Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 199205191 APPROVED 6-29-92 The Orang Tuesday, May 19, Road in Carrboro, MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MAY 19, 1992 e County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on 1992 at 7:30 p.m. in the OWASA meeting room on Jones Ferry North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr., and Commissioners Alice M. Gordon, Stephen H. Halkiotis, Verla C. Insko and Don Willhoit. COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Manager Albert Kittrell, Economic Development Director Ted Abernathy, Deputy Clerk Kathy Baker, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Finance Director Ken Chavious, Planning Director Marvin Collins, Purchasing Director Pam Jones, Budget Director Sally Kost, Recreation and Parks Director MaryAnne Moore and Fire Marshall Mike Tapp. I. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Two additional names were added to the Appointments. A resolution was added changing the place of the May 21st Special Meeting to Superior Courtroom. Item 8-A was deleted A request to support H916 introduced by Representative Anne Barnes was added as item 4-D. 11. AUDIENCE COMMENTS A. MATTERS ON THE PRINTED AGENDA Chair Carey stated that those citizens who have indicated a desire to speak on an item on the printed agenda will be recognized at the appropriate time. B. MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA Bruce Kohorn read a prepared statement from citizens against site eleven. In summary the letter stated that they are dissatisfied with the search process for Orange County's next landfill. They ask for an investigation of the voting process which led to the selection of landfill sites 11, 2, 9 and 17 for geotechnical drilling. They feel the sites were chosen by a process heavily influenced by an angry public and not by sound public policy and scientific reasoning. They do not understand why site 3 or even part of site 3 was eliminated. They feel that site 3 should not be eliminated until the fate of the airport is determined. They want the selection process to be scientifically sound and politically just. They are against spending $60,000 to drill four sites. The asked that site 17 be drilled and if not suitable drill one more site. PUBLIC CHARGE 2 Chair Carey read the public charge. III. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below: A. BIIDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #13 The Board approved the following amendments to the 1991-92 Budget Ordinance: GENERAL FUND Source - Intergovernmental $ 4,270 Appropriation - Human Services 4,270 (To budget for additional State-related Health Department revenues) Source - Intergovernmental $150,505 Appropriation - Human Services 150,505 (To budget for additional State funding for Child Day Care and the JOBS programs in the Department of Social Services) Source - Intergovernmental $ 5,739 Appropriation - Miscellaneous 5,739 (To budget for Emergency Food and Shelter funds) Source - Intergovernmental $ 144 Appropriation - Contributions to Outside 144 Agencies (To budget for additional CBA funds for Project Attend) Source - Intergovernmental $ 1,050 Appropriation - Contributions to Outside 1,050 Agencies (to budget for Chapel Hill Motel Tax grant awarded to the Orange County Arts Commission) Source - Intergovernmental $ 3,739 Appropriation - Human Services 3,739 (To budget additional Title IIIB funds for the Department on Aging) Source - Miscellaneous $ 1,500 Appropriation - Human Services 1,500 (To budget for donations for the Department on Aging) Source - Intergovernmental $ 7,800 Appropriation - Human Services 7,800 (To budget for Medicaid reimbursements for the Department on Aging) 3 Source - Intergovernmental $ 500 Appropriation - Human Services 500 (To budget for award from the Chapel Hill Service League for the Dept. on Aging) EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FUND: Source - Intergovernmental $ 32,976 Appropriation - Human Services 32,976 (To budget for NCDOT match for replacement vehicles) B. 1991-92 AIIDIT CONTRACT The Board approved the contract with Deloitte & Touche to develop the audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 1992 for a fee of $47,000. C. SETTLEMENT OF DISPIITE TaITH PRIME INCOME PARTNERS - FRANCHISE TAX For the years 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991, Prime Cable Income Partners paid Orange County 3~ of the Carolina Cable gross receipts for its Orange County operations. The County's Cable Television Ordinance was amended in 1987 to require the payment of a 5~ fee effective with Prime's fiscal year beginning after the amendment. Prime has paid Orange County $50,000 in full settlement of the disputed fees for these four years. The executed settlement agreement and a copy of the acceptance of the document by Warner Cable Communications, Inc. of the Carolina Cable franchise are made a part of these minutes by reference. D. NORTH CHATHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTRACT The Board approved the proposed contract with North Chatham Volunteer Fire Department, as to general form and content, and authorized the Chair to sign the contract, based on final review and subject to minor revisions by the County Attorney. E. HISTORIC INVENTORY GRANT - PHASE II The Board authorized the County Manager to sign the Memorandum of Agreement and provide certification of matching funds for a $17,000 Survey and Planning Grant from the State Historic Preservation Office for the purpose of conducting an inventory of historic sites and structures in the remaining unincorporated portions of Orange County. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS IV. RESOLIITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS A. ACCESS TO POTENTIAL LANDFILL SITES This resolution and interlocal agreement between Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill authorizes the Town of Chapel Hill to act on behalf of the jurisdictions comprising the Landfill Owners' Group in exercising the statutory authority granted to each jurisdiction to conduct testing of potential sites for a landfill. Commissioner Gordon asked for an update on the landfill search process before this resolution is considered by the Board. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to a report received from 4 Reggie Gillespie in which land was devastated by the heavy equipment used to do the soil test borings. Trees were cut and vegetation was cleared. Commissioner Halkiotis prefers that this authorization remain with the Board of County Commissioners instead of with another group. Commissioner Insko agreed with Commissioner Halkiotis adding that she has questions about the process that need to be answered. Chair Carey agreed. Reggie Gillespie, Counsel to Randolph D. Fox, stated that Mr. Fox's property is located near the intersection of St. Mary's and New Sharon Church Roads and constitutes approximately 78~ of the land area that has been designated as Site OC-11. This property is the largest single tract that has been targeted for the possible landfill. He asked that the Board reject or delay any action on the proposed resolution. A copy of his statement is in the Permanent Agenda File in the Clerk's Office. His main concern is the destruction of property when the soil test borings are done. He feels that an effort should be made to narrow the search process. Mark Marcoplos thanked the Board for looking into the process. He asked that the testing be postponed. He feels that the landfill is going to last longer than 1997 which will give the County adequate time to have a recycling plan in place. He feels the drilling is not necessary since it is not known how large a landfill will be needed. Things are going to change. Packaging will change and 70~ less .will be thrown away. He feels a solid waste management plan needs to be in place so that the size of the landfill can be determined. The County Attorney clarified that the authority to go on the land is the authority of Orange County, Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Joyce Engineering will go on the property and do the testing under their contract with the LOG. The reason why the resolution and the agreement includes all three entities is that it is assumed that Chapel Hill will continue to run the landfill. Commissioner Halkiotis asked about the statement that Joyce Engineering would ultimately be running the landfill. He asked that information be obtained on how many landfills Joyce Engineering run elsewhere in the United States. He also asked for information on the size of the test pit excavations. Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to request a report on the landfill process and on the impact of the soil test borings and/or the test pit excavations on the land. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Insko questioned why the sites were so large. She has questions she would like answered about two sites which may not be suitable. She feels that the worst thing they can do is to let the process continue when it may not be working. Commissioner Gordon agreed with this statement. It was decided that questions would be forwarded to the Board, the Manager or the Clerk. 5 B. NON-ACCEPTANCE OF OUTSIDE WASTE AT ORANGE COIINTY LANDFILL Commissioner Willhoit indicated that landfilling of waste from outside the County has not been approved by the Board. There was a regional effort at one time but that has been abandoned. In order for recycling to be feasible, it may be necessary to do it on a regional basis, but that is yet to be determined. One of the concerns of recycling is that there must be markets and usually this is done on a regional basis. Commissioner Insko emphasized that the implication of approving this resolution is that the County's waste would not be sent elsewhere. Commissioner Halkiotis asked about out-of-county people dumping in the County's green boxes and Commissioner Willhoit stated that he has asked for cost figures to move immediately to a system of securing all green box sites. He plans to address this during the budget session. Commissioner Willhoit answered various questions about the disposal of hazardous waste in the area. The Board decided to change the name from Regional Landfill to Orange County Landfill. Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the resolution as stated below: RESOLUTION PROHIBITING ACCEPTANCE AT THE ORANGE COUNTY LANDFILL OF SOLID WASTE GENERATED OUTSIDE ORANGE COUNTY WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Orange County Board of Commissioners and the Landfill Owners' Group not to knowingly accept solid waste at the Orange County Landfill that is generated by individuals or organizations residing outside the geographical boundaries of Orange County and that portion of the Town of Chapel Hill located within Durham County, and WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners recognizes the need to reduce and manage solid waste responsibly now and in the future, and WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners is committed to a good solid waste management plan and to preserving natural resources, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners reaffirms the policy that to the extent permitted by law, the existing Orange County Landfill, as well as any successor thereto, shall be designated to accept solid waste generated exclusively by residents, businesses, and other institutions located in Orange County and that portion of the Town of Chapel Hill located within Durham County. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. PROPOSED RESOLIITIONS FOR NCACC ANNIIAL CONFERENCE Chair Carey asked for any resolutions that the Board of County Commissioners would like to have drafted for the NCACC Annual Conference. After a brief discussion on several topics, it was decided that there were no resolutions at this time. Concern was expressed about abused children. Marti Pryor-Cook will give a report at a later meeting on whether 6 families should be kept together where parents are drug users. It was decided that this may be a topic that an established Board, Commission or Agency could study and develop a report. D. SUPPORT OF HB916 - DISTRIBUTION OF LOCAL REVENiJEB Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit to support HB916 introduced by Representative Anne Barnes and direct the Chair to write a letter to the appropriate legislators. VOTE: UNANIMOUS To increase the emphasis of their support, Commissioner Willhoit suggested that each Commissioner write a letter. E. CHANGE OF MEETING LOCATION FOR MAY 21, 1992 Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the notice of change of place of meeting for the May 21, 1992 meeting as stated below: COUNTY OF ORANGE NOTICE OF CHANGE OF PLACE OF MEETING OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, N.C.G.S. 153A-40(a) requires the Board of County Commissioners to fix the time and place of its meetings; and WHEREAS, this Board desires to change the place of the special meeting scheduled for May 21, 1992 at 6:00 p.m. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners that the May 21 Special Meeting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. will be held in the DSS Conference Room instead of the Food Lab as originally scheduled. This notice is provided pursuant to N.C.G.S. 153-40. VOTE: UNANIMOUS V. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS -NONE VI. PUBLIC HEARING AND A DECISION - NONE VII. REPORTS A. FINAL REPORT FROM THE TASK FORCE FOR THE FIITURE OF HUMAN SERVICES In the first section of this final report, the Task Force described the types of information-sharing and coordination efforts that are in place in the human service system and identified areas that could be improved. The second section of the report contained the proposal for the creation of a coordinating council with representation similar to that of the task force. This Council is not intended to take the place of existing boards or advisory groups. Instead, it provides a forum to enhance communication and coordination among those who fund and provide human services. The third section of the report contained "A Snapshot Report of Human Services in Orange County" which gives a glimpse of the current state of the human services system. Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit to endorse the creation of a coordinating council and receive the report as information. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. EMERGENCY COMMtTNICATIONB COVERAGE IMPROVEMENTS For a number of years, emergency service providers in Orange County have worked with a radio communications system that has provided inadequate radio communication capabilities in some parts of the County. Last summer, the County retained RF Projects Corporation to study the problem and to provide recommendations on options available to achieve satisfactory communication capabilities throughout the County. A subcommittee of the Orange County Chiefs' Council has worked with the consultant to provide preliminary recommendations on possible solutions. Additional work remains to be completed in identifying the exact locations for the towers before consideration by the Board of any bids on radio equipment and installation. The Board received this report for information. VIII. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGIILAR AGENDA A. VOLIINTARY AGRICOLTURAL DISTRICT DESIGNATION - WALTERS FARM This item was postponed to a later date. B. 1992-97 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Discussion ensued on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Outstanding items for further discussion include the swimming pool project and the school projects in the CIP. Susan Waldrop, Chair of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee, stated that the Committee unanimously voted to support the swimming pool project. She feels this is a unique and wonderful opportunity for all the citizens in the County. This will provide the teens a safe place to go. Sam Bratton, landowner who may provide the land for the center, stated that there are a lot of benefits this facility will provide to the citizens of Orange County. Mr. John Howerton, organizational consultant with Burroughs Wellcome, stated he is involved with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro swim teams and president of the Chapel Hill summer swim league. The pools in Chapel Hill are maxed out. They need more pools. They are only allowed a minimum amount of time at pools in the area. As a taxpayer, coach and citizen he supports the pool. He emphasized that there are enough people to support the pool every minute of every day. Commissioner Insko spoke in support of a swim program where all children would learn to swim either in elementary or middle school. John Link stated that both school superintendents expressed support for the pool and would like to be involved. They are willing to share operational cost and having the pool in the central part of the county would not be a problem. Also the Town of Hillsborough indicated they would be supportive of the pool and willing to reduce the charge or have no charge for the water. Commissioner Gordon stated she feels the pool is needed but she is not sure the County can afford it. She is worried about the passing of the 8 school bond issue in November. John Link explained that the most reasonable option is where the County pays a flat $400,000 a year - $200,000 for the lease and $200,000 for operational costs. The organization would staff the pool and the County would share in the profits. The option whereby the County would receive 50~ of the profits would reduce the County's debt obligation. Commissioner Insko asked for financial information after the first five years of operation. Chair Carey hopes the County can move ahead with this project. If not, he suggests that a committee be formed to study the issue. Commissioner Halkiotis stressed that the kids do not have any place to go. Kids would pay for a place to skate for something as simple as skateboarding. He feels the County needs some healthy outlets for the kids. Commissioner Willhoit would very much like to see the pool approved. He questions to what extend the County can get the community behind this and if Can matching funds or contributions be solicited in some sort of challenge. He would like to see the commitments that Triangle Hocking has received. Susan Waldrop stated that many organizations are waiting to see the level of County support for this project before making a commitment. John Link feels that if the County approves this project in the CIP that it will provide a challenge to the group to raise the remainder of the money. Chair Carey noted that the County will never be able to afford a pool by using only County monies because of the other capital projects that will take priority. Commissioner Gordon referred to the student-teacher ratio and asked if the Board would support the basic education goal of 22 or 23 for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. Neil Pederson noted that if the school system reduced their elementary class size, they would need to hire more teachers and they have no space for these teachers. John Link suggested and the Board agreed that for fiscal year 92- 93 only, the county's recurring capital would be paid from sales tax revenue instead of property tax revenues. No projects will be hurt by this process. C. CONSIDERATION OF OWASA-RELATED ISSUES (APRIL 1 ASSEMBLY OF GOVERNMENTS MEETING) This item will be considered at the June 1, 1992 meeting. IX. BOARD COMMENTS - NONE X. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT - NONE XI. APPOINTMENTS PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Chair Carey to appoint Gloria Williams and Kathy Lafone to three year terms and Marti pryor- Cook to a two year term and Jenny Bryant to a term yet to be decided. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9 Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Rachel Lynch-Gaya and Bobbie Vaughan to terms yet to be decided. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ABC BOARD Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reappoint George Prillaman to a three-year term ending June 30, 1995. VOTE: UNANIMOUS PERSONNEL ADVISORY BOARD Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reappoint Carol Cantrell to a three year term ending June 30, 1995. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reappoint George Snowden, Louise Clayton, and Norm Gustaveson to three year terms ending June 30, 1995. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Motion was made by Commissioner. Insko, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reappoint Tom Roberts as the Hillsborough representative for a term ending June 30, 1995. VOTE: UNANIMOUS NURSING HOME COMMUNITY ADV. COMMITTEE Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Susan Greganti to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee for a term ending June 30, 1995. VOTE: UNANIMOUS DURHAM/CHAPEL HILL WORK GROUP Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Alice Gordon as the Board's representative on this work group. VOTE: UNANIMOUS TASK FORCE ON REDUCING VIOLENT CRIME AND DRUG USE Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Moses Carey as the Board's representative on this task force . VOTE: UNANIMOUS RII. MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the minutes for the April 21, 1992 Regular Meeting as amended. 10 VOTE: UNANIMOUS XIII. EXECIITIVE BESSION -NONE RIO. ADJOIIRNMENT With no further business for the Board to consider, Chair Carey adjourned the meeting at 11:20 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on June 1, 1992 at 7:30 in the courtroom of the Old Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Moses Carey, Jr., Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk