Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19950221,~ APPROVED _5 1 95 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1995 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 21, 1995 at 7:30 p.m. in the community room of the OWASA Operations Center on Jones Ferry Road in Carrboro, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr., and Commissioners William L. Crowther, Alice M. Gordon, Stephen H. Halkiotis and Don Willhoit COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Managers Rod Visser and Albert Kittrell and Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe (other staff members are identified appropriately below) NOTE: All documents referred to in these minutes are in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's office. All ordinance amendments are in the Ordinance Book in the Commissioner's Library. AGENDA I. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Appointments to the Chapel Hill Board of Adjustment were added as item VIII-I and a correction to the minutes for January 12, 1995 was accepted. The minutes were removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion. II. AUDIENCE COMMENTS A. MATTERS ON THE PRINTED AGENDA Chair Carey said that citizens who want to make comments on items on the printed agenda will be recognize at the appropriate time. B. MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA - NONE PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Carey dispensed with the reading of the public charge. III. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Halkiotis thanked the Board for their support and persistence in getting a light at NC 86 and New Hope Church Road. The Department of Transportation will be installing a light at that intersection this summer. He is still concerned about the intersection of Mt. Herman Church Road and Highway 70. Chair Carey asked that Planning Director Marvin Collins comment on the status of the University Station plan. Collins stated that they have received a plan which is similar to the concept plan that was submitted by the developers as part of the University Station planning group initiative. They have not received any fees, application form or any of the supporting documentation that must go with the plan and it is too late for them to summit this material for the March Quarterly Public Hearing. The deadline for the May public hearing is April 4. He said that if they submit an application, whether it is for a land use plan amendment or a planned ,^ 2 development under the existing ordinances, it raises a concern because of all the other initiatives that are underway or have just gotten underway. His recommendation would be that if a project does come in, to hold it up until those broader issues are addressed. He asked that the Board let him and the Planning Board know if they share these concerns and how they would like them to deal with a plan if one is submitted. After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to deal with the broader issues before dealing with University Station in a positive manner. Commissioners Halkiotis and Willhoit both expressed a concern that the Stoney Creek Basin work group not become a forum for University Station. Commissioner Gordon asked about the development impact statement for schools. It was decided that because of the possibility of redistricting, this statement will show the impact on the school district instead of the district for each school. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the meeting held by the Department of Transportation in which they discussed Eno Drive and the Eno State Park. She noted that it is her understanding that DOT must receive permission from the General Assembly before they can put a road over state property. Chair Carey noted that he understands that one of the alternative recommendations for the Landfill Owners Group is to own and run the landfill. This fails to recognize that the County is the only entity responsible for protecting the public health of Orange County citizens. He asked that he receive a copy of that recommendation. IV. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link announced that he has received the resignation of Tax Collector John Horner effective June 30, 1995. He commended John for his 30 years of service and wished him great success in his future endeavors. V. RESOLIITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS - NONE VI. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS A. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE JOB TRAINING PARTNERSHIP ACT JTPA AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG FATHERS OYF Faye Hall presented the annual report to the County Commissioners. She then recognized some of the participants in the JTPA and the OYF program. Glenda Worrell is a single parent of two children. She will complete her program in Criminal Justice in May. She has consistently been on the school honor roll and is presently working as a volunteer with the Guardian AdLitem Program. Yvonne Johnson is a single parent of a 16 year old son. She has completed the LPN program and is working as a nurse part-time while continuing her studies to become a Registered Nurse. Her son Daryl worked in the Summer Youth Employment Program from June-August and contributed to the household expenses with monies earned from that job. He also made comments. Pam Freeman is a single parent of two children. She is enrolled in the Nursing Program at Durham Tech and has been on the honor roll several times. She volunteers at a homeless shelter and works part-time at UNC hospital. 3 The Lewis family consists of Ricky, Pam and their five children. Pam and Ricky both enrolled in a work experience program. Pam is now working at Eurosport and is now in company training to become a line supervisor. Ricky was hired in Maintenance for the Orange County School system. After several months of steady employment, the Lewis family is now self-supporting and independent of the welfare system. Ricky wants to eventually have a catering business. He praised the Opportunities for Young Fathers program and called it a real blessing. Commissioner Halkiotis commended JOCCA for their leadership in helping others improve their lives. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE VIII. ITEMS FOR DECISION = CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Crowther to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated A. UNPAID REAL PROPERTY AND TAX LIEN ADVERTISEMENT The Board accepted the following report and approved Advertisement date of May 10, 1995: UNPAID REAL PROPERTY TAXES County $ 1,760,591.35 Chapel Hill 322,857.09 Carrboro 112,393.66 Hillsborough 67,709.08 T O T A L $ 2,263,551.18 Commissioner below: the Tax Lien B. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FUNDING REQUEST The Board approved $16,000 in funding for Habitat to be included in an Affordable Housing Project Ordinance. Of this amount, $13,000 will be used to gravel a road that will serve a five house Habitat development in the Perry Hills subdivision and $3,000 will match the amounts paid for school impact fees on four new houses in 1994. C. CHANGE ORDER FOR THE MAGNOLIA PLACE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The Board approved the execution of a Change Order for the public facilities contract with Ralph Hodge Construction Company for $51,000 for the Magnolia Place Housing Development Program by the Chair on behalf of the Board. D. ORANGE COUNTY HOME CONSORTIUM The Board authorized the Chair to submit a Letter of Intent to participate in the federal HOME Program and other related documents to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on behalf of the Orange County HOME Consortium and established March 8, 1995 as the public hearing date to receive public comments regarding the Orange County Consolidated Plan. E. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT ~7 The Board approved the following budget ordinance amendment and capital project ordinance: VISITORS BUREAU FUND 4 Source - Fund Balance Appropriated $ Source - Intergovernmental Appropriation -Human Services (To budget for contribution from the Town of Chapel occupancy tax revenue received over budget during RESCUE SERVICES EQUIPMENT CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE Source - County Capital Project Fund Balance $ (1994-95) Appropriation - Rescue Services Equipment (To provide funds for the purchase of rescue equipment to be used Countywide) 14,804 30,000 44,804 Hill and 1993-94) 30,000 30,000 F. ESTABLISH PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR 1995-2000 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN The Board scheduled a public hearing on the 1995-2000 CIP for Tuesday, March 21, 1995 at a meeting beginning at 7:30 in the OWASA community meeting room on Jones Ferry Road in Carrboro. G. D.O.T. LETTER FOR ENO DRIVE The Board considered additional information on the status of Eno Drive and authorized the Chair to sign the letter to Mr. Vick stating Orange County's position on this project for the record as presented in the agenda. The letter expressed concern about the potential adverse impacts on the Eno River State Park and recommended that the terminus of the proposed Northwest Loop be located in Durham County where it would be better aligned with U.S. 15-501 and the East/West Expressway. H. MINUTES This item was removed from the Consent Agenda for consideration at the end of the Consent Agenda. ADD I. APPOINTMENT The Board approved the following appointments: CHAPEL HILL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT JoAnn Woods for a term ending June 30, 1997 ORANGE COUNTY SENIOR CENTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN COMMITTEE Betty Landsberger Jean Smith VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Crowther to approve the minutes for January 12, 1995 as corrected. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The minutes for December 10, 1994 will be considered at the next meeting. IX. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA A. BLACK WALNUT AR =PRELIMINARY PLAN A letter was received from Stewart Barbour asking that this subdivision ,not be approved until standing boundary disputes with the developers are resolved to the satisfaction of the neighbors involved. A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner 5 Halkiotis to approve the Preliminary Plan for Black Walnut Farm per the Resolution of Approval in the agenda and to encourage and assist NCDOT and road frontage property owners with the realignment of Baldwin Road and Lawrence Road. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. 1995 LEGISLATIVE GOALS AGENDA After a brief discussion, the Board decided to take to public hearing the following local legislation: 1. Orange/Alamance boundary determination 2. No collection of tax bills for property valued under $300 3. Advertising for zoning 4. Penalties for violation of County ordinances A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to schedule the public hearing on the above list of issues for March 8, 1995 at a meeting which begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Efland Cheeks Community Center in Efland. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. BID AWARD FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE FACILITY A motion was made by Chair Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to award bids and approve construction contracts, contingent upon Attorney and Staff review, for the Public Works Maintenance Facility as follows: General: Quality Construction, Danville, VA $713,629 Electrical: O'Dell Electric, Durham, NC 98,958 Plumbing Sparrow and Sons, Carrboro, NC 76,759 Mechanical: Comfort Engineers, Durham, NC 75,441 and to authorize the Manager to execute change orders which may be required, to the extent said change orders do not exceed the project budget and to authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Other bids received for General Construction are listed below: Central Builders, Inc. $ 944,910 Patriot Building Co. 844,500 Brooks General Contractors 837,790 H. M. Kern Corporation 914,110 Bordeaux Construction Co. 857,570 Robert G. Snyder 944,000 Riggs - Harrod 889,160 Electrical Construction Contract Pendergraph Electric $ 112,876 Classic Electric Service 119,537 Watson Electrical 115,700 M. C. Electric, Inc. 111,480 Plumbing Construction Contract Brown Brothers 121,731 Acme Plumbing & Heating 103,870 HVAC Construction Carolina Air Conditioning $ 94,200 Commissioner Halkiotis asked for a report on those items previously 6 discussed as possibilities for joint ventures with the Town of Hillsborough. D. BID AWARD/CONTRACT APPROVAL FOR THE CHILLER UNIT AT THE NEW COURTHOUSE A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to award a bid to Comfort Engineers for replacement of the chiller system at the New Courthouse for a sum of $104,490 and approve a contract in this amount, contingent upon staff and Attorney review; and authorize the chair to sign on behalf of the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS R. REPORTS A. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS RESEARCH Commissioner Crowther noted that, through this research, he became aware of many boards and commissions that he knew nothing about. He would like this topic to be the subject of a retreat so that the Manager can follow-up with policies for the County to follow in terms of how this Board creates, sustains and sunset any future boards/commissions that are created. He feels the number is extensive and although citizen involvement is a positive thing for this County, he feels. the County is stretching their citizen volunteers. Commissioner Willhoit said that with regard to taking time away from families, that one of their policies tries to limit participation of citizens to no more than one board. He feels that the boards/commissions that have commissioner representation should be examined to determine if that representation is needed. One thing he suggested adding to the goals back in September was a volunteer satisfaction survey. The real issue is whether or not these boards/commissions are providing information that is being used, if their time is being well spent or whether their recommendations are being given adequate consideration by the County Commissioners. He feels the survey needs to be done before considering elimination of any of the boards/commissions. Commissioner Crowther asked if there is a personnel policy on how much staff time personnel can spend on committees. Commissioner Willhoit said that if a committee is appointed and the Clerk's office is asked to staff that particular committee, that they will put in as much time as necessary to staff that committee. Commissioner Crowther asked about committees of other entities which County personnel are requested to serve. It was decided that an interim report on the survey would be given in two or three months and this topic would be discussed further at that time. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to accept the report. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. REPORT ON THE CHAPEL HILL NORTHWEST SMALL AREA PLAN AND POTENTIAL USE OF THE "GREENS TRACT" Planner Mary Willis gave a brief report. The "Greene Tract" was purchased in 1984 by Orange Regional Landfill Owners Group and was designated on the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan as "Future Potential Landfill Site". The recommendation from the Town of Chapel Hill's Northwest Small Area Plan Work Group is for the Greene tract to become the focus of a village pattern of development in the Northwest Area. Chapel Hill will have a public hearing on March 1 to receive comments on this plan. The Board made two changes to the letter that will be sent to the Chapel Hill Town Council. They asked that any disposition of the Greene Tract be at fair market value and that the three jurisdictions owning the tract discuss the potential public purposes that would be suitable for the Greene Tract. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Chair Carey to approve the letter as attached to these minutes on page and authorized the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. NORTH CAROLINA SCENIC BYWAYS PROGRAM The Board received a report on the North Carolina Scenic Byways Program given by Mr. R. N. Kopetsky, Scenic Byways Coordinator, North Carolina Department of Transportation. He explained that this program was actually started back in 1964 and that with many delays along the way was fully funded in 1993. The program incorporates more than 1,500 miles of roads and contains 31 stretches of predominately rural roads in length from two to 192 miles. Two route of North Carolina Byways come through Orange County. The Colonial Heritage Byway enters the County from the north on NC Highway 86, passes through the town of Hillsborough, and continues through Duke Forest and ends at US 15-501 in Durham. The Football Scenic Byway begins in southern Orange County at NC Highway 54 and Old Greensboro Road and follows SR 1005 into Alamance and Guilford Counties. The Board received the report. XI. APPOINTMENTS A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the list of citizens as presented to serve on the Orange County Skills Development Program Committee. A County Commissioner was not appointed at this time. VOTE: UNANIMOUS XII. MINIITES - NONE XIII. CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit, to adjourn into closed session to discuss "A" and "B" listed below. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A. LITIGATION: ORANGE COUNTY VS. CONNER; CONNER V3. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT B. PERSONNEL MATTER A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit, to reconvene into regular session. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ACTION TAREN ~N OPEN SESSION: After reviewing and evaluating the work plan of the County Manager as highly effective, a motion was made by Chair Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis, to set the Manager's salary at Step 7a of Grade 88. XIV. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to be considered, Chair Carey adjourned the 8 meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on March 8, 1995 at 7:30 p.m. at the Efland Cheeks Community Center. Moses Carey, Jr., Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk