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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20090915 APPROVED 10/20/2009 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING September 15, 2009 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Valerie P. Foushee, and Commissioners Alice M. Gordon, Barry Jacobs, Pam Hemminger, Mike Nelson, Bernadette Pelissier, and Steve Yuhasz COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: Interim County Manager Frank Clifton, Assistant County Managers Willie Best and Gwen Harvey, and Deputy Clerk to the Board David Hunt (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 Commissioner Jacobs said that the County is sponsoring a meeting on September 20th of the Solid Waste Working Group, which will make its final recommendations about a number of things, such as rural collection and pay-as-you-throw. He suggested that the Board discuss tonight deferring the closing of any convenience centers until the Board receives that report. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to add to the discussion the deferral of closing any convenience centers until the Board of County Commissioners receives the report from the Solid Waste Working Group on October 201h VOTE: UNANIMOUS (Commissioner Hemminger and Commissioner Nelson had still not arrived) Commissioner Jacobs said that he would suggest placing this on the decision agenda, item 6-a. Chair Foushee made reference to the Assembly of Governments and said that the Board should discuss the planning for this meeting. This is scheduled for the 24th and Mayor Foy has a problem with this date. Commissioner Yuhasz said that he received an email from a Carrboro Alderman that all Thursdays may be a problem. Commissioner Jacobs said that the Library Services Director will not be available on October 29th and the only issue is to discuss the libraries. He respectfully requested to keep the AOG meeting on September 241h Commissioner Jacobs said that he has a great amount of respect for Mayor Foy, but when it is three boards plus perhaps Hillsborough, he does not want to move a meeting for one or two elected officials and not have the Library Services Director present. Commissioner Hemminger arrived at 7:08 pm. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to keep the Assembly of Governments meeting as scheduled on September 241h VOTE: UNANIMOUS (Commissioner Nelson absent) A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to cancel the JPA meeting on October 291h, since there are no agenda items. Commissioner Jacobs asked the Manager when the Board was going to meet with Alamance County about the Orange/Alamance County line. Frank Clifton said that October 29th could be reserved. Commissioner Gordon withdrew her motion. Chair Foushee reviewed items at the County Commissioners' places. There was an email message from Frank Clifton; a PowerPoint presentation related to item 3-d, New County Website; a pink sheet related to item 4-a, Minutes; a yellow sheet related to item 4-n, Adoption of BOCC Goals and Priorities; and a list of grants recipients. PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Bridget Booher is President of the Friends of Orange County Library and she read a resolution. FRIENDS OF ORANGE COUNTY PUBILC LIBRARY RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has long recognized the vital role that libraries play in the life of a community, and WHEREAS the BOCC, in the midst of difficult economic challenges, has preserved and enhanced library services by keeping all branch libraries open, approving additional professional library staff positions, and committing to raising the per capita expenditures for county libraries to at or above the state level: THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Friends of the Orange County Public Library express its sincere gratitude and appreciation for the Board of Commissioners' enduring commitment to supporting library services for all Orange County citizens. Earl McKee spoke on the RFP for the Fire and Rescue Study. He said that it is his understanding that the fire and rescue study has been released to bids. The RFP is for the first of three phases and the actual cost of this phase will be determined by the winning bid. The estimates have been around $50,000. He said that he continues to oppose this study for several reasons. First, the proposal is not all-inclusive because it does not include all agencies dealing with fire and rescue, both public and private. He said that any study of emergency service delivery should include all involved at the time of the 911 call until the incident is concluded. He questions the reasons and/or motives of this study because of those that are excluded. Secondly, he does not understand the rationale for doing this in three parts. Several years ago a similar study was conducted and this now sits on a shelf, unused. If the cost of the entire study is too great an expense at this time, then he would suggest that any expenditure is also too large to attempt at this time. A major point in his opposition to the proposal is that this is a time when Orange County finds itself unable to keep a waste collection site in the southern part of the County open, institutes a hiring freeze, and cuts Library Services and other services, and he cannot understand how this expenditure can be justified. He respectfully requested that the funds for this study be redirected to Solid Waste in order to keep the convenience center open and any additional funds be directed to Library Services or other services that directly affect the taxpayers. He asked that the bids be rejected as per Section B of the RFP. Commissioner Nelson arrived at 7:16 PM . Nancy Burger said that she is seeking some justice. She has lost a dog that was stolen from a residence. She is having a hard time dealing with the Sheriff's Department in retrieving this dog. She said that she has everything necessary to retrieve the dog and she is at her wits end. John Roberts said that he has talked to Ms. Burger in his office and he told her that he would address this with the Sheriff. Nancy Burger said that when she talked with John Roberts, he assured her that he could not do anything since he was representing the Sherriff and that, if everything that she said was true, that she could sue the Sheriff. She said that she has no desire to sue the Sheriff. She just wants her dog back. Chair Foushee asked Ms. Burger to give her information to the Clerk and then John Roberts will call her in a couple of days. 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 a. Orange County Arts Grant Recipients The Board presented checks to local organizations receiving 2009 Orange County Arts Grants. Martha Shannon with the Orange County Arts Commission thanked the Board of Commissioners for their continued support for the arts in Orange County. The Arts Commission was able to grant 22 applications with this state money. Spring, 2009 OCAC Arts Grant Recipients Grant Recipient Attendees ArtsCenter- Jeri Lynn Schulke ArtsCenter Stage - Emily Ranii and Ed Camp Carrboro, Town of/Carrboro Film Festival - Selena Lauterer Carrboro, Town of/Carrboro Music Festival - Gerry Williams Carrboro, Town of/West End Poetry Festival - Kim Andrews Deep Dish Theater Company - Devra Thomas Efland-Cheeks/Central/Grady Brown Elementary Schools Coalition Victoria Frisch Ephesus Road Elementary School PTA - NOT AVAILABLE Estes Hills Elementary School PTA - Beverley Tyndall & Jill Greeson Frank Porter Graham Elementary School PTA - Gretta Hurwitz Grady A. Brown Elementary School - Gwyn Esch Hillsborough Arts Council - Tinka Jordy McDougle Elementary School PTA - Michele Melet Morris Grove Elementary School PTA - Lois Reid Morris Grove Elementary School PTA - Melissa Morrison Music Maker Relief Foundation - Denise Duffy North Carolina Arts in Action - Lisa Van Deman Orange Charter School - Play Makers Repertory Company - C.W. Stanford Middle School - Jessica Sattler& James Groski b. Recognition of Pink Campaign Sponsors The Board recognized local business partners who were major contributors with donations of money, goods, or services to promote Breast Cancer Awareness through the Emergency Services Pink Campaign. Emergency Services Director Frank Montes de Oca said that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and EMS has decided to be more visible. He said that there has been a team that has put together this campaign — Doris Cecil, Kim Butler, Kim Woodward, and Lori Buche. Through the month of October, the field staff and the staff at headquarters will be wearing pink in some form. He said that a lot of businesses in the community donated services, funds, and products to total about $3,000 so that no County funds would be spent. He recognized these businesses: Total Exposures — hats and design work Eurosport— shirts and logos PHE, Inc. - $1,000 donation Carolina Recording Systems - $250 donation Mincy's Graphics — logos on staff vehicles c. Orange County Comprehensive Transportation Plan The Board received a presentation from North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Transportation Planning staff, Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization staff and Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro (DCHC) Metropolitan Planning Organization staff on the Orange County Comprehensive Transportation Plan and considered approving the timeline for the process and the proposed survey. Karen Lincoln summarized this item. She said that the Comprehensive Transportation Plan is a coordinated effort between Orange County, North Carolina Department of Transportation, DCHC Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization. She recognized the representatives of these agencies: Sara Ezzell and Scott Walson from NCDOT; Andy Henry from the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization; and Paul Black from the Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization. She said that the timeline and survey were developed in coordination with the Orange Unified Transportation Board and Sam Lasris was also in attendance. Sara Ezzell made the PowerPoint presentation. Orange County Comprehensive Transportation Plan Previous Transportation Planning in Study Area - Orange County Thoroughfare Plan — study completed in 1990, but never adopted - Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro MPO is currently working on a study for their area, which includes the municipalities of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough o We are coordinating with the DCHC study What is a CTP? - A long-range multi-modal transportation plan - Developed cooperatively with NCDOT, the local planning organizations, and representatives from the county and its municipalities - Emphasizes incorporating local land use plans and community goals - Adopted at 3 levels — local (county/municipalities), regional (MPO/RPO), and state (NCDOT) How is a CTP used in an RPO? Projects would be selected from a CTP for inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) - The CTP has a 25-30 year time span and is not fiscally constrained - TIP is a 7-year planning document and funding schedule, adopted by NCDOT Board of Transportation o Please note —this process is currently being modified How is a CTP used in an MPO? Projects would be selected from a CTP for inclusion in the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), then further selected for inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) - Adds LRTP into the same process as with an RPO - The LRTP is the fiscally constrained portion of the CTP, has a minimum 20-year time span, and is adopted by the MPO's Transportation Advisory Committee o Please note —this process is currently being modified Components of a CTP - Emphasis on multi-modal o Highway o Public Transportation and Rail o Bicycle and Pedestrian (ex. Greenways such as Mountains to the Sea Trail) - Map set and written report - Recommendations o Existing, Needs Improvement, Recommended - Highway Categories o Freeways, Expressways, Boulevards, other major thoroughfares, minor thoroughfares (see end of presentation for detailed information) - Strategic Highway Corridors o Ultimate vision for maintaining statewide mobility— specifically identifies the desired facility type for each corridor o Impact on our study area: 1-40/1-85 — Freeway o NC 86 — upgrade to expressway Benefits of a CTP - Common, cohesive future transportation vision among the county, its municipalities, NCDOT, and the planning organizations - Emphasis on incorporation of local priorities, local land use plans, community goals, and statewide goals (Strategic Highway Corridors) - Customer-friendly documentation - Emphasis on multiple modes of transportation eases travel demand and allows travelers more choices - Well-informed public - Corridor protection for future growth needs Progress/Next Steps - Committee progress o Vision Statement/Goals and Objectives o Modeled Roadways map o Public survey and distribution plan • Currently: public awareness meeting plans • Currently: data collection and projection • Next committee meeting — September 16 - Items o Public survey • Go-Live date of September 16, pending approval • Open through October 31 - Timeline o Public awareness meeting Orange County CTP Website: http://www.ncdot.org/doh/preconstruct/tpb/planning/orangecounty.html Commissioner Gordon thanked all for coming out. She made reference to page 8 and the Task Timeline. Under DCHC MPO, the 41h bullet should say Transportation Advisory Committee and not Transportation Advisory Board. Also, regarding the last section, Endorse/Adopt final plan, she said that her understanding is that the DCHC MPO endorses the Orange County portion inside the MPO and then as a courtesy they also endorse or concur with the RPO. Also, TARPO endorses the CTP but gives a courtesy endorsement for the part inside the MPO. She said that the way it is written needs to be changed. She suggested adding, "DCHC MPO adopts Orange County CTP (area inside MPO)" as the second bullet and then all the other bullets will be pushed down. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the survey on page 13 and said that she had a tweak. She said that the four most common names are Smith, Jones, Johnson, and Williams. She said that the thing about "Smith" is that it is very close to the name of a road that actually exists. She suggested leaving out Smith and substituting Williams or another common name. Commissioner Gordon made reference to page 14, #11 and suggested that it say, "do not make NC 86 an expressway." Commissioner Gordon made reference to Attachment 4 on page 20 and said to change adoption from 2009 to 2010. Commissioner Jacobs said that if DOT is really trying to make the process transparent, then the less "planningese" and "transportationese" is used when it is presented to the public, the more likely it will be a transparent process. He said that there are so many acronyms and nuances that the professionals are aware of, but the public does not need to know unless they ask. He suggested just laying out the basics. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the map of the Burlington-Alamance MPO and who decides where an MPO impinges on a county. Karen Lincoln said that Mebane and the rest of Alamance County agreed to become part of the Burlington-Graham MPO, and so the urbanized areas became part of that. She said that she has contacted the Burlington-Graham MPO and Mebane to see if they would like to participate in this process and she has been sending updates and information. Commissioner Jacobs said that when the TARPO was created, the Orange County Board of Commissioners made a conscious decision not to make all of Orange County a part of the MPO. Presumably, Orange County has some capability of determining for itself where it wants to have those lines. He thinks that if one of the possibilities is that another MPO keeps moving into Orange County, then Orange County's MPO may want to preemptively move into where the RPO was. It would be like annexation, only for transportation. He said that the County Commissioners should have a say before other boards adopt transportation jurisdictions within the County's border. Commissioner Gordon said that the definition of when an area has to go into an urbanized area or not should be added. Her understanding is that, once the area is designated as urbanized, it will become part of an MPO. The MPO has a certain status with the federal government. She thinks that this process should be clarified for the Board. Commissioner Jacobs said that since the Board is only approving the timeline and the release of the survey, he would like this to come back to the Board of County Commissioners for further analysis and discussion —this issue of MPOs and how they relate to the Comprehensive Transportation Plan. Commissioner Gordon said that it is really important that the Board of County Commissioners get involved in this discussion of the MPO boundary as early as possible. Commissioner Jacobs said that it has been the position of the Orange County Board of Commissioners not to have NC 86 as a four-lane divided highway. He wants to know how this got there and if there is going to be an expressway, there should at least be bike lanes. He wants this information before it goes into a survey. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to page 15, #13 of the survey and said to give people some suggested alternatives of getting around downtown Hillsborough and give a list of options. He said that this would be a good place to talk about multi-modal options. Sarah Ezzell said that the ultimate vision for NCDOT is for statewide mobility. There is also a goal to show NC 86 as an expressway somewhere because that is the category of highway that was determined that this area needed. Commissioner Jacobs said that Orange County has a higher priority on US 70 and he asked why NC 86 was chosen. Scott Walsh said that he was not part of the decision-making process at the time. Commissioner Jacobs asked for this information. Chair Foushee left at 7:57 PM. Vice Chair Mike Nelson then chaired the meeting. Paul Black with the Triangle Area RPO said that he has learned that when the Strategic Highway Corridors were done, there was a certain scale, and the plan was adopted by the Board of Transportation. Commissioner Jacobs said that if DOT is doing a Comprehensive Transportation Plan, then Orange County is not really doing it. It is being handed to the County as a blueprint and then the County Commissioners are going to ask the public for their opinion, but DOT has already decided the priorities. He would like to tell the public this. He is hesitant to agree to something that he does not agree with. He would like to have an opportunity to talk to someone in decision-making about US 70 versus NC 86. Scott Walsh said that there is flexibility with this particular corridor, and the concerns about US 70 will be addressed. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the timeline for the CTP process with the changes suggested by Commissioner Gordon and approve the release of the CTP survey, with the amendments suggested by Commissioner Gordon and Commissioner Jacobs. These amendments include listing options for getting around downtown Hillsborough (page 15), bike lanes on the expressway, additional options in the survey for NC 86 ( page 14, #11, "Do not make Hwy 86 an expressway"), change the road name from Smith to Williams ( pg 13). VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. New County Website The Board received a presentation on the new Orange County website. Chief Information Officer Todd Jones said that there has been a collaborative effort of putting together this new website by all departments over the last three years. Every department in the County provided webmaster representation and sat on a committee for three years to try and achieve the goal of the new County website. The website will constantly be in flux, and this is a new platform upon which new information and upgrades will be added. He said that he is proud of all of the work by all involved. Because of this collaborative work, it was done at a modest cost. All that was outsourced was the template design work. Some of the high points of redesign are: - Consistency across departments - Addressing of accessibility issues - Options for searching - Make the website "public-centric" (make it easy for public to find things using layman's terms) - Using current technology to make the website sustainable - Make sure that the website works on different devices - Keep departmental information updated Todd Jones said that all webmasters and Information Technology staff has been trained on this process. Commissioner Hemminger said that the website looks great, and she would like to see a meeting synopsis. She would like to sign up for updates from the County. Todd Jones said that this will roll out shortly within a month or two. Commissioner Gordon asked about the procedure for providing feedback to the staff and Todd Jones said that each page has a link to the webmaster of that particular page. Commissioner Jacobs asked that all staff using this be taught how to compress files before sending them. Todd Jones said that he will look into this. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the website was all in English and Todd Jones said yes and that multi-lingual websites were very expensive. Commissioner Nelson said that he is concerned about the clarity of the content on the website and someone from outside of the departments needs to look at each departmental page. 4. Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve those items on the consent agenda as shown below, with the correction sheet for item 4-a: a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes from August 18 and 20, 2009 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board (with correction sheet). b. Appointments (1) Economic Development Commission — Reappointment The Board reappointed Chris Hogan to a second full term ending June 20, 2012 to the Economic Development Commission. (2) Human Relations Commission — Reappointments The Board reappointed Bryant Colson, Barbara Marotto, and A. John Vogt to second full terms ending September 30, 2012 to the Human Relations Commission. (3) Jury Commission — Reappointment The Board reappointed Bob Hall to the Jury Commission. (4) Sportsplex Community Advisory Committee — Reappointments & Reassignment The Board reappointed Alice Pettitt (Position #12 —At-Large), Flicka Bateman (Position #6 — CHCCS — Student Health —Athletics), and Marshall Morris (Position #9 —At-Large) to the Sportsplex Community Advisory Committee. c. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Release/Refunds The Board adopted a refund resolution, which is incorporated by reference, related to 39 requests for motor vehicle property tax releases or refunds in accordance with the NCGS. d. Property Tax Refund The Board approved adoption of a refund resolution, which is incorporated by reference, related to one (1) request for property tax refund in accordance with N.C. General Statute 105- 381. e. Property Tax Releases This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. f. Applications for Property Tax Exemption/ Exclusion The Board approved six untimely applications for exemption/exclusion from ad valorem taxation for the 2009 tax year. Inclusion of 3R Fees in the North Carolina Debt Setoff Program The Board authorized the Revenue Director/Tax Collector to begin the inclusion of 3R fees in the North Carolina Debt Setoff Program. h. Redaction Software Acquisition The Board authorized the Interim Manager to sign an agreement in the amount of $36,000 with AmCad to install software to redact specific personal information from the Register of Deeds website. i. Resolution Supporting the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Application for Funding for the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. L Contract Between the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project and Orange County Cooperative Extension The Board approved a contract with, subject to County Attorney review, and accepted a $50,000 Strong Roots grant from the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project to plan and executed a local food project to be determined by a team of local farm and food system professionals and authorized the Chair to sign. k. Change in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule for 2009 The Board approved one change in the County Commissioners' regular meeting calendar for year 2009: - Adding a Board of Commissioners' retreat on Saturday, November 14, 2009 starting a 9:00 a.m. at the Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill (tentative location) I. Authorization to Contract for Demolition, Electrical and Painting for Phase I Link Center Renovation through Informal Bidding Procedures The Board authorized the County Manager to exceed the position's current signature authority of $25,000 to contract with multiple contractors for Phase I renovation of the John M. Link Center. m. Agenda Abstract Writing Training This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. n. Adoption of BOCC Goals and Priorities — FY2009-10 This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. o. Approval of the Preliminary Steps Necessary to Seek Qualified School Construction Bond Financing for the Carrboro High Cultural Arts Wing The Board adopted the attached resolution, which: - Makes a preliminary determination to proceed with financing for the Carrboro High Arts wing project; - Makes certain findings of fact to support the financing; - Authorizes the Finance Officer to proceed with an application to the LGC and seek financing proposals and other steps necessary to move forward with the financing; - Sets a public hearing for October 6, 2009; and - Provides for reimbursement of project expenditures from financing proceeds. Fiscal Year 2009-10 Budget Amendment #2 The Board approved budget, capital and grant project ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2009-10 for County Capital Project Ordinance, Technical Amendment, Department on Aging, and Library Services. Grant Application for Special Appropriations Project for Waste Water Projects The Board approved submitting an application to the Special Appropriations Project Division in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office for sewer grant funds in the Efland- Buckhorn area and authorized the Chair and Interim Manager to sign. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: e. Property Tax Releases The Board considered adoption of a resolution to release property values related to eight requests for property tax release in accordance with N.C. General Statute 105-381. Commissioner Yuhasz asked to be removed from the voting of this item because one of the parties is his client. A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to excuse Commissioner Yuhasz from voting, for the reasons given. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to adopt the resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property values related to eight requests for property tax release in accordance with N. C. General Statute 105- 381. VOTE: UNANIMOUS i. Resolution Supporting the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Application for Funding for the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor The Board considered approving a resolution supporting the application by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for funding from both the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as from annual federal budgetary appropriations to implement the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor. Commissioner Jacobs said that he is pulling this because he wants to be clear and on the record that there have been tremendous problems about the proposed route through central Orange County when it was first proposed. It went right next to Cedar Ridge High School. He wants to make sure that the Board goes on record as saying that it supports this, but it is still ambivalent because there were some reservations and the expectation is that the reservations will be addressed. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger that, as part of this process, Orange County's previously identified concerns about the route of the amended corridor be discussed and approved by the Board of County Commissioners. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to approve the resolution supporting the North Carolina Department of Transportation's application for funding from both the American Recovery and reinvestment Act as well as from annual federal budgetary appropriations in order to accelerate the planning, land acquisition, and construction investments to help further the full implementation of the southeast High Speed Rail corridor; and direct the Clerk to forward the resolution to: - North Carolina's United States Senators; - United States Congress members representing the Triangle region; and - United States Congress members from North Carolina serving on the US House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. VOTE: UNANIMOUS m. Agenda Abstract Writing Training The Board considered approving a contract with Keith Hayes Writers to develop a style guide for the writing of agenda abstracts. Commissioner Gordon said that she wants to be clear about the Board of County Commissioners' process. She asked Keith Hayes how the Board of County Commissioners would be involved in this process. Commissioner Nelson said that the Board of County Commissioners can decide this and the original decision was to put this on a work session. Keith Hayes said that he could have 2-3 Board members who are interested in abstract writing to join him as a subcommittee. He said that the point is to come up with a document that has Board of County Commissioners' expectations of abstracts. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve a contract with Keith Hayes Writers for the development of a style guide for the writing of agenda item abstracts, that Keith Hayes solicits input from all Board members about expectations of the style guide for writing agenda abstracts; that the subcommittee do its work; and that the matter come back to the full Board with the style guide and the writing of agenda abstracts for approval. VOTE: UNANIMOUS n. Adoption of BOCC Goals and Priorities — FY2009-10 The Board considered formal adoption of BOCC Goals and Priorities for FY 2009-10. Commissioner Gordon said that when this was discussed at the August 20th work session, the Board approved the six overall goals and the list of 26 priorities. She said that she had suggested to Frank Clifton that the Board adopt verbatim what the County Commissioners decided on August 201h A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to adopt the Goals and Priorities of Fiscal Year 2009-2010, given in Attachment A and Attachment B on the revised sheets. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 5. Public Hearings a. CDBG Program — IDA Program The Board received public comments prior to official close-out of the County's FY 2005 Individual Development Account Program and considered authorizing execution of the Certificate of Completion by the Chair. Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes said that the County received $50,000 in CDBG funds for this program, with the intent of helping 20 first-time homebuyers with incomes below 80% of the area median income purchase a home. The official grant period ended on January 31, 2009. She provided a summary of the activities. The Women's Center is the administrator of this program, and out of the 248 families that expressed interest, only eight were approved to participate. Of those eight, four families were able to purchase homes during the grant period. The purchases totaled $592,000. The total amount spent by the program was only $34,000 of the $50,000 grant. There will be $16,000 available for future programming use. Commissioner Yuhasz verified that the County spent $30,000 to give away $4,000. He said that the County should do a better job of giving away more of the money that was spent. Commissioner Pelissier said that she would like to see an analysis of why this happened. Tara Fikes said that she could present more information at a later date. Commissioner Gordon asked for consensus that the Board wants this information and the Board agreed. PUBLIC COMMENT: Anne Gerhardt, Executive Director of the Women's Center, said that she would be glad to supply this information as requested by the Board. She said that it is common for this to happen with asset building programs. She thanked the Board of County Commissioners on behalf of the 15 families that built assets through this program. She said that she would like to continue to offer homebuyer and financial literacy education. Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like Tara Fikes and Anne Gerhardt, as part of the information that comes back, tell the Board whether they think that this program was a success and if so, why, and if not, then why not. Commissioner Nelson seconded those comments. A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to authorize the execution of the Certificate of Completion by the Chair on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Yuhasz, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger for staff to provide an analysis and recommendation on this particular program. Commissioner Jacobs asked to add the Women's Center to this analysis. Commissioner Yuhasz and Commissioner Hemminger agreed. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. North Carolina Department of Transportation, Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) and Supplemental ROAP Grant Application for FY 2009/2010 The Board conducted a public hearing for the NCDOT Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) and considered approving the annual FY 2009/2010 ROAP grant application and budget amendment. Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore said that this is a consolidated request for three basic programs: the Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program, the Work First Transitional/Employment Program, and the Rural General Public Transportation Program. This serves the rural areas of Orange County and the funds are part of the current budgeting process, but there is an additional $16,170 being requested. Commissioner Hemminger asked for information on how many people actually ride. Jerry Passmore said that this past year, there were 132,000 trips provided for the Transportation Operational system. Jerry Passmore said that he would provide route information. He said that the routes are full every day and more routes are needed. Commissioner Yuhasz asked for more information on the rural route schedules. PUBLIC COMMENT: NONE A motion was made by Commissioner Yuhasz, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz to approve the application for the Rural Operating Assistance Program, including supplemental funds totaling $215,462 for FY 2009-2010; authorize the Chair and Interim Manager to sign the Certified statement; and amend the OPT budget to include the ROAP funds with an increase of $16,170 in the operations account. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. Regular Agenda 6a1. Bradshaw Quarry Solid Waste Convenience Center A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger that, pending the discussion on rural trash collection and disposal by the Orange County Solid Waste Working Group, to be considered by the BOCC no later than December 15, 2009, that no convenience center shall be closed prior to the Board of County Commissioners' consideration. The costs for extended service beyond the September 20th closing date for the Bradshaw Quarry facility will be addressed by appropriate budget amendments. Commissioner Nelson said that he would like to hear from staff about the costs of keeping this facility open. Frank Clifton said that the cost of operating this is $5,000-6,000 monthly. He suggested amending the motion to allow budget amendments on a monthly basis until this issue is resolved. Commissioner Nelson asked about the flexibility in the budget and Frank Clifton made some general comments. The sales tax has been down roughly 4% from the projections. Commissioner Yuhasz said that there have been suggestions to keep this center open at reduced hours and Frank Clifton said that this could work, but he was using costs as if it were open like the other centers. He suggested that a long-term solution would be to have it open less, but short-term should have it open the same as the others. Commissioner Jacobs said that this can be a holding pattern until the Board receives the report from the working group. Commissioner Gordon said that she would like a fuller articulation of exactly how much this would cost monthly when a budget amendment comes forward. Frank Clifton said that he got his costs from Gayle Wilson and an informational item from the September 1st meeting. Commissioner Gordon said that she does have a concern that if the Board just adopts something like this that is not on the printed agenda, then it is not a transparent process. She would like to keep the convenience center open. Commissioner Nelson agreed. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mike Hughes is a resident and member of Orange County Voice. He said that there are 1,500 families that use the BQCC, which is four dollars per family, per month. He believes that the costs of keeping the center open are substantially less than the cost of those families transporting the waste somewhere else. Suzanne Nelson said that when she heard of the costs and how little it cost to keep this open, then she decided to come and speak. She said that she was attracted to Orange County because of its solid waste management. She encouraged the County Commissioners to think about the fact that the impact on rural residents is different than the impact in the urban areas. Bonnie Hauser said that she is proud that the Board is reconsidering this and she has a letter from the owner of the Bradshaw Quarry site that he would consider extending the County's lease on this property and would keep the rent at $400 a month. Myra Dotson asked the County Commissioners to please not extend curbside recycling to rural residents. She said that this should be deferred until the Solid Waste Working Group plan is complete. She quoted some of the recommendation: "expansion of existing curbside recycling into a portion of the area previously served by the Bradshaw Quarry Road Center. Staff is prepared to initiate this expansion by the end of 2009 at no additional cost or budget impact, if desired resources could be included in the FY 2010-11 budget that would allow for the remaining portion of the Bradshaw Quarry SWCC service area to be added to curbside recycling." She said that what this statement does not say is that the next year the Solid Waste Department will add a mandatory recycling fee of $38 to each household whether or not they use the service. She asked the County Commissioners to please not allow the County to charge for services or add new fees to this community until the work group plans are done. If a fee is added, then the fee should be used to fund the continual operation of the Bradshaw Quarry Convenience Center in some sort of capacity. She said that residents are willing to work closely with the County to find a solution that is budget neutral and works for everyone. She said that rural residents would like to be heard and constructive citizen input is the basis for good government. Susan Walser spoke for Orange County Voice. She said that the Solid Waste Work Group Plan is an unvetted plan and any suggestion to reduce the total number of convenience centers is premature. She said that ideas that are being discussed in this planning process have been used to justify the closing of the Bradshaw Quarry Convenience Center. She said that services such as curbside recycling and vendor franchises to provide curbside trash collection may not work for rural residents. She said that there are many questions that need to be answered before the plan can be finished, including whether October 20th was enough time to get input from rural residents to find out what is really needed in the rural part of the County. She said that eliminating Bradshaw Quarry now is premature and jumps the gun on important information from the Solid Waste Working Group. She asked that the center be kept open a couple of days a week at least for the next year until the plan is done and the County has finalized a plan for funding solid waste services. Norma White said that she is a resident of the Schley community and she has a 15- mile round trip to the nearest solid waste convenience center. She does not mind that drive and would rather do that than to worry about curbside collection because she has a long gravel driveway. She said that she is here to support the Bradshaw Quarry Convenience Center. She said that Orange County Voice is a voice in the rural community and they care for the residents. She said that her SWCC has had reduced hours, but it is better than nothing where she lives in northeast Orange County. Gabriella Tal is from northeast Orange County and is also with Orange County Voice. She said that if the Bradshaw Quarry Convenience Center is closed, it will be irreversible. She asked the County Commissioners to please find a way to keep it open, and if not, then at least find a way to keep the facility intact until the Board hears more from the Solid Waste Working Group. She said that this is an important facility in their area. Kathleen Hoffman spoke on behalf of users of Bradshaw Quarry Convenience Center and also for Orange County Voice. She said that asking the Board to reconsider closing this center is an enormous request given the complexity of the budget and its multiple impacts. She believes that this initial decision was based on misinformation, and that is why they are asking the Board to reconsider. She said that the residents have tried to bring forward solutions that are beneficial to all rural residents. She said that the residents are very willing to accept a reduction in service to two or three days a week. The cost of the County keeping the center open two to three days a week is only about $25,000 this year, which is much less than the costs that will be inflicted on the residents of the community if it were closed. She asked that the County Commissioners make the following motion: "To keep Bradshaw Quarry Convenience Center open two to three days per week until the Solid Waste Work Group plan has been thoroughly evaluated and the County has a workable plan to service rural residents." She said that taking this action would show to all residents across the County that their voices count. Commissioner Jacobs re-read his motion: "Pending the discussion on rural trash collection and disposal by the Orange County Solid Waste Working Group, to be considered by the BOCC no later than December 15, 2009, no convenience center will be closed. Costs for extended service beyond the September 20th closing date for the Bradshaw Quarry facility will be addressed by appropriate monthly budget amendments." Commissioner Hemminger seconded the motion again. Commissioner Jacobs said that the Manager's numbers are the third different set of costs the Board of County Commissioners has heard. He said that he wanted to make it clear that the County Commissioners are not cow-towing to one particular group that is loud and angry, but they listen to all citizens. Frank Clifton clarified that the intent is to keep this center open the same hours as other centers at this time, until a decision is made. Commissioner Nelson said that adding an agenda item is not transparent and this is an exception and not the rule. VOTE: UNANIMOUS a. Groundwater Observation Well Network The Board received an update regarding the establishment of the Groundwater Observation Well Network (Orange Well Net), considered authorizing execution of Memoranda of Agreement with three entities, and considered authorizing the Chair to sign, and receive feedback from the Board on the project. The PowerPoint presentation was not made, in the interests of time. Orange Well Net: The Orange County Groundwater Observation Well Network Orange County Environment and Resource Conservation Department I. Background •Combination of regolith and bedrock wells planned for Orange Well Net. •Limited funding this FY. II. Orange County Geology •NCGS geologic mapping of Orange County is ongoing. Draft maps for four quadrangles. •Eight general types of bedrock geology are present within the recently mapped area of Orange County. II. Orange County Geology, cont. •Eight general bedrock units: •1 Altered tuff •2 Epiclastics •3 Felsic tuffs •4 Felsic lavas and tuffs •5 Mafic lavas and tuffs •6 Felsic plutonics •7 Intermediate plutonics •8 Mafic plutonics •Bedrock wells proposed for each unit. III. Existing Bedrock Wells •Saves money! •Several wells identified and under consideration for incorporation in Orange Well Net. •Draft MOAs needing action: —The Association for the Preservation of the Eno River —Duke University in Duke Forest —UNC-CH •DWQ wells in Duke Forest •Four wells owned by the county. Commissioner Pelissier asked when data would be received and Water Resources Coordinator Tom Davis said in the spring. The data will not be very useful statistically in the short-term. Commissioner Jacobs said that this seems to have relevance to the subdivision process and to the land use plan. He asked if there was any way to coordinate this with the land use plan process. Dave Stancil said that they have coordinated with the natural cultural systems element, but there has not been a consideration at the land use element. He will look at this and see how they mesh. Commissioner Yuhasz suggested not tying this to the land use plan because there will not be any useful information in the short-term. Commissioner Gordon said that the budget was cut for this item, so they are trying to work within the amended budget. If things are to move faster, then more money is needed. She suggested having staff come back in six months with a report, and then more money can be considered for next fiscal year. PUBLIC COMMENT: Rev. Robert Campbell said that he wants to petition the Board of County Commissioners to allocate funding for groundwater testing around the Orange County landfill because a survey was done on ground and surface water and the data show that their water is contaminated. He suggested starting with a small survey in the Rogers Road neighborhood. Frank Clifton said that the County has been monitoring wells all around the landfill as part of the landfill permit. He said that there have not been any permit violations. There can be community enhancements or responses to issues directly and indirectly associated with the landfill being where it is. Commissioner Nelson said that he would like the Manager to come back with a memo to address this issue. Commissioner Jacobs said to address the short and long-term needs that affect the Rogers Road area at the December 15th meeting. Commissioner Nelson said that this issue should come back as a memo and an information item, and the short and long-term needs can be put on a separate track. Myra Dotson said that she has been trying to get wells tested on Orange Grove Road. She said that many of the residents on Orange Grove Road are not going through the Health Department, but through private companies so that their wells are not being condemned by the State. She said that there is a huge problem with people living with bad wells and buying drinking water. The new wells are the ones that are going bad. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to approve authorizing the Chair to sign the attached memoranda of agreement with UNC-CH, Duke, and the Association for the Preservation of the Eno River. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon that, if appropriate, for staff to coordinate information gathered with the Groundwater Observation Well Network with the scheduled development of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Unified Development Ordinance. Commissioner Yuhasz said that it is unnecessary to put a strain on an already strained Planning Department. VOTE: Ayes, 5; No, 1 (Commissioner Yuhasz) b. Reorganization of Revenue and Assessor's Office The Board considered proposed plans related to the merging of the Assessor's Office and Revenue into one department to allow for a smooth and efficient transition while working to maintain the same levels in quality service currently provide to the public. Frank Clifton said that, in response to retirements and the Board's mission to create an efficient organizational structure, staff is recommending the new position of Tax Administrator, as laid out in the abstract. It would coincide with the retirement of the Tax Assessor. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to approve appointing Jo Roberson as Tax Administrator for a term to run consistent with Ms. Roberson's current appointment to begin upon the retirement of Tax Assessor John Smith; and to authorize the Manager and staff to: 1) continue efforts toward consolidation of the Tax Assessor's office and Revenue Department; 2) develop contractual agreements with retired employees in the Tax Assessor's office; and 3) continue efforts to review outsourcing the County's EMS initial billing and insurance filing process and the business and personal property listing functions. Frank Clifton said that Jo Roberson will retire June 30, 2011. Commissioner Nelson asked if this consolidated department was common in North Carolina. Jo Roberson said that there are 68 counties in NC that have Tax Administrators, and of those, 57 have the Tax Administrator carry both titles. She does have the education qualification, but not the field experience. Commissioner Nelson said that this is good idea but there is not enough information for him to make a uniformed decision about such a huge reorganization. Commissioner Jacobs asked to see the short and long-term plan and have the Board approve it. Jo Roberson said that the plan is to bring back the reorganization plan at a later date. This will tentatively be brought back to the Board on October 61h Commissioner Jacobs said that the outsourcing of billing on EMS was something that the Board decided specifically not to do because people would not call for an ambulance because they could not afford to pay for it. Now there is a system where Jo Roberson works with people to pay the bills. When it is outsourced, there is no level of sensitivity. Jo Roberson said that the representative from the vendor intends to come to a meeting and there will be information about the billing process, which is built to the County's specifications. She thinks that the Board will be pleasantly surprised. Commissioner Gordon made a friendly amendment to the motion, which would add bullet#4 to the motion on the floor: "bring back to the Board of County Commissioners a plan for reorganization and a plan for other aspects of the reorganization before those plans are implemented." This amendment was accepted. VOTE: Ayes, 5; No, 1 (Commissioner Nelson) Commissioner Nelson left at 9:59 PM after asking Commissioner Gordon to chair the meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to recognize Commissioner Gordon as acting Chair for the remainder of the meeting. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Employee Benefits Recommendation and Update The Board considered approving the County Manager's 2010 employee benefits recommendations becoming effective January 1, 2010, and to provide the Board with an update on employee benefits. Human Resources Director Michael McGinnis made a PowerPoint presentation. County Manager's 2010 Employee Benefits Recommendation BOCC Regular Meeting September 15, 2009 Current Benefits Plans Contributory County Benefits ■Health Care Plan (NCACC/CIGNA) ■Dental Care Plan (Delta Dental of NC) ■Life Insurance Plan (MetLife) N EAP (Magellan Behavioral Services) ■Flexible Spending Account (Tucker Administrators) ■401(k) Supplemental Retirement (Prudential) Employee Paid County Benefits ■Disability Insurance (Colonial/Occidental) ■Optional Life Insurance (MetLife) ■457 Supplemental Retirement (Nationwide) Health Care Plan Vendor: NCACC/CIGNA Type of Plan: Two Fully Insured Plans .HMO In-Network Plan 0100% coinsurance after deductible of $250 oPhysician/Specialists $15/$30, ER $150 oPharmacy $5/$15/$30 ■PPO In and Out of Network Plan o90% coinsurance after$250 deductible oPhysician/Specialists $15/$30, ER $150 oPharmacy $5/$15/$30 Dental Plan Vendor: Delta Dental Type of Plan: Self Insured Monthly Premiums: County Employee (No Change in 2010) Single $18.50 $00.00 Emp/Spouse $18.50 $35.18 Emp/Child/ren $18.50 $41.94 Family $18.50 $60.08 2009 Enhancements: .Adjusted Table of Allowances increased maximum amount for diagnostic & maintenance services .Decreased County contribution for employee premiums covers administrative fee increase and maintains healthy fund balance (approved in FY 2009-10 Budget) 2010 Recommendation .Adjust Table of Allowances to increase maximum payable amount for basic restorative services Group Life Vendor: MetLife Type of Plan: Basic Term w/AD&D .Cost: 22.5 cents per$1,000 coverage (to $50,000 annual salary) .Employee may purchase additional coverage at age-based rates No Change to current benefits Flexible Compensation Plan Vendor: Tucker Administrators Type of Plan: Tax Sheltering Premiums and Spending Accts (Medical — max $3,000, Dependent— max $5,000) •2009 Enhancements: olncreased limit to $3,000/yr for MSA olmplemented a Debit Card •More employees are utilizing this benefit compared to previous years No Change to current benefits Employee Assistance Program Vendor: Magellan Behavioral Health Type of Plan: Fully Insured EAP .Cost: $1.61 per employee per month ($15,500 per year) ■2009 Enhancements: 05 counseling sessions per incident/situation oFinancial and Legal Consultation services W ore employees are utilizing this benefit compared to previous years No Change to current benefits Supplemental Retirement Plans 401(k) and 457 Vendors: Prudential and Nationwide Type of Plans: Supplemental Retirement •The Board approved suspending the County contribution to 401(k) plans for non-law enforcement employees in FY 2009-10 •Law enforcement employees continue to receive a County contribution of 5% of annual salary to 401(k) plan ■All employees may make voluntary contributions to their 401(k) plan or 457 plan 2010 Benefit Recommendation Goals •Maintain Plan Designs •Minimize Rate Increases •Make Needed Enhancements •Implement Elements to Improve Future Benefit Plan Design and Costs •Maintain No Cost for Individual Only Coverage 2010 Benefit Recommendation Challenges •Escalating Cost of Employee/Retiree Health Care •Maintaining Strong Employee Benefits •Balancing Employee/Retiree needs with County Financial Crisis 2010 Health Care Options Health Care Option 1 ❑No Reductions in Plan Design ❑Rate Increase Below Budget (2.7% Increase) O 2 Major Enhancements Health Care Option 2 ❑No Reductions in Plan Design ❑Rate Increase Below Budget (2.7% Increase) O 2 Major Enhancements ❑Encourages Completion of Health Risk Appraisal ❑Adds Financial Responsibility for Employees and Retirees Current Plan compared to Option 1 & 2 Importance of HRA/Health Advisor® •The HRA provides a snapshot of health risks and the Health Advisor notifies the employee/retiree of online programs and/or arranges a health coach •Studies have shown 1 point improvement in HRA scores save $56 in health care costs annually •Health Advisor gives employees/retirees the support and tools needed to make healthy lifestyle changes ■Orange County is the first NC county to have Health Advisor, and establishes Orange County as a leader in wellness activities among NC counties Renewal (Opt 1 & 2) Health Insurance Premiums ■2010 Premiums reflect a 2.7% increase over 2009 Health Care Recommendation Option 2 •No Reductions in Plan Design •Rate Increase Below Budget (2.7% Increase) •2 Major Enhancements •Requires $10 Monthly Premium for all Employees/Retirees not completing the HRA •Health Risk Appraisal completion, resulting in $0 premium •Employees/retirees share in the responsibility of the total premium and encouraged to take healthy steps by completing the HRA Communicating the 2010 Employee Benefits Plan •Communication of Approved Recommendation will Begin Immediately ❑Letters to Employees and Retirees ❑Payroll Stuffers ❑Emails ❑Online information •Wellness Fairs ❑Laptops/Assistance in Completing HRAs ❑Biometric Assessments •ERC and Department Meetings Achieving 100% HRA Completion •Wellness Fairs are scheduled October 23 in two locations; additional events will follow. •At no cost, employees can: •Receive flu shots, and have their blood pressure & cholesterol checked; •Complete the HRA. ERC, HR and other volunteers will provide assistance. •Employees/Retirees not completing the HRA by March 8 will be assessed a $10 monthly premium. Once the HRA is completed, the monthly premium will not be charged. Extra Incentives for Completing HRA •The NCACC Wellness Grant will provide major incentives for completing the HRA •Grand prize drawing for individuals completing HRA before November 30, 2009 •Drawings for smaller prizes up to March 31, 2010 •A small incentive for all who complete the HRA •The incentives, in combination with the premium, are expected to result in 100% of HRA completions 2010 Dental Recommendation •Continue Same Premiums •Administrative fee increases by $2,400/year effective January 1, 2010 •Increase in reimbursements for basic restorative services •Table of Allowance matches the Maximum Allowable Payment Other Employee Benefits No changes recommended for other benefits: •EAP •Life Insurance •Flexible Spending Accounts •401(K)-suspended until June 30, 2010 •Supplemental Employee Paid Insurance Plans Commissioner Jacobs said that he found the comparison of health plans confusing and there are abbreviations that he does not understand. The County Commissioners asked about the health assessment and if there was any evidence for there being savings when employees take it. Frank Clifton said that his experience elsewhere is that a lot of employees never go to the doctor until it is too late and then the insurance skyrockets. If this is done, it helps control the costs because of preventative care. Commissioner Pelissier asked about applying this to retirees and it was answered that this does apply. The only group it does not apply to is dependents. A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to approve the renewal of the health insurance with enhancements and incentive (Option 2), and the enhancements to the dental insurance, effective January 1, 2010. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 7. Reports-NONE 8. Board Comments Commissioner Pelissier said that the mental health system has had tremendous cuts by the state and this may have some serious repercussions for County services. There has been a meeting organized next week between Orange and Chatham Counties mental health representatives to discuss these issues. Commissioner Hemminger said that ABC sales are up for August. The Retreat Planning Committee met and the retreat is on Saturday, November 141h. The topics are financial outlook, reorganization, retiring of department heads, and economic development. Commissioner Jacobs congratulated Fletcher Barber for being elected to the 4-H Hall of Fame. He thanked Pam Jones, Dave Stancil, Gayle Wilson, and Chair Foushee for their help with the NCACC presentation at the NCACC conference. Commissioner Jacobs said that the Planning Director of Hillsborough met with the Economic professor at UNC, who had offered one of her classes to work on the Cornelius Street project, and there is a plan for this. Hopefully there can be some economic development in an underserved neighborhood. Commissioner Yuhasz said that the Information Technology Advisory Committee had a discussion about its charge and mission. He thinks that suggestions from the Board would be welcome. Commissioner Gordon said that the Transportation Advisory Committee for the DCHC MPO will be considering a revision of the Metropolitan Area Boundary and she referenced her memorandum to the Board on this subject. This is important for the Board to understand and to provide feedback. Also, the Environmental Summit was held last week and was very successful. 9. County Manager's Report 10. Appointments a. Animal Services Advisory Board — New Appointments The Board considered making new appointments to the Animal Services Advisory Board. Commissioner Gordon asked why someone from Durham County was on the list. A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to appoint Kindra Mammone to Position #4, Town of Chapel Hill, with a term expiring June 30, 2012. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs suggested that someone could coordinate advertising for the remaining positions at the animal shelter. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to appoint Sue Millager to Position #3, Town of Carrboro, with a term expiring June 30, 2012. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Yuhasz, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to ask the Animal Services Advisory Board to recruit someone to fill Position #12, Certified Animal Handler/trainer/technician, and come back to the Board at a later date. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Arts Commission — New Appointment The Board considered making one new appointment to the Arts Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to appoint Nedra Bradsher to Position #15, with a term expiring March 31, 2012. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Human Relations Commission — New Appointment The Board considered making one new appointment to the Human Relations Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to appoint Antonia Pedroza to an At-Large position with a term expiring June 30, 2012, and Richard Perry to a partial term ending June 30, 2010. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Information Technology Advisory Committee — New Appointment The Board considered one new appointment to the Information Technology Advisory committee. A motion was made by Commissioner Yuhasz, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to appoint Dan Przbyl to a full term expiring December 31, 2011. Commissioner Jacobs said that, as part of the discussion on boards and commissions, that this committee's function be discussed. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 11. Information Items-NONE 12. Closed Session-NONE 13. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to adjourn the meeting at10:30 PM VOTE: UNANIMOUS NOTE: Commissioner Foushee chaired the meting from 7:OOpm-7:57pm; Vice Chair Mike Nelson chaired the meeting from 7:57pm-9:59pm; and Commissioner Gordon served as acting Chair from 9:59pm to 10:30pm. Valerie Foushee, Chair Donna S. Baker, CMC Clerk to the Board Orange County water supply reservoir water levels Available information as of 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 10, 2009 Lake Orange • Water level is 12" below spilling • Water storage capacity is at 89.5% (467 million gallons) • Approximately 131 days of water supply remaining (at Capacity Use specified release rate). • The Hillsborough gage indicates that current Eno River flows are at approximately 2.8 cfs (1.81 mgd) and supplemental flow from Lake Orange supplemental flow from Lake Orange has increased slightly over the last two weeks. This flow represents a level that is approximately 33% of the historical median flow level (8.5 cfs) for this day of the year. • At this time of year, seasonal rains have ended and there is very little base flow to the Eno. We have experienced little thunderstorm activity over the last two weeks, so the remaining storage in both Lake Orange and the West Fork Reservoir are dropping faster over this period than has been the case for most of the summer. Stage I Capacity Use restrictions on withdrawals and requirements for minimum instream flow have been in effect for approximately two months. • Orange Alamance continues the operation of its water plant five days a week (Monday- Friday) with average withdrawals of 350,000 gallons per day, an increase of 50,000 gpd since last year. West Fork Reservoir (as last reported 9/1/2009) • Water level is 9" below full • Water storage capacity remaining is approximately 97.1 % • Approximately 293 days of water supply remaining, assuming Town's current 30 day average water consumption rate (1.25 mgd). • Hillsborough's minimum release for instream flow is 1.0 cfs (0.64 mgd), though the Town has been releasing 2.4 cfs to less the impact of releases on Lake Orange. OWASA Reservoirs (as last reported 9/9/2009) • Water level at Cane Creek Reservoir is 4'-3" below full. • Water level at University Lake is 2'-1" below full. • Total remaining water storage capacity is approximately 79.3% (2.83 billion gallons) • Approximately 308 days of water supply remain with no additional rainfall (at the current 30-day average daily demand [9.17 million gallons per day]) • OWASA's year-round water conservation requirements are in effect National Weather Service/NOAA Regional Precipitation data (through 9/9/2009) (inches above [+] or below [-] normal) RDU Piedmont-Triad -0.69" since September 1, 2009 -1.26" since September 1, 2009 -7.31" since January 1, 2009 -5.55" since January 1, 2009 Miscellaneous notes The NC Drought Management Advisory Council drought map, last updated September 8, 2009, indicates that all of Orange County lies within the area of the state categorized as experiencing moderate drought conditions.