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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19911211 APPROVED MARCH 9, 1992 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING DECEMBER 11, 1991 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in Special Session p on December 11, 1991 at 7:30 p.m. for the purpose of holding a ublic hearing on the matter of school p 1 capital needs, priorities and funding. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr. , and Commissioners Stephen H. Halkiotis, Alice M. Gordon, Verla C. Insko and Don Willhoit. STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr. , Assistant County Manager Rod Visser, Clerk to the Board Beverly A.A Blythe, Finance Y Director Ken Chavious, Budget and Management Analyst Donna Hamlet, and Y , Budget Director Sally Kost. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS Chair Carey introduced everyone at the Commissioners' table including Mary Bushnell, Chair of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board and Ralph Warren, Chair of the Orange County School Board. PRESENTATION BY JOHN LINK County Manager John M. Link, Jr. presented information on the projects that a 66 million dollar bond issue would include. He stated that the School Bond Advisory Committee appointed last summer by the Board of County Commissioners was charged with prioritizing $157 million in capital requests from the two school systems. The proposed 66 million dollar bond would include 50 million for a new elementary, middle and high school for Chapel H i ll-Carrboro and 16 million for a new middle school for the Orange County system. The impact on the homeowner of a 66 million dollar bond would be $210 the peak year for a house valued at $150, 000. He explained that the revenues from the two 1/2 1 cent sales tax are used for school capital. The cost of these schools are higher than those in other counties because the specifications are higher, technology is incorporated into the facilities, the cost of land is higher and an inflation factor is included. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR CITIZEN COMMENT LINDA HAAC,, representing the PTA Council for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools and a member of the bond committee, stated that she understood there was a consensus that Chapel Hill needed an elementary, middle and high school and Orange County needed a middle school. The committee concluded that even if the schools were merged, they would still need these schools. She stated that new schools need to be built because the present schools have no other space. The district is growing rapidly. Each year there will be 300 more students. If these schools are not built there will be overcrowding conditions. The schools now are over crowded. She cited several examples and stated that they are at capacity at the high school. She understands that in Orange County a new middle school is needed to replace A. L. Stanback. She believes that buildings ' ildings should be built to last, be functional and adequate. She stated d that the 66 million dollars represents cuts from the original figures for the elementary and high school buildings. She cannot support referendum for any less pp a bond y than 66 million. She said if these schools are not built, the educational benefits will be lost. Good schools are the basis of good education. She urged the Board of County Commissioners loners to go forward with this bond referendum for at least 66 million and to place it on the May ballot. She pledged to work as hard as she can to assure its passage. MADELINE MITCHELL, parent and teacher in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School System, stated that when she thinks of school capital needs for the two school systems she p y feels there is a big problem that can be a big opportunity. She supports the 66 million dollar ro osal. The p he school system has more needs than this will cover and difficult decisions have to be made. They opted for buildings over some of the other identified needs. She feels more students will be here than planned. The state projections are conservative. The trends 7 ro 'ected p by the state are supported by written documentation. She stated that Chapel Hill should receive more because they need the buildings. If and when merger occurs, it will not be in the interest of the students to have 2,000 students in trailers. She feels the citizens will support this bond issue. The people realize the importance of education. She is strongly in favor of this package and feels the citizens will support this bond. She favors taking this to the voters in May. NANCY SALMON from Chapel Hill emphasized the importance of building a new high school. If the school gets too large, the students don't know the other students. Two schools would provide additional opportunities for many students. In smaller schools many of the students can participate. In the long run she feels that all high schools in Orange County should be similar in size. She endorses building a second high school. NICK DIDOW, a resident in the Chapel Hill School District and a member of Citizens Advocating and Supporting Education (CASE) , spoke in support of a May ballot. He feels that the funds should be allocated based on anticipated need. He noted that the real school capital needs total far more than the 66 million dollar bond package. A bond for too little money will mean that another bond will be needed. This bond would provide a moderately priced school package. RICHARD GURLITZ, member of CASE, questioned the bond amount the community would support stating that this County is growing. The community has always placed a high demand on the educational system. If money is there for a 66 million dollar bond, there will be money for an 80 million dollar bond. The needs should be identified and the money should be found to take care of these needs. He wants schools with lots of programs. He stated that if the voters see a need, they will vote for it; if the voters do not see a need, they will not vote for it. He offered services of his volunteer group to educate the citizens about the needs and the bond. JOYCE TENNISON, Frank Porter Graham PTA representative, stated her strong support for a 66 million dollar bond. LEON is of the Culbreth PTA, stated that the cost of school failure s more than the pain of a tax increase. Chapel Hill schools are very good because of the p Y g widespread support for them. With all this support, they have no luxurious schools. Culbreth is already students over capacity. They can ha rdly meet the basic needs of their schools. The PTA has provided $60,000 in funds to help the school. Parents put in hundreds of p p hours to accumulate these funds because they are proud of their school. They see their school as something that works. They believe their school is their most important possession. He asked that the message be spread and asked that the Board of County Commissioner do the right thing. MAGGIE SLOAN of Chapel Hill stated she hates paying taxes but supports a 66 million dollar package to be put before the voters in May. CINDY CHEEK feels the increased tax is an investment in the future and a small price to pay to be sure the children get a good education. KATIE MCLAURIN, Chapel Hill School District, stated that the redis- tricting done last year can only juggle the number of students for a limited time. Sufficient infrastructure is needed. Also, the students need an education that will prepare them for the 21st century. She asked the Board to approve a bond referendum to allow the school system to move forward with their educational plans. DR. JOHN GRAHAM, representing TaxWatch, read a prepared statement which is in the Permanent Agenda File in the Clerk's g Office. In summary, he expressed reservations about the size of the proposed bond, the lack of evidence of hard planning, vagueness concerning the amount of money needed and lack of evidence that the proposed construction is linked to the curricular needs of the next decade. He mentioned several innovations that could be considered instead of spending money on bricks and mortar. WILLIAM OPPOLD, member of TaxWatch, offered to help the schools with their problems of overcrowding conditions. He stated that there are other retired individuals who would be willing to help as volunteers. (His entire letter is in the Permanent Agenda File) GRAINGER BARRETT, spoke in support of a 66 million dollar bond issue. He has three children in the school system. He stated that all children in the County are equal and need this bond package. He will pay those property taxes for children before he would get a new car. The need is there. Doors cannot be closed to the children. Maybe year round schools will come in the future but not now. This bond issue should not be delayed. He challenged the Board of County Commissioners to be active and vigorous leaders and be advocates of this bond referendum. He asked that his friends in Orange County not fight through the newspaper but meet each other and talk in a retreat and hash it out and go forward. The main danger is that of delay. In the end the product is what is important, not the bricks and mortar. SUSANNE KEY, Chapel Hill School System, stated that the other speakers have covered her thoughts. She represents the segment which is supportive of the upper level � pp of the 66 million dollar package. She sees the need for the expansion now. The high school is at capacity and the increase in enrollment will p y mean things will not get better. SHANNON PACE, copresident of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Federation of Teachers, a member of the School Bond Committee and teacher at Estes Hills stated that there is overcrowding and many schools need roofs.Cha el Hill will grow by an average of 300 students a year and Orange County by an average of 140 students a year. She stated that many have no classrooms. She y encouraged the Board of County Commissioners to support a bond to educate the students into the 21st century. The Federation supports the bond and will work for its passage. SARAH STEWART, reading resource teacher in the Chapel Hill Schools since 1978, stated she has only had adequate work year. one space for p The schools have problems including inadequate space for teachers, roofs that need repair, etc. She urged the Board of County Commissioners to put the 66 million dollar bond before the people in May and begin the process to build new schools. She does not want to educate children in a trailer park or have a high school with 2200 students. She feels this is an opportunity to provide space designed to meet the needs of educating the students. She asked the Board of County Commissioners to support education. EILEEN MILLER, Principal of Estes Hills School, spoke on behalf of the parents and students. She stated that this projected growth indicates that three new schools are needed and should be placed where they are needed. Estes Hill's capacity is 500. Their current enrollment is 537. The schools in Chapel Hill are bursting at their seams. Their schools are antiquated with small classrooms. They lack space for creative movement. They have no space for a school nurse. They have inadequate lighting. Based on projections, it is anticipated that they will need one additional teacher but have no place for this teacher. Their current classroom space does not have updated computer equipment. The Estes Hill's community asked that the Board of County Commissioners consider a 66 million dollar bond package. TED PARRISH, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board member, shared some assumptions. He stated that children are the County's greatest resource; the County values education and wants to maintain their educational edge. Because most of the taxpayers place a high priority on education, he feels the bond issue will pass. He believes the 66 million dollar bond will help the two districts meet their educational needs. Children deserve better and more must be done. He feels they should address merger. A new high school is needed by Chapel Hill- Carrboro. He asked that the Board of County Commissioners keep children as their main focus. RUTH ROYSTER, Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board member, noted she was surprised by the number of classrooms in mobile trailers. Already classrooms designated for music, science and art are becoming regular g gu r classrooms. She sees more mobile trailers in the future unless there is a bond referendum. For almost twenty years there have been no new schools built in Chapel Hill. She made reference to the rowth of 300 students a year. The high school g y g chool is serving more than 1600 students. The cafeteria is crowded and there is not adequate space for the school buses. She feels it P is necessary to build new schools to meet the educational needs of the children for several decades. They need science labs, space for the teachers, etc. y *P tc. She stated she does not look forward to higher taxes. However, she feels that there is a responsibility to house and educate children. She asked that the Board of County Commissioners get behind a bond referendum and pass it. CAROL CANTRELL, music teacher at Carrboro Elementary, stated that they have moved students with redistricting and still only have one vacant classroom. Never in 38 years have the schools ever measured up to the needs demanded of them. She spoke of many needs and emphasized that these needs are real. She made reference to Money Magazine and an editorial on how to save the schools. She believes that the citizens will support a bond referendum. CHARLES FOSKEY, former member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board, read a prepared statement which is in the Permanent Agenda File in the Clerk's Office. In summary, he supports the bond referendum. He asked that the Board of County Commissioners go for the May referendum date. He emphasized that equality of facilities must be the goal, not equality of construction spending. He believes the projections are real and the students are coming. Not facing up to the problem now will force Chapel Hill-Carrboro and probably Orange County as well, to spend heavily on expensive mobile classrooms which do not provide satisfactory classroom space during their relatively short life span. He stated that the modest tax increase required by this proposed bond is a much needed investment in the County's future and is mandatory if the schools are to continue the momentum for progressive education which the county has achieved in recent years. RAY SINGER, Orange County School Board Member, made several specific points. She is in favor of a school construction bond to support both systems in Orange County. She feels that in these current economic times that 66 million dollars is too high. She will not work for or support a bond issue that is not fair. This bond issue will not address the projected needs of Orange County Schools. The Board of County Commissioners has supported equity funding and although everyone supports some form of equity funding, Chapel Hill-Carrboro has indicated they are not for it if it decreases their funding. The money is not different because each penny that comes from a citizen for a bond is a penny that is not available for equal funding. She explained that even though Chapel Hill has two-thirds of the tax base, that most of those living in the Orange County system add significantly to the tax base in Chapel Hill. She questioned the definition of need. She feels there should be adequate facilities but that there must be money to support the teachers and programs. R.D. SMITH, former teacher/administrator in the Chapel Hill- Carrboro School System, noted that last year taxes increased two cents. He asked that the bond not be based on the cost of his house. The issue deals with one aspect of the Board of County Commissioners' responsibility, namely, the schools. He asked that the Board of Count Commissioners be fair to the citizens by letting them know what the tax x increase will be to provide other services for the citizens of Orange County. He asked that they look at g y the fact that IBM and others are laying off people and some are citizens who live in Chapel Hill and who pay taxes. These families will be having children and they will be leaving. Chapel Hill High School opened in 1967. The students left for lunch then dust like they do now so it is nothing new. He asked what effect the special tax will play when the bond comes into play. DICK CLIFFORD stated that Orange County is experiencing substantial growth in student population and it is a challenge for the Board of County Commissioners to meet these needs. Some efforts have been made for better student projections and the estimates are less than the actual figures. Orange County demands a lot from their schools. In general, voters have been more than generous to pay for education. The schools are very well maintained. The teachers make maximum use of the space that is provided. The high school facilities are used to the maximum. The media centers are much better than most in North Carolina. Smaller schools have advantages over larger schools. He urged the Board of County Commissioners to have a bond that is large enough to address the needs. The high school population needs to be decreased and a new building constructed. They also need an elementary and middle school. It appears unanimous that people support the schools and are willing to pay for them. WESLEY WALLACE stated that the schools are facing an increased student population. He wants the Board of County Commissioners to ut it on the ballot for May at the highest possible level. He promises that if this money goes for education, those at Carol Woods will help pass the bond. EARL DAVIS,, Chairman of the Orange County Tax Union, feels that good things have been brought out on both sides of the issue. He sends his children to school to learn. The Tax Union is very concerned about government spending. It affects the working class of people. A lot of people do not have high income. Their concern is that everyone is pushing for a May election and he questions why it needs to be rushed. He suggested giving people an opportunity to read and understand the issue. His main concern is that property taxes keep increasing. He is concerned about the three is and feels there is a need for basic education. He is not opposed but is concerned about the separation of Chapel Hill and Orange County. It is time for good responsible leader- ship. It is important that everyone work for the people and the children. He asked that the Board of County Commissioners look at other alternatives to a bond referendum. Let the citizens pay a little more and let it accumulate slowly. The year 1992 is a revaluation year and taxes will go up. It would be good to hold things steady. Schools are not an option. Maybe money needs to be set aside yearly. He is asking people in the County to lower costs and administrators to cut programs. NEIL PEDERSEN read a prepared statement which is in the Permanent Agenda File in the Clerk's Office. In summary he spoke about the planning process which Chapel p g p hapel Hill-Carrboro used to formulate its capital needs request, cost and space estimates, and impact of different rates of growth in the two p • g school districts on funding equity. He stated that although the School Capital Needs Advisory Committee had difficulty consensus, the one clear conclusion y ■ clusion was that the County needs four new schools to meet the demands of the student g rowth which has been projected by the state to occur from 1988-1999. The State's projections indicate that 70% of the student increase which will occur between 1988 and 1998 will be in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro district. He urged the Board of County Commissioners to formulate a bond e acka p g which focuses on the critical needs and produces four schools designed to meet the educational challenges faced by this community in the 21st century. MARTHA DRAKE stated that a school building takes 60 BTU a square foot, a good school building 30 BTU and a great one 15 BTU. She stressed that $274,000 can be saved each year on electricity costs. She asked that the Board of County Commissioners consider these costs. BETSY BARROW from Chapel Hill spoke about the planning process for the new schools. When they added to the present schools, they realized that this would not provide space for increased growth. An educational specifications committee and the teachers designed the proposed schools. The buildings are designed to be functional for at least 50 years. There will be areas for preschoolers and senior citizens which will create a partnership between the schools and the communities. Chapel Hill needs three new schools and needs the support of the Board of County Commissioners. They need to look for the best educational design and support it. There is a need for actions to speak louder than words. Chapel Hill citizens want the very best for education. She asked that the Board of County Commissioners approve a minimum of 66 million for a bond referendum. ANN CRAMER asked how the schools can do better with less if they want to increase their ability to compete. The bond issue is a subsidy for maintaining education. JUDY JONES of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Association of Educators stated she is uncomfortable because they only heard from a few people in the Orange County School System. She is concerned that there may be growth needs in Orange County before 1997 and feels these should be addressed. It is not fair to decide student cost on present population. She stated that there is major growth in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro city schools. Currently the schools are overcrowded. They are not overcrowded in Orange County. If there is a good job done with education, she feels a bond issue will pass. Needs will increase if they are not taken care of now. The issue is clear. The Chapel Hill Teachers Association supports a bond issue in May. There is no choice. DOCKEY DURHAM stated that she is a taxpayer, parent in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools, and a teacher. She spoke of the overcrowded conditions in the schools. In order to deliver quality education, they must have facilities. There are dedicated educators who are frustrated. They must be creative, resourceful and willing to compromise. Children are our future. She worked p • ked on designing the new buildings. If the needs of the children today and in the future are going to be met, something must be changed. She wants the Board of County Commissioners to help them et a bond referendum l • g erendum passed at the upper limits. EUGENE LAMMERS, current president of the Ephesus School PTA, spoke on behalf of himself and those who p ho moved to Chapel Hill to get an education for their children. He emphasized that the overcrowdin g is here and stated he supports a bond referendum. BARBARA BURGER questioned the equity issue. She does not understand why Orange County Schools will only get 25% of the bond amount. She does not see how the voters will understand. She asked that the Board of County Commissioners remember that Orange County residents are struggling to make it on a daily basis. Everyday eo le p p wonder how they are going to pay the mortgage payment. WILLIAM GARGAN feels that no one is going to argue about money or the need for it. He referred to the 1986 school re merger report. The g p projected numbers for Orange County are wrong but the numbers for Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools are correct. He stated that there is inequity between the two systems and this bond issue is a continuation. The decision needs to be based on what is right. He sees growth in northern Orange County. BONNIE YANKASKAS feels that the need for schools in Chapel Hill is clear. A lot of people move to Chapel Hill because it has a great school system. They need a new high school. Every student needs a chance for a good education. She helped with designing the three new schools. She wants the bond referendum to be large and held in May. VICKIE BROWN lives in Efland and has two children in the Orange County system. She and her husband support education for all students but need to be convinced that the request for 66 million dollars is fiscally reasonable and that what is requested is needed instead of expected by the parents. GEORGE GRIFFIN of Chapel Hill strongly supports a May bond referendum for 66 million dollars. He is troubled about the two school systems getting together and resolving the equity issue. CHARLES STEWART, Principal of Culbreth Middle School, urged the Board to support the bond referendum at the earliest possible date. It is critical to the quality of education they can offer. He asked that they build good facilities that will last 20 - 30 years. MARVIN KOENIG, Principal of Chapel Hill High School, stated that children at risk become more at risk in a large school. Chapel Hill High has 1,670 students. Next year 13 or 14 teachers will be without a classroom. He will vote yes for children and asked that it be done in May. BOB REEDER, Chapel Hill, spoke in support of the schools. He stated that now is a good time to build a school because the interest rates are low. This will also help the economy. If schools are not built now, prisons will be built in 15 years. He asked that the Board do it in May and do it for more than 66 million. He asked that every be brought up to specification. y p p He supports 12 month schools. GEORGE KINGMAN indicated he does not want to pay taxes but the cost of education is one that needs to be confronted. Scrimping education g on education will mean more funds on social programs. He pled es as a retired person g p on a limited income that he will support the bond issue. MIKE BROWN, Orange County Schools, feels the figures are what they should be but asked if people can afford a bond referendum. He wants the money spent wisely. There is disparity between the two systems. They both have honest-to-goodness needs. The County does not have the programs that are offered in Chapel Hill. The needs are there. He wants both to get what they need. He doesn't know if May is the right time. There are a lot of businesses cutting back. He would support 66 million. He asked if these figures are where they need to be. He recognizes the need for facilities for the students but stated that the real process takes place in the classroom between the student and the teacher. MARY BOBBITT-COOKE, member of the Orange County School Board, stated that the dollar numbers are not based on numbers that are realistic but exaggerated. There are counties that are building excellent schools for much less money. The committee did not deal with other creative ways than brick and mortar. Year round schools were not considered as a more creative way. She questions if people can afford this bond issue. The university is downsizing because of the state's shortfall and there are layoffs in the Triangle Park area. She asked if the 1990's will mirror the 1980 's as far as growth. She feels the county taxpayers will ask these questions. She is concerned that the Board of County Commissioners took out the technology package. The districts recognize each others need. She will support a bond package that will include technology and real figures for all students. BILL DORSETT stated that he opposes this bond as proposed. He would support doing this through sales taxes. MAX KENNEDY stated that the bond package is in deep trouble in both ends of the County. There are people out there who will not support this bond package because there are a lot of people who are not insulated against economic insecurity. He believes that any bond is going to be in serious trouble. The people will be voting against higher taxes and not against education. The referendum will stand a better chance in May than November. The growth in northern Orange County will not catch up with Chapel Hill because of the inadequate supply of water. ADJOURNMENT With no further comments, the public hearing was closed. Chair Carey adjourned the meeting at 11:03 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on December 17, 1991 at 7:30 p.m. in the OWASA Community Room, Jones Ferry Road, Carrboro, North Carolina. Moses Carey, Jr. , Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk c: \wp5O\min/12-11-91