very prompt in their response and within a week of receiving the petition, engineers were
out there, and in the second week the speed limit signs were put up. The State posted the old
road, our section, for 30 miles per hour, and the upgraded section at 40 miles per hour. I also
tried to have the State restrict trucks from using this portion of Millhouse Road. However,
under current rules, they could not restrict such vehicles since it is a State road. I tried many
times with different offices, but always the same response, the road is dangerous, but the
State could not restrict trucks. The simple reason the State acted so quickly is that they
recognized immediately that this section of Millhouse Road is very dangerous. We have
numerous private gravel driveways onto this road, people riding bikes, and young people riding
horses. The whole point is that we also have buses coming down from the transportation
center and they are not supposed to be on our road. It is too dangerous. The excuse they
give for going north is that it saves ten minutes. I urge you consistently with the whole project
out there to reject this. Don't waste any more time on this."
Garry Carver had two handouts. He said that he is trying to show why this site does
not meet the criteria established in the siting process. He spoke about the process itself. He
said that the Board of County Commissioners has defined the process, what its involvement
would be, and the methodology. He said that the Board has helped develop, reviewed, and
approved the exclusionary criteria, the technical criteria, and the community-specific criteria.
He said that he is trying to show in his handouts that if the Board uses these criteria, this site
would not be on the list. He said that the criteria clearly states that the site should be greater
than 25 acres and should not involve streams or ponds and should have sufficient buffer. The
site should not be close to parks or other recreational areas. The site should have sufficient
space for roadways, queuing, and parking and this does not exist. This site encroaches on the
adjoining property and has other environmental impacts such as vehicle emissions from the
Town Operations Center, storm water runoff from the Town Operations Center, and
groundwater contamination from the existing landfill. He said that the most important point is
that the County's criterion specifically states that no group of people should bear a
disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences. He said that Millhouse
Road has borne those consequences for 30 years. He said that justice implications are not
only race. He said that as part of the initial public hearing, it was emphatically made clear that
duration and long periods of time also impacts the people in this community. He said that the
Mayor has said that this can save costs and the money could be used to help the Rogers Road
community. He said that he is all for Rogers Road getting every dime they can get and every
drop of water, sewer, recreation, etc. that they can get. He said that the residents of Millhouse
Road have been excluded from this discussion. The only request has always been no more
waste operations in their neighborhood. He said that this process should stop now. He said
that, if this goes forward, the Board has had one year considering the other sites, but it will
spend a few weeks considering this site. This is not a just time.
Bonnie Hauser spoke for Orange County Voice. She said that Orange County Voice
was encouraged by the concerns about the costs for the Bingham site and questions about the
accuracy of the County's cost estimates. They also appreciate the work on the environmental
impacts. Based on the findings, the Board should eliminate the Howell site based on its own
exclusionary criteria. She asked the Board to consider the suggestion that was made last
week for a search for 5-10 acre sites near a town and possibly the 1-85 weigh station site. She
said that the estimate for the Bingham facility is low and the volumes, fuel costs, distances,
and truck speeds are incorrect. She asked that, before the Board start considering another
site, that it look at how much it has spent in consulting fees. She asked the Board to find out
how much it will cost to continue work on the Howell property. Orange County Voice hopes
that the partnership with Durham will be considered also. She said that there is no basis for
proceeding with a facility in Bingham Township and it is a waste of taxpayer money to continue
this.
Ray Kirby brought a petition signed by over 1,000 people. He read the petition:
"We oppose siting a waste transfer station in rural Orange County. Orange County
should immediately terminate all work on waste transfer station on rural West 54. Instead we
request that the County locate this in a commercial area close to or in town, near a highway,
such as 1-40, 1-85, and near water/sewer. Any site selected should be a part of a plan to move
a waste management solution for a long-term. Vendors should be employed to handle the
County's needs until an alternate site is selected."
Val Martinez is a parent that has a student at Emerson Waldorf School and he
opposes the possible site selection on Millhouse Road. He said that there seems to be a
process in place without due consideration.
Kathleen Schenley read a prepared statement:
"I ask that you think carefully before considering Mayor Foy's proposal that the Town
of Chapel Hill allow use of part of the Town Operations Center land for a waste transfer
station. To add a new site when the BOCC is so close to a decision, after years of work, will
only slow the process.
Placement of a transfer station on the edge of the town limits is short sighted. Chapel
Hill and Carrboro are full. Where are the new developments happening? Where is the future
garbage going to come from? Look southwest of Hillsborough, look at Buckhorn, look at
Efland. These are growing areas.
I may live a mile from Rogers Road, but I have always considered myself a part of this
community. We have had enough. Keep in mind that we will continue to endure the traffic
and noise from the C&D site and the recycling center. And we may be facing another 8-16
years of use of the current landfill.
The BOCC has already voted to remove the Eubanks Road area from consideration
for a new site, or even as a contingency site. To propose a site less than 2,500 feet from the
current landfill and say that it is a different site simply because the street address is Millhouse
Road instead of Eubanks is absurd.
To endorse this plan is a betrayal of promises made to our community that we would
not have to endure the County's garbage forever."
Cecil Griffin said that he has lived on Millhouse Road since 1980. He has lived within
one mile of his current residence since 1964. He was a part of the neighborhood resistance
for the first landfill established on Eubanks Road. He was also a part of the neighborhood
resistance to the creation of the new landfill on Duke University/Blackwood property. He said
that they won that battle, in large part, because Duke University leased some of its land to the
federal government so that Orange County could not use it for a landfill. He said that nearly
20 years ago this area got put on the priority list for the new landfill at the last minute. He said
that the current landfill site was originally chosen for a waste transfer station and the County
Commissioners decided not to burden this area with the County's waste. Some of these
County Commissioners are no longer on the Board. He said that now, at the last minute, this
area is back on the hot seat. He said that it appears that officials are still not willing to impose
upon any other citizens of the County but them. He said that he will admit that the cheapest
site would be the current landfill and it is not in the Historic Rogers Road neighborhood. He
suggested two things that are worth considering if the Chapel Hill Operations site is to be used:
1) construct an exit ramp and an entrance ramp off of and onto 1-40 for ingress and egress to
the transfer station. This would eliminate any increased traffic in the neighborhood; and 2)
block Millhouse Road on the west side of the railroad track immediately across from the
Chapel Hill Operations center and create a dead end road. He said that he is convinced that
the neighborhood's battles with government dumping on them will continue for as long as he
lives.
Robert Campbell gave a packet of information and said that the information will
establish the connection between with Millhouse Road. He said that although it is based on
lines on maps, the boundaries are not just lines on a map. The social and cultural connection
is what establishes the fellowship that binds communities for generations. He said that even
before the landfill was placed in the community, it has been an extended community. He read
a resolution:
Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association (RENA)
Coalition to End Environmental Racism
Minister Robert Campbell
May 18, 2009
Resolution acknowledging the Rogers-Eubanks and Millhouse Road-Jericho Road
neighborhoods as one extended community.
Whereas, the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and the Orange County Board of
Commissioners have recently discussed consideration of property on Millhouse Road as a
future site of a solid waste transfer station;
Whereas the residents of the Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association (RENA) have
presented the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and the Orange County Board of
Commissioners documentation of their social, cultural, and historical connection with Millhouse
Road as one extended community,
Whereas the residents of the Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association (RENA) have
presented documentation of OWASA having produced water and sewer service cost estimates
for the Historic Rogers-Eubanks Road Community that included the Millhouse Road and New
Jericho Road neighborhoods.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and the
Orange County Board of Commissioners accept the accompanying documents that establish
the connection between the Millhouse Road community and the Rogers-Eubanks Community
as one extended community since before 1972 when the first regional landfill was placed in
their community.
Dale Hammond is a resident on Millhouse Road and he is opposed to a transfer
station on this road. He said that the community has borne the burdens of this County for too
long. He said that the residents were promised that the public transit buses would not be
coming down the road, and they are. He said that they have had the landfill, the animal
shelter, and the Town Operations Center. He asked the Board to remove Millhouse Road from
consideration.
Judy Nunn-Snipes said that she was representing two people that are still alive and
one who is recently deceased — her mother Gertrude Rogers Nunn, Effie Merritt Nunn, and
Julia Blackwell (deceased). She said that this community has been established as one
community and it has never been separate and apart. She said that they have been
encroached upon now and they are now in a war zone. She said that her mother has had to
worry that her home will be taken away from her. Her great-grandfather, Samuel Nunn, owned
this land in the early 1900's. She said that so many of her family members have lost their land
to different operations. She said that this site would add insult to injury to a community that
does not deserve it. She asked the Board to think very seriously before making this
consideration.
A motion was made by Commissioner Yuhasz, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier
to direct staff to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the Town site and report findings at the
June 16th BOCC meeting; confirm staff will continue the COE wetlands determination of Site
056 and to return at the August 18th BOCC meeting with the results, including the Planning
Department decision on the enhanced environmental assessment of the site; and consider a
final decision on the location of the transfer station at the August 18th BOCC meeting.
Commissioner Jacobs asked Gayle Wilson if he was planning to look at the previous
criteria the Board had previously adopted (exclusionary, technical, and community-specific)
and Gayle Wilson said that he would if the Board wishes. Commissioner Jacobs said that it
would be only fair to do this.
Commissioner Jacobs said that if the County does this, it would seem appropriate to
have a community open house for staff to answer questions of the residents in this area about
a transfer station and site, explain the waste centroid, etc.
Laura Blackmon said to add these to the motion. She suggested doing the analysis
first and then doing the community meetings over the summer.
Chair Foushee said that it might help for the public to understand what a preliminary
evaluation means.
Gayle Wilson said that a preliminary evaluation would include:
-Transportation access and traffic compatibility
-Sufficiency of space for roadways, queuing, and parking
-Buffer potential
-Zoning designations and requirements
-Access to utilities
-Carbon footprint
-Environmental protection and identification of environmentally sensitive areas
-Adjacent land uses
-Number of residents impacted
-Historical and cultural impacts
-Cost
-Preparation of a conceptual site plan
-Integration potential with existing Eubanks Road facilities and services
-Millhouse Road community meeting
Commissioner Gordon said that she is concerned about the lateness of this coming
forward and she would like to follow the process that was followed for other sites. She read
part of the technical criteria about the minimum site size. She said it appears that the Town of
Chapel Hill has activated an exception to the 25-acre minimum. She is concerned that
whatever is done that the process be followed. She agreed with evaluating using each of the
criteria.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7. Reports
a. County Wide Archer Pay and Benefits Study Report
The Board considered a report on the Archer Company Pay and Benefits Study and
approving the County Manager's recommendations.
Human Resources Director Michael McGinnis made this PowerPoint presentation.
Pay and Benefits
Study Report
May 19, 2009
Purpose of Study
The outcomes of the study will allow the County to hire and retain the best employees
Process
•Meetings w/ Department Directors
•Employee Meetings
•Conduct Job Analysis on Current Positions
•Position Questionnaire
•Conduct Wage and Salary Survey
•Conduct Formal Job Analysis on Questionnaire Responses
•Development of Job Description
•Development of Salary Structure
Position Classification Study Recommendation
•Implementation of Archer Salary Structure
•All Employees Brought up to the Minimum Level of the Pay Range
—County Salaries 6-8% Below Market Rate
•Create Process to Move Employees to Mid-Point
•Update Job Descriptions
—Reclassify Identified Positions
Social Justice Analysis
•Purpose
— Examine County's Pay Equity for Gender and Race
•Process
—Review Organizational Gender and Race % at Different Salary Rates Compared to County
Population
•Findings
—County is administering Pay Plan equitably for salary and position level.
Benefits Study
•Purpose
—Determine the overall competitiveness of the County Benefits Plans
•Process
—Reviewed Benefit Plans and Compare with Labor Market
•Findings
—County is Competitive with Other Organizations
—Make Small improvements where possible to maintain competitiveness
Staff Recommendations
•Accept the Archer Position Evaluation System for Job Analysis
•Fund the Identified Reclassification
—Funding Cost of $76,513
•Maintain the Current Classification System
•Board funding Annual Reclassifications
—Review 1/3 of Classification Each Year
•Annually Review Social Justice Status
•Maintain Benefit Levels Where Possible
Overall Findings
•Position Classification Study
•Social Justice Study
•Benefits Study
•Staff Recommendations
Laura Blackmon said that doing 1/3 of the reclassifications each year is to be part of
the budget process. In the fall, the Board was given a figure of $4.1 million, and that is not
doable this year. She pointed out that there will need to be some modifications and
modernization in pay grades.
Commissioner Pelissier asked about the last study done in 2004 and if Orange County
was less competitive relative to surrounding governments at that time. She also asked if the
turnover rate was higher or lower now. Michael McGinnis said that right now the turnover is
reduced because of the economic downturn. Compared to surrounding entities, he thinks that
Orange County's turnover rate is lower overall.
Commissioner Gordon said that the issue last time was salary compression. She said
that she thought that the Board would discuss this at a work session and her concern about
the recommendation is that it has budget implications. She suggested just receiving this as
information and not making any budget commitments.
Laura Blackmon said that this is a report and the staff is asking the Board to accept it
and to accept and recognize the Archer recommendations. The only proposal is that every
year the reclassifications will be part of the budget process. It is part of the budget book and
will be discussed at a budget work session.
Commissioner Jacobs asked Michael McGinnis if the Archer Company has done other
studies with other governments and Michael McGinnis said that they provided an extensive list.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he thought the last time the County did a pay and
classification study, the consultant found that neighboring jurisdictions were paying law
enforcement higher, so the County raised its law enforcement salaries, then the other
jurisdictions did a study and raised their law enforcement salaries too. He said that this is like
chasing tails. He said that this strikes him as an endless process that benefits consultants.
Regarding the social justice analysis, Commissioner Jacobs said that it does not seem
that the County is making a dent in hiring Hispanic or handicapped people. He would like to
know what the outreach is regarding this.
Commissioner Jacobs said that the way he read the recommendations as outlined, it
implies a cost. He would not be in favor of accepting this without adopting it. He suggested
adopting it in principle, as outlined, without adopting the numbers.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Chair Foushee to receive
the Archer Company Pay and Benefits Report, receive the Archer recommendations as
outlined in the FY 2009-10 Manager's Recommended Budget, and consider the review of one
third of the County's classifications each year to be presented annually in the Manager's
Recommended Budget, and schedule a work session in September of 2009 to decide about
the details of adopting.
VOTE: Ayes, 5, No, 1 (Commissioner Jacobs — he said that this Board has repeatedly
complained about receiving reports but not adopting them)
(Commissioner Nelson was absent)
b. Presentation of Recommended Fiscal Year 2009-10 Annual Operating
Budget
The Board received the presentation of the Recommended FY 2009-10 Annual
Operating Budget.
County Manager's Recommended 2009-10 Annual Operating Budget
Presentation
Southern Human Services Center, Chapel Hill
Orange County, NC
May 19, 2009
Guiding Principles
•Meets Board directives
•Balances County's operating budget at revenue neutral tax rate
•Funds local school districts at 48.1% of the County's General Fund
•Allows for full year costs of operating new County facilities
•Addresses County priorities such as providing safety net and implementing comprehensive
plan
Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate Effective July 1, 2009
•Recommended tax rate of 85.8 cents per$100 of assessed valuation
•This is the rate that produces the same amount of property tax levy as budgeted in
current year
•Commonly referred to as revenue neutral property tax rate
•Current year tax rate is 99.8 cents per$100 assessed valuation
•One cent on property tax estimated to generate $1,505,352
Proposed Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools District Tax Rate Effective July 1, 2009
•Recommended tax rate of 18.84 cents per$100 of assessed valuation
•Represents revenue neutral property tax rate for District
•Current year tax rate is 23 cents per$100 assessed valuation
•Recommended tax rate will generate $18.7 million
•In addition to monies district will receive from Countywide tax
•One cent on district tax estimated to generate $993,725
Recommended General Fund Budget
•Totals $177.6 million
•Decrease of $5.4 million from original current year budget of $183 million
•Represents 3 percent decrease from previous year original budget
•Budget decreases mean everyone — schools, non-profit agencies, and county departments -
receive less money next year than they received this year
Recommended Funding for Chapel Hill Carrboro City and Orange County Schools
•Total General Fund appropriation totals $85.4 million
•These monies will fund day-to-day operations, repayment of school related debt, and
capital
•Appropriation equals 48.1 percent of total General Fund
•Reflects $3.1 million decrease from current year General Fund appropriation
•Equates to $3,096 per student for each of the 18,898 students in both districts for day-
to-day operating funds
•Reflects decrease of $104 per student compared to current year per pupil
appropriation of $3,200
•In addition, Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools will receive additional $18.7 million from special
district tax
Additional Funding for Local Schools
•In addition to the $85.4 million for operations, debt and capital, recommended budget
allocates $1.7 million to fund non-mandated safety net initiatives for both school districts
•School health nurses - $617,782
•School resource officers and social workers for Orange County Schools - $1,072,000
Funded County Initiatives
•Funds full year operating costs of new facilities
.Examples include parks, senior center, County Library, and Animal Services Facility
•Allows for Board priorities
•Provides safety net to assist those facing economic challenges such as job loss
•Food, shelter and medical services
•Covers increased costs of mandates and debt service
•Continues financial support for Orange County Campus of Durham Technical Community
College
Examples of Recommended Changes in County Services
.Library Services
.Reduce hours at Main Library in Hillsborough
.Close Cedar Grove and Carrboro McDougle Library
.Reassign staff from those libraries to new Main Library
.Solid Waste Convenience Centers
.Reduce hours at all centers
.Close Bradshaw Quarry Road center
.Other Discontinued Programs
.Refugee Health Assessment
.HIV Community Testing
.Wheels to Work
.Recreation programs such as Community Theatre, Jazz and Gospel Festivals, and
instructional classes
.County day care match for County employees
.Organizational Changes
.Staff reassignments
.Leave vacant positions unfilled for 12 months
.Discontinue employment of interns for special projects
.Reduced travel, advertising and duplicating
.During June 4 and 9 work sessions, Commissioners will discuss operational impacts of
reducing tax rate below revenue neutral rate
Public Hearings and Work Sessions (All Meetings Begin at 7:00 p.m.)
Document Availability
•Clerk to Board of Commissioners
•County Budget Office
•Orange County Library
•Chapel Hill Public Library
•Carrboro/McDougle Branch Library
•Cybrary, Carrboro
•Cedar Grove Branch Library
•Orange County Website
•www.co.orange.nc.us
Commissioner Gordon made reference to the handout, "Additional Funding for Local
Schools" and asked how this relates to fair funding. She asked if fair funding was in addition
to this and Donna Coffey said yes, it is included in the $85.4 million and is about $988,000.
Laura Blackmon said that this should be listed separately.
Commissioner Gordon asked that the agendas be sent out as soon as possible with
the decision points.
Commissioner Hemminger said to list all of the facilities on the PowerPoint. She said
that she would like to see the debt service broken out in a separate line.
Commissioner Jacobs said this is the one opportunity to educate the public. He said
that at the budget public hearings there will have to be more detail. He said that the extra
funds and the accomplishments need to be highlighted for the public because the budget is
not as bad as it was originally thought. He suggested listing the facilities and operation costs
as well as the fact that the 401(k) will be reduced.
8. Board Comments
9. County Manager's Report
10. Appointments
a. Alcoholic Beverage Control Board — New Appointment
The Board considered making a new appointment to the Alcoholic Beverage Control
Board.
A motion was made Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to
appoint William Crowther to a first full term ending June 30, 2012.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Human Relations Commission — New Appointments
The Board considered making new appointments to the Human Relations Commission.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
appoint James O. Anderson, Andrew Davenport, Lori Lumpkin, Marty Rosenbluth, and Alicia
Mitchell.
Commissioner Jacobs volunteered to be the liaison.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Orange Unified Transportation Board — New Appointments
The Board considered making new appointments to the Orange Unified Transportation
Board.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
appoint Leo Allison to Position #2 (Cheeks Township) with an expiration date of September 30,
2010; Jeff Charles to Position #12 (Bicycle Transportation Advocate) with an expiration date of
September 30, 2011; and Amy Cole to Position #14 (Transit Advocate) with an expiration date
of September 30, 2010.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
d. Transportation Services Board — New Appointment
The Board considered making a new appointment to the Transportation Services
Board.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier
to appoint Dr. Dawn Brezina with an expiration date of March 31, 2010.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
11. Information Items-NONE
12. Closed Session
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner
Hemminger to adjourn to closed session at 10:31 pm for the purpose of:
"Pursuant to G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(3) "to consult with an attorney retained by the Board in
order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the Board, in the case
of Orange County Rescue Squad, Inc. vs. County of Orange and Colonel F. Rojas Montes de
Oca, Jr., Orange County Emergency Services Director."
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger
to reconvene into regular session at 11:40 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
13. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner
Hemminger to adjourn the meeting at 11:45 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Valerie Foushee, Chair
Donna S. Baker, CMC
Clerk to the Board