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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19920218APPROVED 4/6/92 MINIITES ORANGB COIINTY BOARD OF COMMI88IONERB REGIILAR MEETING FEBRIIARY 18, 1992 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday, February 18, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room at the OWASA facility on Jones Ferry Road in Carrboro, North Carolina. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr., and Commissioners Alice M. Gordon, Stephen H. Halkiotis, Verla C. Insko and Don Willhoit. COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Managers Albert Kittrell and Rod Visser, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Tax Collector John T. Horner, Budget Director Sally Kost, County Engineer Paul Thames and EMS Director Nick Waters. I. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA The Board added to the agenda item III-E an application entitled "Guidelines for Development in the University Lake Watershed" and added to the Appointments the Advisory Board on Aging. 11. AUDIENCE COMMENTS A. MATTERB ON THE PRINTED AGENDA Chair Carey announced that those citizens who have indicated a desire to speak to an item on the printed agenda will be recognized at the appropriate time. B. MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA - NONE PIIBLIC CHARGE The Public Charge was not read. III. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve all the items on the Consent Agenda as listed below: A. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #10 The Board approved the Grant Project Ordinance accepting a grant award from the Kate B. Reynolds Health Care Trust and the North Carolina Medical Assistance Program for the Orange County Health Department. This ordinance is stated below: MATERNAL AND INFANT OUTREACH PROJECT GRANT PROJECT ORDINANCE Be it ordained by the Board of Commissioners that pursuant to Section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following grant project is hereby adopted. Section 1. The project authorized is the Maternal and Infant Outreach program as awarded to the Orange County Health Department by the Kate B. Reynolds Health Care Trust and the North Carolina Medical Assistance Program. Section 2. The officers of the County are hereby directed to proceed with the grant project within the grant document, the rules and regulations of the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources and the budget contained herein. Section 3. The following revenues are anticipated to be available to complete this project: Intergovernmental Maternal and Infant Outreach $23,016 Section 4. The following amounts are appropriated for this project: Human Services Maternal and Infant Outreach $23,016 Section 5. The finance officer is hereby directed to maintain within the Grant Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to provide the accounting to the grantor agency required by the grant agreement and federal and state regulations. Section 6. Funds may be advanced from the General Fund for the purpose of making payments due. Reimbursement requests should be made to the grantor agency in an orderly and timely manner. Section 7. Copies of this grant project ordinance shall be made available to the finance officer for direction in carrying out this project. Section 8. This ordinance is effective January 1, 1992. B. POHLIC SCHOOL BOILDING CAPITAL FIIND APPLICATION The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign an application to the State Budget Office to release funds in the amount of $245,680 for renovations and additions to Ephesus Elementary School from Orange County's Public School Building Capital Fund account. C. COMMIINITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM The Board established March 9, 1992 as the public hearing date to receive citizen comments on the development of a 1992 Community Development Block Grant application. D. IINPAID REAL PROPERTY AND TA8 LIEN ADVERTISEMENT The Board received a report on the amount of current unpaid real property taxes as of January 31, 1992 as stated below and approved the tax lien advertisement date of May 13, 1992. COUNTY CHAPEL HILL $ 2,209,921.75 $ 596,387.20 CARRBORO $ 209,202.59 HILLSBOROUGH $ 58,040.98 TOTAL $ 3,073,552.52 B. ANNIIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD COMPETITION (NACo) The Board approved submitting three entries to NACo for the Annual Achievement Award Competition. They are listed below: 1. Adults and Children Empowered by Support 2. "In the Know" 3. Guidelines for Development in the University Lake Watershed VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS IV. RESOLIITIONB/PROCLAMATIONS A. ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACT Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Chair Carey to approve the resolution as stated below authorizing the Orange County schools to enter into a continuing contract for the replacement of windows, addition of air conditioning, and modification of the heating system at Orange High School. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS CONTINUING CONTRACT FOR ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING WHEREAS, Orange County Schools has planned and bid a capital project to replace windows, add air-conditioning and modify the heating system at Orange High School, and WHEREAS, funds in the amount of $391,371 are available in current year and prior year capital project ordinances for this projects, and WHEREAS, funds in the amount of $1,297,091 will be needed in the next fiscal year to complete the project, and WHEREAS, a school unit, in accordance with State Statute 115C-441 may not enter into a contract for capital outlay expenditures, some portion or all of which is to be performed and/or paid in ensuing fiscal years without the budget resolution including an appropriation for the entire obligation, without the Board of County Commissioners' approval, and WHEREAS, Orange County Schools has been informed that estimated funds available, including a planned 1992-93 appropriation from Orange County of $1,173,807 and undesignated prior year funds in the pay-as-you-go project fund will be available in an amount exceeding $1,297,091 next fiscal year, and WHEREAS, the statute does allow school units to enter into continuing contracts provided a binding resolution is adopted by the Board of County Commissioners, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners agrees by this binding resolution to appropriate $1,297,091 already designated for Orange County Schools from the pay-as-you-go fund in fiscal year 1992-93 to meet the amount to be paid under the proposed contracts in that year. VOTE: AYES, 4; ABSTENTION, 1 (Commissioner Halkiotis because of a possible conflict of interest) Commissioner Willhoit emphasized the importance of energy efficient schools. He asked for information on how to rate electricity. Sally Kost noted that this work will be paid for out of the Capital Improvement Plan for Orange County Schools. V. BPECIAL PRESENTATIONS VI. PIIBLIC HEARING AND A DECISION VII. REPORTS A. EBPANSION OF THE BFLAND SEWER SYSTEM Some Efland citizens have formed the Efland Environmental Group Steering Committee. This group requested that county staff proceed with (1) developing general financing alternatives for expanding the Efland sewer system; (2) the necessary process to begin CDBG eligibility investigation for funding of Efland sewer expansion and for financial assistance for existing and potential customers of the existing section of the sewer system in making plumbing modifications, paying tap fees, etc.; and (3) determining the public health implications resulting from poor waste treatment systems currently existing in unsewered portions of Efland. John Link stated that the suggestions from this group seem to be reasonable and prudent and recommends that the Board confirm those recommendations and direct the staff to begin with the process to put these suggestions into action. Commissioner Gordon suggested receiving this report and delaying action on this request until after the CDBG public hearing on March 9. She asked for information on how many citizens are connected to the sewer, the fees the County has received, reasons for people not paying, and the number of people who have not tapped on and are paying. Chairman Carey stated that the Board needs to receive a status report and have a work session on this topic. The Board agreed to accept the report. B. EMERGENCY COMMIINICATIONB John Link reported that during the fall of 1991, he conducted a review of the emergency communications system in Orange County in an effort to confirm those aspects of the system that are working well and to ascertain others that may need improvement. Overall, the emergency communications system works quite well. However, there are a number of areas that need additional attention. With the support and cooperation of municipal and volunteer officials, he has implemented a number of steps that will strengthen the system. Commissioner Halkiotis suggested having uniforms for the 911 personnel to let them know the County really cares about them. Chair Carey suggested looking into the possibility of buying pins for County employees. John Link will poll the employees to find out what they would like. Commissioner Insko expressed concern about stress on the job stating that it needs to be recognized and responded to accordingly. The Board received the report. VIII. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGIILAR AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF SCHOOL SITE The Board was asked to approve the purchase price for a Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools building site. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools have expressed a desire to purchase a parcel of land for $900,000 that would be a site for one or two new schools. The parcel contains 39.51 acres and is located on Old Fayetteville Road in Carrboro. This approval would be contingent upon the successful passage of a school bond during the scheduled November 1992 referendum. Chair Carey emphasized the need to clarify for both school systems the process for Board of Commissioners approval of school sites stressing that it needs to be done in the context of a unified system. Commissioner Insko agreed stating that it would be helpful if there was an understanding with the local jurisdictions and school boards on communicating informally ahead of time when purchasing property. Commissioner Halkiotis asked that Chairman Carey develop some guidelines for approval of school sites and forward these to the two school boards. Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis that the Board approve the amount to be spent by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools for this 39.51 acre tract, subject to voter approval of the scheduled November, 1992 school bond referendum and to authorize the Chair to write a letter to the two school boards outlining the process for future approval. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. SEWER HOTTLENECR In 1988, a series of meetings were held to develop an agreement to eliminate a sewer bottleneck at Elizabeth Brady Road and US70A. The County set aside $66,000 as its contributions to the tentative agreement. Because of complications, this project has been delayed and the cost has increased by an additional $12,000. The entire project cost of $78,000 can be paid for from the County Capital Reserve Fund. Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the contract, subject to County Attorney final review and negotiation on the construction timetable; authorize the Chair to sign the contract; and approve the appropriation of $78,000 from the County Capital Reserve Fund for the Sewer Bottleneck Project. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. REDESIGNATION OF SERVICE DELIVERY AREA FOR JTPA PROGRAMS Albert Kittrell presented a proposal for the formation of a Service Delivery Area composed of Alamance, Orange and Randolph Counties and a resolution which would approve this change in Service Delivery Areas. He explained that the State Division of Employment and Training allows counties to maintain or redesignate new Service Delivery Areas for JTPA programs every two years. Janice Scarborough, Executive Director of the Regional Consolidated Services submitted a proposal for training. Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Insko to approve the petition to designate the formation of a Service Delivery Area composed of Alamance, Orange and Randolph Counties and the resolution as stated below which establishes the Tar Heel State Job Training Consortium, and authorize the Chair to sign both documents. RESOLUTION REGIONAL CONSOLIDATED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SDA WHEREAS, it is the intent and purpose of the parties to this agreement to establish a multijurisdictional JTPA program, and that the geographic area served by the consortium be designated as a Service Delivery Area for JTPA purposes; and WHEREAS, there are municipalities within the three counties which, though not parties to this consortium, shall benefit from it by virtue of the counties' participation therein; and WHEREAS, the figures on attachment A designate the funding allocation for the SDA as well as the percentage for each county in the SDA; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the -Board of Commissioners of Orange County that they agree to form a job training consortium with Randolph and Alamance Counties, that designation of such consortium as a Service Delivery Area for JTPA purposes shall be accepted, that such consortium shall be known as the Regional Consolidated Services Employment and Training Service Delivery Area. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairman of the Orange County Board of Commissioners or his designee be empowered to act on behalf of the Orange County Board of Commissioners in signing the document required to establish the consortium and to enter into contractual and other agreements to designate the administrative entity, grant recipient, appointing authority for the Private Industry Council, and the single Chief Elected Official for the consortium. VOTE: UNANIMOUS D. PIIHLIC HEARING DATE FOR 1992-93 COMMISSIONERS GOALS AND HIIDGET PRIORITIES Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to set a public hearing for March 9, 1992, in the Old County Courthouse in Hillsborough to receive public comment on the Board of County Commissioners proposed goals and FY 1992-93 County budget priorities. VOTE: UNANIMOUS E. HYCONEECHEE REGIONAL LIBRARY The Regional Library Task Force was created in November, 1991 by the Boards of Commissioners in Caswell, Person and Orange Counties. Each Board appointed a county commissioner, a representative from the library board and county manager to serve on this task force. The Library Task Force charge was to a) implement the recommendations included in the State Auditor's review of the Regional Library; b) examine the contractual and structural organization of the regional library and c) assist the Regional Library Board of Trustees in selecting a permanent Regional Library Director. The Orange County representative on the Task Force,Commissioner Insko, stated that the outcome of this task force was a commitment to remain a regional library system and to improve the operations of the library system. Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit to (1) immediately dissolve the local county library board, (2)establish a new regional library board of trustees consisting of three representatives from each county with one representative being a county commissioner, (3) appoint the Regional Library Task Force to serve as the interim board of trustees until the new board has been appointed, and (4) offer suggestions regarding the revision of regional library board by-laws and issues of importance. The appointments will be made on March 9th or March 24th and effective April 1, 1992. VOTE: UNANIMOUS IB. BOARD COMMENTB Commissioner Gordon questioned the impact of the siting of a low level hazardous nuclear waste facility in North Carolina and the route that the trucks would take through Orange County. Commissioner Willhoit indicated the route is unknown at this time. The State has an emergency preparedness plan and the Orange County HazMat Team is on board. He feels that a truck carrying propane or gasoline presents a greater danger than one carrying low level nuclear waste. He feels it important to learn everything we can about the situation so that the citizens can have a degree of assurance. EMS Director Nick Waters will prepare a report for the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Halkiotis informed the Board that if the proposal to house misdemeanants in county jails becomes a reality, it will have a serious impact across the state. He feels that the NCACC will support this as long as the State pays a reasonable reimbursement and control is at the local level. Also, he distributed a brochure from Cleveland County which has three school systems. They are working jointly in a program to keep kids in school. He asked that the Board of County Commissioners review this program. Discussion ensued on economic development. Commissioner Willhoit noted that there needs to be a regional approach to economic development. Commissioner Halkiotis stated that something needs to be done about increasing the tax base and bringing jobs to Orange County. Chair Carey noted that economic development will come to the County and it will be the kind they want. The Board discussed briefly the need to work aggressively toward composting. Commissioner Willhoit stated that the LOG will discuss the problems related to ash from the UNC power plant at their next meeting. The Board discussed holding a public hearing to hear the pros and cons of disposing or not disposing of ash in the landfill. In answer to a question from Chair Carey, John Link indicated that arrangements have been made to provide planning money for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. Orange County Schools will not require this assistance. %. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link reported that DSS has received an additional amount of money for daycare. A news release will be issued. XI. APPOINTMENTS DOMICILIARY HOME COMMIINITY ADVISORY COMMI88ION Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to reappoint Donna M. Tate to a term ending June 30, Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Tom High as a County representative and Henry Richardson as a transitional area representative to terms ending February 1993. VOTE: UNANIMOUS NORSING HOME COMMIINITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reappoint Lois Van Coutren and Marvin Block to a term ending June 30, 1994. VOTE: UNANIMOUS CARRBORO PLANNING BOARD 2, 1995. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Motion was made Halkiotis to appoint Ruth and George Snowden to an VOTE: UNANIMOUS BII. MINUTES - NONE by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Stroud to an unexpired term ending June 30, 1994 unexpired term ending June 30, 1992. BIII. EBECIITIVE BESSION Motion was made Commissioner Insko to go int VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion was made by Carey to go back into Regular VOTE: UNANIMOUS by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by o Executive Session to discuss litigation. Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Chair Session. RIV. ADJOIIRNMENT With no further business tb come before the Board, Chair Carey adjourned the meeting. The next Regular Meeting will be held on February 1992 at 7:30 p.m. in Superior Courtroom, Hillsborough, North Carolina. Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk Moses Carey, Chair