HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19780103~.
MINUTES -`
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JANUARY 3, 1978
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, January 3,
1978, at 10:00 a,m., in the Commissioners' Room of the Courthoues in
Hillsborough, N, C,
Persons present were Chairman Richard Whitted, Commissioners Norman
Gustaveson, Jan Pinney, Norman Walker, and Donald Willhoit.
Staff personnel present were 5. M, Gattis, County Manager, Neal Evans,
County Finance Director, Geoffrey Gledhill, County Attorney and Agatha
Johnson, Clerk to the Board.
The Chairman referred to Item 1 on the agenda: Persons not on this
agenda having business to'transact with the Board should make their pre-
sence known in order that an appropriate time might be arranged.
No one came forth.
The Chairman asked if members of the Board wished to add any items to
the written agenda. Items added are;
The scheduling of a work session and the scheduling of a meeting
with the Chapel Hill School Board.
Discussion of policies which the Health Board is proposing concerning
alternative septic systems.
Ttem 2: Minutes of the Board meetings held November 28, Decembei 5,
and December $, 1977.
the Nove~ert28n 1977ominutesnwerelapprOVeaconded by Commissioner Gustaveson,
Upon motion of. Commissioner Gustaveson, seconded by Commissioner
Willhoit, the December 5, 1977 minutes were approved,
Upon motion of Commissioner Gustaveson, seconded by Commissioner
Whitted, the December 8, 1977 minutes were approved,
Item 4: A review of the progress to date toward developing a County
Energy Conservation Program by Jae Bradshaw and Item 5: The Manager recom-
mends developing a contract with Integrated Energy Systems to perform cer-
twin energy conservation wozk and to add an energy conservation person to
the County staff.
The Chairman recognized Joe Bradshaw, Mr. $radshaw stated that the
staff felt the Orange County Energy Program should have a duel focus.
(1) The staff recommends the County enter into a contract with Integrated
Energy Systems of Chapel Hill to.perform the following functions through
grant monies already received: a) Conduct an energy conservation
tailored to individual departments of Government, b program
sentation for building inspectors concerning the new Statec$uilding1Code~e~
c) Review new facility plans to insure cost effectiveness and energy
efficiency of proposed structures,
Hill), d) Implementation of an ener(for the County and the Town of Chapel
Town .buildings, e) Monitoring of a1lyCountynandgTowntBuildings andnmaking
recommendations for conservation of energy, f) Setting up an energy re-
source library for the County and Town's use, g) The firm would be used for
the implementation of the above listed projects with the hiring of an energy
coordinator. The second part of the duel focus is the hiring of an energy
coordinator as a less skilled position than originally thought. It was
suggested that an in-house person be placed in this position to ovezsee all
of the above projects and to work with Integrated Energy Systems with the
idea that after the work with the firm is completed, this person will have
the capability to maintain the programs which the firm has designed. Mr.
Bradshaw stated that Integrated Energy Systems is the only firm in this area
which specializes in energy conservation. The County and Town of Chapel Hill;
have received a grant from the State in the amount of $g
energy conservation. There is same monies appropriated inOthisr use in
get for the hiring of an energy officer, however, additional stateafunding
will be sought to help fund an energy coordinator.
4 ~ ~l
Upon motion of Commissioner Gustaveson, seconded by Cammissa.oner
Willhoit, it was moved and adopted to approve the recommendation of the
staff to enter into a contract with Integrated Energy Systems and the hir-
ing of an energy coordinator to work with Integrated Energy Systems in
developing an Energy Program for Orange County.
Commissioner Willhoit expressed his desire for the County to employ a
staff engineer to look at long term planning.
Mr. $radshaw was requested to forward to the Board a copy of his pre-
sentation of the proposal of Integrated Energy Systems.
Commissioner Gustaveson stated that the County should start moving on
establishing an Energy Commission to work with the area schools in con-
serving energy.
The contract with Integrated Energy Systems will be signed at the
January 17, 1978 meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
The County Manager asked the Board to hear the report of the Social
Services Director concerning the General Assistance Fund of that agency.
Mr. Ward informed the Soard that the General Assistance expenditures
for the month of December, ].977 was $1,618.89. The Social Services Board
had projected an expenditures of $1,5D0.
Item 3: Representatives of the State Department of Natural and Economic
Resources will review a draft of the Water Framework 5tudy~that is presently
under consideration by that agency.
The County Manager introduced to the Soard Messrs, John Wray, John_
5outherland and other members of Mr. Wray's staff.
Mx. Wray stated the study would be submitted to the various Boards and
Commissions':of the State and hopefully would be adopted by executive order
of the Governor to be used by various agencies around the State in dealing
with water resources problems. A number of recommendations in the Study
will go through the General ASsembly.
The study is proposed to be State policy for water resources through
the years of 1990. The study contains problems, constrains, additions, and
opportunities of various subjects under water resources. The study speaks
of alternative courses of action in attempting to meet three objectives:
1) Economic Development, 2) Environmental Quality, and 3) Mixed Objectives.
If the Governor choses to adopt the study, the document will become the North
Carolina Water Resources Framework Plan and will be updated annually.
Specifically in Orange County, the Study will speak of the transfer of
water from one river basin to another, the potential of development due to
the Interstate Highways, the possibility of paying more for water in 15 to
20 years than Orange County is paying now, since water will not be available
and look at this in terms o f future growth fox the County.
The representatives from the Department of Natural and Economic Re-
sources presented to the Board a slide and tape presentation of the Water
Resources Framework Study.
Maps of Orange County were shown with three Economic Development pro-
jects proposed for Northern Orange County: 1) A~proposed reservoir on the
upper Eno River, 2) Seven Mile Creek project and 3) A floodway system along
streams in Northern Orange County.
The Environmental S?uality map projected preservation areas along the
Eno River and along the floodplain in the County.
The Mixed objective maps, which contained a balance between economic
and environmental considerations, included all projects except the project
on the upper Eno. This project was excluded because rationale was that
Seven Mile Creek would be sufficient as a water source for Northern Orange
through the year 1990.
Cane Creek Reservoir is shown as an alternative water source for
Chapel Hi11-Carrboro area on the Economic Development plan, Also shown
is a regional water-sewer system for Chapel Hill-Carrboro tied into Durham.
The Haw River is shown as a natural and scenic river under the Environmental
areastyareashownkinatheeurban areaslalongyspre~s ofrChapelsHill praserved
and Durham. rrboro
All projects for Southern Orange are carried forward for the mixed
objectives.
Discussion ensued among members of the Board and the representatives
from the State. Mr. Wray pointed out that water resource sites needed to
be preserved for future use. He stated that after the State initiates the
Capacity Use Study, Orange County could expect some planning assistance.
The Environmental Management Division determines the priorities in the State.
The Chairman expressed the Hoard's appreciation to Mr. Wray and his
staff for attending the meeting.
The Hoard of Commissioners broke for lunch at this point in the meeting.
Item 6: The Manager recommends the County lease new office space in
the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area in which the Drivers License Examiner can
operate. The agenda attachment stated that effective January 1, 1978,
there will be new licensing requirements for persons operating motorcycles.
The present location of the Drivers License Examiner does not have facilities
for proper outside testing of these persons. Anew location has been found
which is suitable for such testing, at a cost oc $600 per month. There is
a possibility of receiving some of the rent monies from the Town of Chapel
Hill and Carrboro, and after July 1, 1978, the Department of Motor Vehicles
feel it will have some funds available to pay a portion of the rent. In
addition to rent increase, the County is faced with utilities as well as
remodeling or clean up cost. The possibility exist that the County may sub-
lease some space in this facility to the Section Eight Housing Office.
The County Manager informed the Board that Commissioner Pinney had
obtained permission from the Division of Motor Vehicles to allow the station
to remain in its present location for a short period of time.
sons mightlinvestigateethedpossibilityrofnothermavailableospace inatf per-
Chapel Hill-Carrboro area. he
Item 8: Appointments:
A- Mr. John Woodson's term on the Orange-Person-Chatham Area Mental
Health Board has expired. Mr. G7oodson is filling the required Attorney's
position on this board.
Upon motion of Commissioner Gustavesan, seconded by Commissioner
Willhoit, it was moved and adopted to reappoint John Woodson to the Area
Mental Health Board. The Clerk was requested to inform Mr. Woodson and
Mr. Baxter, Area Director.
Item 7: The County Attorney will propose a County "Insulation
Ordinance".
Mr. Gledhill, County Attorney provided the Board with an explanation
to questions raised at a previous meeting. (1) the question regarding the
licensing and inspection of insulation being installed in pre-existing
structures. Th.e Attorney stated the Ordinance does include pre-existing
structures providing the insulation is being done by a third person. If
the work is being done by the owner, there is an exemption. An Insulation
Permit is needed for any third person performing the work. (2) A question
was raised by the Building Inspector as to whether or not power on new
statedutheoproblemeseemeddtonbeeenforcementtand he recommendedMthaCledhill
Board take no action at this time, t the
The County Attorney recommended that one section be added to the
Ordinance relative to insulation installation not designed to meet the
State Building Code. The new section states that all sales contracts
executed for installation within the County shall contain a provision that
the work meets the requirements of the State Building Code.
Commissioner Gustaveson suggested that the disclosure information be
enlarged upon.
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The Attorney stated that the Board needed to decide what to include in
the application, what the license fee should k~e set at, whether or not a
bond is required. Further discussion ensued,
The County Manager was requested to work with the Acting Planning
Director to investigate what other local municipalities have done in rela-
tion to this prdinance, the application and the fee schedule.
The County Attorney was requested to check the various types of bonds
and what the bands cover. The Attorney will then resubmit the refined
Ordinance to the Commissioners prior to the January 17, 1978 meeting.
Item 9: Will the Board consider filing a Community Development Grant
Application for the calendar year 1975?
Chairman Whined explained to members of the Board the results of a
recent meeting with Mayor Cates and Mr. Fairley, a representative from HUD.
He stated it was the Town of Hillsborough's plan to apply for funds through
HUD to complete the sewer lines far Northern Fairview, however, after touring
the Northern Fairview area, Mr. Fairley stated he felt the County would stand
a better chance of being funded for the project than the Town of Hillsborough.
The Town of Hillsborough has submitted an application for an amendment to
their 1975 Community Aevelopment grant, which would provide funding for an
area south of the ridge, but would not extend any further north of the ridge
where some of the problems exist.
Teh Chairman asked Jerry Robinson; Health Director for the County, to
comment on his recent survey of the Northern Fairview area. Mr. Robinson
cited several problems which exist and potential health problems that might
evolve if the sewer situation is not taken care of.
Mr. Whined informed the Board that should the County apply for the
C/D Grant, work on the sewer project would not begin until the late winter
or early Spring of 1979. If the Town of Hillsborough does the project,
work could be completed within 30 to 90 days. He stated that he feels the
Town would attempt to do the project with some financial assistance from
the County. He added that the problem is bigger.thari just Northern Fairview,
but is a potential problem for all of Orange County, He suggested that the
Board proceed with the assumption that the project needs to be done and to
seek the services of a consultant firm to prepare a Community Development
application far 1978.
The consensus of the Board was to proceed with the hiring of a con-
sultant for filing a 1978 Community Development application and to continue
discussions with the Town of Hillsborough to find a solution to the immedi-
ate situation in the Northern Fairview area.
The Health Director was requested to send to members of the Board, a
copy of his findings in the Northern Fairview area and the proposed policies
for alternative septic systems.
Item 11: Plats for consideration.
A. Final plat of Greenbriar Estates - This plat of property situated
off State Road 1710 in Eno Township proposes the subdivision of 24 acres
into 6 tracts. Plat approval initially given in August, was based upon
acquisition from the railroad of a private grade crossing. This permit from
the railroad was denied. The plat is being resubmitted with a new access
into the development. The Flanning Board has approved the plat subject to
the following stipulations:
1) Site distance as defined in. the Subdivision Ordinance be acc{uired
at the intersection of the subdivision street with the a treet in
Whispering Pines Subdivision.
2) That parts of Lot 3 remaining after development of the access road
be combined into Lot 2,
3) A maintenance agreement reflecting the new access pictuze be
developed.
Discussion ensued concerning the access road proposed for the subdivision.
Commissioner Gustaveson moved that the plat be approved on the condi-
tion that the entrance and exit of the grade crossing of the railroad be
closed. Commissioner Willhoit seconded the motion.
c..
Commissioner Walker suggested that this condition not be placed on the ~
approval of this plat, but that the property owner be given an opportunity
to present his case to the Board. This plat was then deferred until such
time as the owner of the property can be present at the Commissioners meeting.
B. W. C. Freeland Heirs: Preliminary approval of this subdivision
fronting on new N. C. 86 in Chapel Hill Township was granted in February,
1977, subject to several stipulations that have now been met. Further
analysis by the Health Department indicates Lot 3, does not meet minimum
standards far septic tank construction. The Planning Board recommends the
subdivision be approved subject the the following condition:
The Lot 3 be labeled on the subdivision plat as follows -
"...of restricted development potential because of unsuitability
for subsurface soil absorption sewage disposal."
Upon motion of Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissionnr Pinney,
it was moved and adopted to approve the final plat of W. C. Freeland Heirs,
with the condition that Lot 3 be so labeled as indicated.
C. Rollingwood, Section 5: This subdivision situated off State Road
1194 in Chapel Hill Township proposes the division of a 12 acre tract into
10 lots. Final plat approval was granted in 1973, however, the plat was
not recorded. T~7t1en resubmitted, the plat was referred to the Health Depart-
ment, and that department has declined to approve Lots 52, 53, and 54 for
subsurface sewage disposal. The Planning Board recommends the subdivision
be approved subject to the following conditions:
That Lots 52,53, and 54 be marked, "...of restricted development
potential because of unsuitability for subsurface soil absorption sewage
disposal" on the final plat.
Eddie Kirk, from the Planning staff, informed the Board that the
Erosion Control Officer had recommended that a 50 foot undisturbed buffer
be observed on either side of the stream on the north side of the property.
The developer of the property stated that on previous sections of this sub-
. division the road had dead-end into the stream.
Commissioner Gustaveson expressed his concern with the situation of
the proposed road and then moved that this plat be referred back to the
Planning Board with the recommendation that the suggestions of the Erosion
Control Officer be incorporated into the design of the plat and that another
look be taken at the design of the road. Commissioner Willhoit seconded
the motion of Commissioner Gustaveson and all members of the Board voted a_ye
on the motion. The motion was declared passed.
D. Timberlyne: This plat subdividing land North of Eastwood Lake was
originally approved in 1976. At that time, the subdivision was to be deve-
loped on septic tanks. Anew plat of the same property has beery prepared
creating one new cul-de-sac, adding 29 new lots by reducing lot size and
changing the subdivision from septic tank to sewer. The Planning Board re-
commends subdivision approval conditioned unone
1) The few lots not meeting minimum frontage requirements of the
Subdivisien Ordinance be redrawn to meet this minimum.
2) That requirements imposed by Orange Water Sewer Authority to
secure sewer service be met.
Commissioner Willhoit moved that the plat be referred back to the
Chapel Hi11 Planning Board far their review. There was further discussion
on the revised plat.
This motion died for lack of a second.
The consensus of the Board was that this plat be returned to the
Chapel Hi11 Planning Board for their review since the plat had been revised.
The County Planning Board should also review the plat as well as the Fire
Department in the area of the property, The plat should then be resubmitted
for preliminary approval.
Commissioner Walker requested permission to be excused from the
remainder of the meeting. This permission was granted by the Chairman.
E. Stoneridge: This plat proposes the subdivision of 453 acres near
the intersection of State Raod 1730 and 1731 in Chapel Hi11 Township. The
Planning Board recommends the preliminary plat be approved subject to the
following conditions:
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1) Recreation areas must be provided, one of which must be at
least eight acres in size.
z) Lots along the northern end of Longwood Road must be at least
two acres in size.
3) A buffer zone must be provided along New Hope Creek.
4) All lots must meet minimum Health Department standards.
5) Drainage easements. must be established where the Erosion
Control Officer deems necessary.
6) A11 flag lots must be rearranged to avoid crossing drainage
areas in the four acre lot section.
Hal Minis, Acting Planning Director, stated this subdivision will be
developed in phases, however, it is being presented as a whole in order to
give the Commissioners an idea of the entire subdivision. Phase I will be
4 acre lots and lots which do not meet the Health Department standards
will be combined into 8 acre lots. Some testing has been done by the
Health Department, however, a lot by lot test cannot be made until all the
lot lines are laid. Mr. Minis stated that 80 percent of the lots in Phase
I have a greater then SO percent chance of Health Department approval as
indicated by a map which was presented. The subdivision has been reviewed
by the New Hope Fire Department in relation to the road network. Some roads
have been changed to a higher plain to protect streams in the area. A
community water system has been approved by OWASA. Storm water drainage
easement have also been pointed out and wil'1 be indicated on the final plat.
Mr. Fred White, Director of Duke Forest, stated to the Board that the
subdivision showed careful and conservative planning and will result in
less impact upon Duke Forest than might result from other less carefully
drawn and higher density plans.
Discussion ensued concerning the green belt proposed for the Duke
Forest area. Commissioner Willhoit stated that the lot size proposed dces
not meet his idea of a green belt area.
Commissioner Gustaveosn expressed his concern for the social impact
on the area. He stated he felt this was not good planning for the future
conservation of energy.
Commissioner Willhoit moved that the approval of this plat be denied
due to the lack of a design for a green belt area.
Further discussion ensued. The Chairman declared the motion died for
lack of a second.
Commissioner Willhoit then moved that the Phase S, four-acre section be
approved and that the developer work with the Planning Staff to combine lots
to achieve a green belt .appearance. This motion was seconded by Commissioner
Gustaveson.
Chairman Whitted stated he did not understand the second part of the
motion since guidelines had not been established for a green belt area.
Commissioner Willhoit withdrew his motion.
Commissioner Pinney then moved to approve Phase I of Stoneridge and
that the Developer work on Phase II to combine lots where necessary on
Whitfield Road. Approval is to be granted subject to the six conditions
previously set forth and subject to the Restrictive Covenants prohibiting
further subdivision of lots adjacent to Duke Forest. Commissioner Whined
seconded the motion.
Commissioner Willhoit asked that the motion be amended to include that
a 100 foot undisturbed buffer along Whitfield Road be provided.
Commissioner Pinney agreed to the amendment.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion, and all members of the
Board voted aye. The motion was declared passed.
Ttem 10: Dr. Sarah Dent discussing sponsorship of the Orange County
Rescue Squad by Duke University Medical Center.
The Chairman recognized Dr. Dent, who explained to the Board that in
order for nuke Medical Center to sponsor the Orange County Resuce Service,
Error and Ommission Liability Insurance coverage must be acquired. She
asked that the Board a '~ '{
that the Board a ro PPr°Przate the necessary funds for this coverage and
used by the Rescue Squadte Thastcostlwasninadvertentlyoleftfoutdofatheorms
Orange County Rescue budget for 1977-78. The total appropriation requested
is $1,655.
Mr. Whitte$ explained that this policy will cover the volunteer on
the Rescue Squad, while Duke University's policy will cover all Duke employ-
ees.
Commissioner Gustaveson stated he felt this matter should be brought
before the F.MS Council, and that all Rescue Squads in the County should ha
identical coverage,
ve
Discussion ensued. The County Attorney asked Dr. Dent tp check with
the Chapel Hi11 Insurance Company to see if the County is listed as a Co-
Insurer on the policy, and if this adds additional cost to the coverage.
tTpon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded b
it was moved and adopted to appropriate $1,655 fromythe~ontingencyrFundlto
the Orange County-Rescue Squad for the Errors and Ommissions Insurance and
for medical forms used by the Rescue Squad.
(For copy of budget amendment, see page 448 of this book)
Dr. Dent assured the Board that matters such as these will be presented ;
to the EMS Council in the future.
the County Manager to lease new office space
in thetChapel Hi1lmCarrboronarea in which the Driver'
locate. This item was discussed earlier in the meetin License Examiner can
quested that telephone calls be made in the area to attemptdtohloca~edoffice I
space at a cheaper rate.
i
The County Manager informed the Board that a cheek had been made and
two locations had been found however both were at a
' higher rate of rent.
Upon motion of Commissioner Pinne _
it was moved and adapted to appropriate~$300ofrom theCCo tingency Fundhonta i
month to month basis until July, 1978 for the lease of office space fox the
Drivers License Examiner, The County Manager was requested tv investigate
the possibility of Section Eight locating in this building, and assuming
some of the cost of the rent.
(For copy of budget amendment, see page 448 of this book)
The Chairman asked the Board to dis
January. Meetings scheduled are: ,7anuaryslp,ne1978g dates for the month of
Commissioners' Room of the Courthouse, a special meetin30to la in the
ties for the coming months. January 17th, regular Commissioners'
January 18th, meetin Y out priari-
Squad Building in Hillsborough ata7g~~County Rescue S meeting,
regular fourth.Manday night Commissioners' meetin quad at the Rescue
P-m• January 23, 1978 is the
2:00 P-m. has been scheduled as a meeting with the ChapeluHi114and9Orant
County School Boards.
ge
Pro'eChe Chairman asked the Board for au
7 t Cost form which had tharization to si n an
sion in regard to the EmergencyngheltereHomeoFacilitr~m1na1 Justice Commisof
authorized to sign the form, Y- The Chairman was so
Upon motion of Commissioner Gustaveson, seconded by Commissioner
Willhoit, it was moved and adopted tv go into executive session to consider
two civil matters presently in litigation.
Executive session ensued.
Following the executive session,
the meeting w ad'vurned.
is and itte Chairman
Agatha Johnson, Clerk
r'. ~- ,
• ORAPJGE COUNTY
1977--78 BUDGET ORDIPJAPJCE
AJ~IE~dD?~1(:PlT
The 1977-78 Budget Ordinance of Orange County as adopted on ,tune 22, 1977, and.
subsequently amended, is hereby amended as follows:
Change the appropriation for the follo-ving•line items in the funds indicated:
INCREASE
FUND - ITEM (DECREASE) TO TOTAL
General Fund
Public Safety
EMS- Orange Co. Rescue Squad 1,655 64,955
Pu61ic Works
Bldgs. & Rents- Rents 1 800 17,$00
Contingency (3,455) 124,083
Change the revenues and fund balances estimated to be available to meet the .
~ foregoing appropriations in the funds indicated:
FUND -RESOURCE INCREASE
(DECREASE TO TOTAL
Adopted this the 3rd day of January, 1978
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