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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 199208181 APPROVED 11/2/92 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 18, 1992 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 18, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. at the OWASA Operation Center in Carrboro, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr., and Commissioners Alice M. Gordon, Stephen H. Halkiotis and Verla C. Insko. COUNTY COMMISSIONER ABSENT: Don Willhoit COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John Link, Jr., Assistant County Managers Albert Kittrell and Rod Visser, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Human Resources Analyst II Lana Chandra, Finance Director Ken Chavious, Accountant Howard Fitts, Personnel Director Elaine Holmes, Budget Director Sally Kost, Planners Emily Cameron and Mary Scearbo, Social Services Director Marti Pryor-Cook, Health Director Dan Reimer, Accounting Technician Joyce Reiner, and EMS Director Nick Waters. IX. BOARD COMMENTS The Board congratulated Chair Moses Carey for being elected as First Vice-President of NCACC. Chair Carey stated he appreciated Commissioner Willhoit for working on his behalf. Chair Carey announced that a Special Meeting will be scheduled to address the process followed by the Landfill Site Search Committee (LSSC) and to answer various questions about the four sites which were selected as potential landfill sites and to get some clarification on testing procedures. The Board agreed to invite the governing boards of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough to the meeting as observers. I. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Chair Carey received from the OWASA Board Chair Lois Herring a request to appoint a County Commissioner to a discussion group which will explore initiatives for assisting low income families with water and sewer needs. This was added under Appointments. II. AUDIENCE COMMENTS A. MATTERS ON THE PRINTED AGENDA Chair Carey announced that all citizens who wish to speak to an item on the printed agenda will be recognized at the appropriate time. B. MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA - NONE PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Moses Carey, Jr. read the Public Charge. 2 III. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Insko to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: A. PIIBLIC SCHOOL BIIILDING CAPITAL FIIND APPLICATION - EPHESIIS ELEMENTARY The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign an application to the State Budget Office to release funds from Orange County's Public School Building Capital Fund account for the renovation and addition to Ephesus Elementary School. This application increases the amount of the Ephesus project funding from State funds to $624,938. B. BIIDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #1 This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and considered after the Consent Agenda. C. FOREST SERVICE CONTRACT The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the annual agreement between Orange County and the Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources. D. CLASSIFICATION PLAN AMENDMENT The Board approved an amendment to the Classification Plan changing the title of the class of Day Care Coordinator (Salary Grade 69) to Social Work Coordinator (Salary Grade 69). E. ANNIIAL CONTRIBIITIONS CONTRACT SECTION 8 CERTIFICATE PROGRAM The Board adopted and authorized the Chair to sign the Annual Contributions Contract for the Section 8 Existing Certificate Program as outlined in the resolution stated below: RESOLIITION AIITHORIZING ERECIITION OF AN ANNIIAL CONTRIBIITIONS CONTRACT Whereas, the Orange County Housing Authority (herein called the "PHA") proposes to enter into an Annual Contributions Contract (herein called the "Contract") with the United States of America, Department of Housing and urban Development (herein called the "Government"). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PHA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The Contract numbered Contract No. 2903-E, is hereby approved and accepted both as to form and substance and the Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners is hereby authorized and directed to execute said Contract in triplicate on behalf of the PHA, and the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners is hereby authorized and directed to impress and attest the official seal of the PHA on each such counterpart and to forward said executed counterparts to the Government together with such other documents evidencing the approval and authorizing the execution thereof as may be required by the Government. Section 2. The County Manager is hereby authorized to file with the 3 Government from time to time, as monies are required, requisitions together with the necessary supporting document, for payment under the contract. Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately. F. GIS CONTINIIATION AGREEMENT WITH E.S.R.I. The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign an agreement with ESRI to continue licensing and support services for two (2) additional years. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA B. BIIDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #1 Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Insko to approve budget ordinance amendment #1 as stated below: GENERAL FUND Source - Intergovernmental $251,676 Appropriation - Human Services 159,575 - contributions to Outside Agencies 92,101 (To budget for TJCOG Senior Citizen Program Grant) Source - Intergovernmental $ 26,242 Appropriation - Contributions to Outside Agencies 26,242 (To budget for Rape Crisis VOCA Grant) Source - County Capital Reserve Fund $285,000 Intergovernmental 32,935 Appropriation - Equipment Replacement/Bldg. Repairs 317,935 INTERGOVERNMENTAL Source - Existing $ 644,086 Existing "PO10" 491.774 Moderate Rehab 355,752 Voucher 450,092 Total Revenues $ 1,942,604 RENTAL ASSISTANCE Appropriation - Existing $ 579,187 Existing "PO10" 434,892 Moderate Rehab 312,276 Voucher 406,332 Total Rental Assistance $ 1,732,687 ADMINISTRATION Appropriation - Existing $ 64,899 Existing "PO10" 56,882 Moderate Rehab 43,476 Voucher S 44,660 4 Total Administration $ 209,917 Total Appropriations $ 1,942,604 (Section 8 Block Grant Program) VOTE: UNANIMOUS IV. RESOLIITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS A. PROCLAMATION OF WOMEN'S EOIIALITY DAY Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to proclaim August 26, 1992 as Women's Equality Day in Orange County. WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, on August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was ratified; and WHEREAS, the amendment reads as follows: "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex."; and WHEREAS, the power of the vote is the gateway to continued improvements in the status of women, and has the potential for especially significant impact in this "Year of the Woman;" and WHEREAS, the Orange County Commission for Women advises the citizens and the Board of Commissioners of Orange County of the status of women in Orange County; and WHEREAS, that status continues to be unequal, especially economically and politically; and WHEREAS, women make significant contributions economically, politically and in myriad ways to Orange County, NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange county Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims Wednesday, August 26, 1992 as WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY in celebration of women's contributions and their right to economic and political equality, and hereby urges all citizens to exercise their right to vote in this election year and continue to work to guarantee full equality for all women. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. PROCLAMATION - BEPTEMBER AS SICRLE CELL MONTH Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adopt the proclamation designating September, 1992 as sickle Cell Month in Orange County. 5 SICKLE CELL MONTH PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, sickle cell disease is an inherited and currently incurable blood disorder that directly affects many Black Americans and their families, and WHEREAS, one in 10 of all Black Americans carries the gene for sickle cell trait, and WHEREAS, this disease indirectly affects every citizen of Orange County through its impact on our economic, social, and health care systems, and WHEREAS, treatment is now available through the North Carolina Sickle Cell Syndrome Program, medical schools, local health departments, federal and state agencies, to help those with sickle cell disease lead full and productive lives, and WHEREAS, these agencies work closely together to provide high quality education, testing, screening, counseling, referral, and medical services to persons having sickle cell disease, and WHEREAS, research on the treatment, management, and cure for this disorder is vital to improving the health and quality of life of persons with sickle cell disease; NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim September, 1992 as Sickle Cell Month in Orange County and urges all our citizens to become more informed and involved in the education, treatment, and care of people with sickle cell disease. VOTE: UNANIMOUS V. SPECIAL PREBENTATIONB A. PRESENTATION - CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING Chair Carey presented to Ken Chavious and his staff the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Orange County has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement each year since 1982. He commended Ken and his staff for their ability to consistently meet the high standards reflected by this award. B. NACO 1992 ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Chair Carey commended and presented the 1992 NACo Achievement Awards to the following people: Marti Pryor-Cook for the Social Services Department program of "Adults and Children Empowered by Support" Dan Reimer for the Health Department minority AIDS project called "IN THE KNOW" Mary Scearbo and Emily Cameron for the "Guidelines for Development in the University Lake Watershed" developed by the Planning Department. 6 VI. PIIBLIC HEARINGS A. SCHOOL BOND REFERENDUM AND RESOLIITION Chair Carey announced that this was the date and the hour fixed by the Board of Commissioners for the public hearing upon the order entitled: "Order Authorizing $52,000,000 School Bonds" and that the Board of Commissioners will hear at this time anyone who might wish to be heard on the questions of the validity of said order or the advisability of issuing said bonds. No members of the public made comments. Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to close the public hearing and to adopt the bond order as it was read on August 3, 1992. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the Bond Referendum Resolution as presented and authorize the Clerk to meet all publishing requirements as suggested by Bond Counsel with the addition of the Chapel Hill Newspaper. VOTE: UNANIMOUS VII. REPORTS A. EMS STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS The Board received a report from the EMS Strategic Plan Steering Committee. Bob Lockwood, a member of this committee, emphasized that the purpose of this strategic planning process is to provide the best EMS service in Orange County. The process began in January, 1992 with a series of meetings involving service deliverers and citizens from all parts of the County. These meetings involved an "environmental scan" of issues affecting service delivery now and other issues which may have an impact in the future. Following the environmental scan, seven subcommittees were established to carry out the work of the strategic planning process. Norm Gustaveson and Carol Lorenz made comments about the EMS Strategic Planning Process and the 5 year Strategic Planning Team. One of the goals is to define certain patient outcomes that will lead them to make better decisions. They will also look at resource identification. The report was accepted as presented. B. UPDATING OF COIINTY FEE SCHEDULE - PHASE I This report was presented for information only at this time. John Link explained that these recommendations are based on a comprehensive review of fees in five County departments: Planning, Environmental Health, Land Records, Emergency Services and Recreation and Parks. No comprehensive update to these fees has been made since 1989. After the discussion tonight, these fees will go to the Board of Health for their consideration of approval before coming back to the Board of County Commissioners. Budget Director Sally Kost explained that they started with the David M. Griffith study done in 1989 and took those fees and indexed them taking the total expenditures for Environmental Health and the total indirect cost for Environmental Health over those periods of time. The fees were indexed to 22.86 which is the recommendation included in the report. The fees are 100 cost recovery with two exceptions. One is the bacteria water sample and the other is initial soil evaluation. These two fees, when set in 1989, were set at less than 100 cost recovery. 7 Commissioner Gordon asked that when this item comes back to the Board that it include the minutes from the Health Board discussion on these fees. Commissioner Insko asked that this come back on the Consent Agenda. C. OWASA OIIARTERLY REPORT The OWASA report was given by Katie Kalb. She reported that the Cane Creek Recreation facilities are under construction and scheduled for completion by mid-October. The report was received as presented in the agenda. VIII. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGOLAR AGENDA A. PHASE II HISTORIC INVENTORY - CONSIILTANT SELECTION Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Chair Carey to approve the recommendation as stated below: (1) employ Dan Pezzoni and Rhonda LaFever to conduct the inventory of historic sites and structures in the remaining unincorporated portions of Orange County, (2) that the consultants be reimbursed for their services in an amount not to exceed $32,000. This amount includes $27,500 for salaries, $2,000 for film and development,and $2,500 for travel/mileage expenses. Funding for these expenses will be covered by a $17,000 State grant and a $15,000 cash match from the County, and (3) that the Chair be authorized to execute a contract, contingent upon staff and attorney review, that incorporates the terms of the approved proposal. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. FEATHERWOOD PHASE II - PRELIMINARY PLAN At the August 3, 1992 meeting the Board of Commissioners approved the Preliminary Plan for Featherwood Phase II with a public road. This is being presented for reconsideration because although the agent for the applicant was notified on August 3 that this item was on the agenda for that date, he failed to notify Mr. Veit, the developer. Mr. Veit asked for an opportunity to present his case to the Board. Geoffrey Gledhill explained that the Board can either move to reconsider this proposal or rescind the previous action. In either case, the Board may hear from the applicant before making a decision. The applicant Ms. Laura L. Feather asked that the Board reconsider their action of August 3, 1992 which required that they put in a Department of Transportation standard road rather than the private road that was approved by the Planning Board. She feels the decision by the Planning Board was made by carefully looking at the plan and in accordance with the guidelines for a private road. The road is 300 feet in length with a cul-de-sac and will serve five (5) lots. She expressed a concern that additional trees will need to be removed if a DOT road is required. Ms. Feather went through the private road guidelines commenting about each one. She asked that her situation be reviewed in its totality and that their decision be based on this review. She feels her subdivision meets the standards for a private road and asked that the Board vote in favor of a private road or at least put off the decision until the Board has visited the site. ~8 Mr. Glenn Veit stated that he feels that this plan complies with the criteria for a private road. This plan preserves the rural character of this area and does not need to be studied. Commissioner Gordon asked how much time they had on the subdivision. Ms. Feather indicated she was not in a hurry. Mary Scearbo indicated that she has one year from the approval of the preliminary to construct the road. Attorney Geoffrey Gledhill clarified that the Board has approved this subdivision with a public road which meets the deadline requirement of the ordinance. The applicant must now have the final plat back to the Planning Department for their signoff within one year. The Board has one year to reverse its decision. If that does not happen and the final plat is not presented within the one year time limit, the preliminary plan approval will die. If the Board rescinds the motion to approve the subdivision, the process would need to begin again. Chair Carey stated that sometimes it is necessary for the Planning Staff to make some judgments when applying the ordinance and they did that based on the information they had. Before he votes to rescind their action, he will go out and look at the site. Commissioner Halkiotis will also look at the property. John Link indicated that the planning staff's recommendation was based on the Private Road Standards for Orange County. Commissioner Insko asked the appropriateness of referring this back to the Planning Board for their reconsideration. Commissioner Gordon noted that a decision was made by a prior Board of County Commissioners to not have private roads because in the long term it is better to have state-maintained roads. The emphasis shifted from allowing private roads to making it difficult to get private roads unless the burden of proof showed there was a very compelling reason for a private road. This may be a good time for the Planning Staff and the Ordinance Review committee to review the private road standards. The rules may need to be changed or amended. Speaking on behalf of the Planning Staff, John Link indicated that making this decision was very difficult. From his own experience, many citizens who say they like to live on a private road change their minds and want paved roads. He has no problem with the Board looking at this criteria in an effort to address specific situations. It was understood that this item may be brought up again within the next year for reconsideration by the Board. C. BILLSBOROIIGH THOROIIGHFARE PLAN Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Insko to adopt the resolution as stated below which supports the proposed thoroughfare plan boundary revisions: R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation prepared a Thoroughfare Plan for the Town of Hillsborough in 1987; and WHEREAS, the planning area boundary incorporated substantial rural areas beyond the Town's future growth areas; and WHEREAS, past misunderstandings related to the boundary have detracted from Town and County cooperation; and 9 WHEREAS, the Town and County have embarked upon a Cooperative Planning Agreement; and WHEREAS, a new thoroughfare plan boundary based generally upon Cooperative Planning Area boundaries has been defined; and WHEREAS, this boundary has been endorsed by the Hillsborough Planning Board and adopted by the Hillsborough Town Board of Commissioners; and WHEREAS, the Orange County Planning Board has reviewed and endorsed the revised boundary; NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the revised Hillsborough Thoroughfare Plan boundary and requests that the North Carolina Department of Transportation recognize it in future transportation planning projects for the Town. VOTE: UNANIMOUS D. PARTICIPATION IN THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL CABLE T.V. REFRANCHISING PROCESS The County's Cable TV Citizen Advisory Committee recommended that the Town of Chapel Hill and the County work together in their cable TV refranchising process since both jurisdictions are served by the same cable system, American Television and Communications (ATC). Decisions and franchise requirements developed by the Town may impact ATC customers in the unincorporated jurisdiction of the County since all signals are disseminated from Chapel Hill. Working with the Town would encourage greater dialogue and help to identify the common interests among the two jurisdictions. Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the Cable TV Citizen Advisory Board request to explore the possibilities of working with the Town of Chapel Hill during their cable TV refranchising process. VOTE: UNANIMOUS %. COIINTY MANAGER'S REPORT - NONE %I. APPOINTMENTS - NONE %II. MINIITES - NONE %III. E%ECQTIVE SESSION %IV. ADJOORNMENT With no further items on the The next regular meeting will be Superior Courtroom in Hillsborough, Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk agenda, Chair Carey adjourned the meeting. held on August 24, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. in North Carolina. Moses Carey, Jr., Chair