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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19921212APPROVED 5/3/93 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS GOAL SETTING RETREAT DECEMBER 12, 1992 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met on Saturday, December 12, 1992 at 8:30 a.m. at the Homestead Community Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to hold their annual Goal Setting Retreat. COIINTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr., and Commissioners Alice M. Gordon, Stephen H. Halkiotis, Verla C. Insko and Don Willhoit. COIINTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Managers Albert Kittrell and Rod Visser, Economic Development Director Ted Abernathy, Deputy Clerk to the Board Kathy Baker, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Finance Director Ken Chavious, Planning Director Marvin Collins, Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes, Personnel Director Elaine Holmes, Budget Director Sally Kost, Commission for Women Director Lucy Lewis, Tax Assessor Kermit Lloyd, Public Works Director Wilbert McAdoo, Recreation and Parks Director MaryAnne Moore, Land Records Manager Roscoe Reeves, Health Director Dan Reimer, Management Analyst Sharron Siler, County Engineer Paul Thames and EMS Director Nick Waters. THE BACKGROUND MATERIAL FOR THIS MEETING IS IN THE PERMANENT AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE I. REVIEW FISCAL OIITLOOR FOR 1993-94 Sally Kost noted that it appears that growth for 1992-93 will be close to 2.5~. In answer to a question about the new tax rate, Rod Visser feels that the conversion rate will be between 74 and 78 cents. This is where they will start next years budget deliberations. There is good news on the sales tax. If the trend continues, it is likely that the county will exceed the budgeted amount for sales tax by nearly $200,000. The unappropriated fund balance is 8.5~ or 4.5 million dollars. With regard to the intangibles, the County Commissioners Association is lobbying to restore the growth for last year. The impact of the tornado is not known at this time. A report will be presented early next year. Health care costs for County employees has increased 19$ this year. II. REVIEW 1992-93 GOALS STATIIS IMPACT FEES FOR PIIBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES The Board discussed the Impact Tax and decided they would not pursue it at this time. ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS OF GROWTH AND DEVBLOPMENT The Board agreed to use the one that has been developed and then proceed to change it as necessary. Marvin Collins asked the Board if they wanted this analysis completed for every subdivision noting that it could be tied in with the traffic analysis that is furnished by his department. Commissioner Gordon indicated that she would like this information for major subdivisions and after a period of time to evaluate it to determine if they actually need this information and if so identify which types of development this analysis would be needed. Commissioner Willhoit asked for a copy of the assumptions. Commissioner Insko asked for a presentation or a work session or written report on the assumptions. Mr. Collins will provide that information. It was agreed that this information will be useful and will lead to more informative policy making by the Board. HILLSBOROUGH COOPERATIVE PLANNING .Marvin Collins stated that everything is on target for the May Public Hearing. RURAL CHARACTER STUDY Collins reported that the Rural Character Committee will meet next week to prepare a final recommendation. It will be presented to the Planning Board in January and to the Board of County Commissioners in February. He noted that the rural character strategies for Chapel Hill and Carrboro are on hold pending the determination of alternative systems. Marvin Collins will provide the Board with a copy of the buildout/carrying capacity analysis of townships that was completed last April. Commissioner Insko asked if the County could provide incentives to property owners for certain types of systems or eliminate those less desirable. Geoffrey Gledhill will report back on this question. Commissioner Willhoit asked that information be provided on spray irrigation and whether or not this type of sewage treatment system is acceptable in the watershed in the wet season when absorption is limited and there is some runoff. Commissioner Insko questioned the issue of water/sewer hookups and stated she feels it is important to put regulations in place for those who provide these hookups which would also address the Durham water line. Commissioner Gordon agreed. Geoffrey Gledhill stated that with regard to water and sewer in the Rural Buffer, neither the Joint Planning Land Use Plan or the Joint Planning Agreement prevent public water and sewer in the Rural Buffer. Commissioner Cordon's interpretation of these documents was that they did prohibit the extension of urban services into the Rural Buffer and these services included water and sewer. Also, OWASA makes provisions for the extension of water and sewer and provides the circumstances. FARMLAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM Marvin Collins will provide information on the site assessment criteria and also the ratio of cost of farmland versus urban. He noted that the staff is also working on a small scale pilot project, using GIS to identify agricultural priority areas. With regard to the Historic Preservation Commission, Collins reported that Phase II of the countywide historic sites inventory is due to be completed by the beginning of FY 1993- 94. Phase III will include the publication of a county-wide inventory and an inventory of archaeological sites. WATERBSED PROTECTION This goal is on target. Collins noted that the schedule has been revised to have the public hearings on watershed protection standards (except Upper Eno watershed) and rural character strategies coincide, since there must be consistency between the two sets of standards. WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM MANAGEMENT. This goal is on target. WATER RESOIIRCE OIIANTITY AND QUALITY Paul Thames made reference to the interim report of the Water Resources Committee and a workplan that was developed for fiscal year 93-94 with a list of associated costs. There is also a list of things which are low cost which can be accomplished next year. After all the data is collected and there is an understanding of the potential problems of ground water resources, a lot of work must take place in providing strategies for these problems. The $43,000 listed in the report is new money for this goal. John Link suggested that the Board look at the multi-year plan as it relates to water resources. This could be reviewed at a work session. ERPANSION OF EFLAND SEWER SYSTEM Paul Thames reported that the County staff is working on this initiative. There are several potential strategies for passing the cost to the property owner. Some municipalities charge property owners by front footage, while some use an acreage fee or percentage of tax base. He will take the County map and scale it out according to these three strategies. The Board agreed that there is a public health problem in the Efland area. They questioned if they want to recoup all their money if this is to address a public health problem. John Link feels there may be an additional source of money if certain legislation is approved for infrastructure. WATER AND SEWER SERVICES Commissioner Willhoit asked about the Buckhorn Road interchange and the possibility of putting together a project to extend a sewer line to that area where the County could receive the revenues. Ted Abernathy indicated that this area would best be served by the County extending the Efland line. Commissioner Willhoit feels that this interchange is a prime location for economic development. He asked that this be pursued for the entire interchange and not just one node and that the entire Buckhorn exchange be in the Efland System. Commissioner Halkiotis seconded this suggestion. Commissioner Gordon noted she remains uncommitted on this item. John Link will address the question about the enterprise fund and give the Commissioners additional information on the cost of serving the entire node in terms of additional expense and revenue. There is a need to generate more sewage capacity in that line. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT Ted Abernathy stated that the total number of acres involved in the proposed Economic Development District is 2400. He will give the County Commissioners an update the second meeting in January. This will go to public hearing in February. DURHAM WATER PIPELINE The Board expressed a concern because this line runs through the County's planning jurisdiction but no agreement with Hillsborough has been finalized. The agreement between Durham and Hillsborough indicates that extensions will be done in accordance with the Land Use Plan. Hillsborough and the County have different Land Use Plans. It was decided that Chair Carey would contact Durham City and Durham County and meet with them to explore their long range plans for water and sewer extensions and also this pipeline. VISITOR BIIREAII It is hoped that this group will be independent by February 1, 1993. The County Commissioners need to appoint two permanent members to this board. MINORITY/FEMALE BII8INE88 DEVELOPMENT Monthly training sessions are being held and have generated a great deal of interest. There are a lot of programs being offered each month. AFFORDABLE HOIISING A Housing Summit was held on October 29, 1992 at which issues were identified for further discussion. Those issues are being discussed at this time in small groups. The cost of housing and incentives for developers to provide affordable housing was discussed. Commissioner Insko asked that everything the County is doing on affordable housing be brought together in one report to determine if this is the best way to spend the County~s money. If there are clearly no incentives for the private sector to provide this housing, then the County needs to determine its role in affordable housing and how it can be achieved in an appropriate and efficient way. HUMAN SERVICES COORDINATION Marti Pryor-Cook made reference to the Master Client Index (MCI) and stated that Social Services is waiting on hardware from the state and also for a position to be filled that was funded last year. Implementation in early 1993 is still expected. In answer to a question from Commissioner Insko, Ms. Cook indicated that a committee has been working on coordinating DSS and the schools with emphasis on strengthening the delivery of services in the schools as it relates to serving students. Monies from the OFF grant will be used to implement this coordination. TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT CENTER A survey of the needs has been completed. The facility committee will use this survey to determine space needs and alternatives. HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE A revised, shorter version was distributed with the agenda notebook for this meeting. Lucy Lewis stated that there are several policy questions which need to be addressed by the County Commissioners. It will be necessary for the County Attorney to draft the enabling legislation so the County can administer the ordinance which will allow the County to obtain substantial equivalency In answer to a question from Commissioner Insko, Ms. Lewis indicated that they have not focused on the change in her position moving from Director of the Commission for Women to a human rights position. Commissioner Insko feels a work session may be needed to further discuss this issue. John Link stated that after a decision is made on the ordinance, the position will be reviewed. He will provide a report on how much staff time will be required to do both functions or a variation of both functions. Commissioner Insko pointed out that if implementing this goal calls for one full-time position or two positions, these functions would be in competition. Chair Carey suggested that this may be the time to incorporate the function of the Commission for Women into all departments. YOIITH PROGRAMS Management Analyst Sharron Siler indicated that a survey has been developed to determine the feasibility for a County program, perhaps in cooperation with the municipalities, to provide activities for youth, ages 12 to 17. This will be completed in March. Commissioner Halkiotis indicated that they hope to set up a computer bank of information for kids to access. LANDFILL BITE SELECTION AND DEVELOPMENT Commissioner Willhoit stated that the LOG will ask Joyce Engineering to provide them with information on what kind of testing can be done without using trenches. The Board discussed where they are in the siting process. They decided to again pursue adopting the goals and objectives of solid waste instead of waiting on Joyce to respond. If the type of testing to be done on the four proposed sites is changed, Chapel Hill and Carrboro will have to review it again. SOLID WASTE COLLECTION PLAN Wilbert McAdoo made reference to the report in the agenda and gave an update on the Ferguson Road solid waste site. Because this site is located in the watershed they will have to seek a variance through the Orange County Board of Adjustment. Discussion ensued about this site and it was the consensus of the Board to look around the corner on Ferguson Road to see if a site could be located which is not in the watershed. Wilbert McAdoo noted that several public meetings will be held to provide citizens with information about the Solid Waste Committee, the Board of County Commissioners' goals and state regulations. The Committee suggested closing three sites. Commissioner Willhoit emphasized that the Committee needs to be more involved in public education. John Link noted that the focus is to work with citizens around each site which is being proposed or closed. Wilbert McAdoo stated that the yardwaste brochure will be mailed to all property owners in December. RECYCLING A letter on recycling will be sent to all property owners. EOIIITABLE SCHOOL FIINDING Commissioner Willhoit asked for an update on the total budgets for the two school systems and where the County is on equity. Chair Carey mentioned that there are some policy issues relating to current capital that need to be addressed by the Board. John Link indicated that there are several strategies included in this goal that need to be resolved. One is school construction standards and another is whether or not capital allocations should be continued on a per pupil basis same as current expense. A second element of equity is equity of programs in both systems. A third element is equity of funding on per pupil basis. In the formula, they count all funds except transportation and school lunches. Commissioner Gordon indicated that we should agree on a definition of equity in capital allocations, recurring capital and operating expenses. III. REVIEW MANAGER'S "BEST FIT" PROPOSAL EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS John Link explained that part of the annual budget process is consideration of ideas that may result in efficiencies in delivery of County services. The Board agreed that contracting out janitorial services for the new Government Services Center is a good idea. Commissioner Willhoit asked that the focus for mandated programs be on "without funding" instead of "mandate". John Link noted that cost incentives are being explored to involve all employees to encourage them to come up with ideas. It was the consensus of the Board to move forward with developing an incentive plan. They asked that this be brought back to the Board for their consideration. HILLSBOROIIGH COIINTY CAMPIIS This goal is on target. Space needs have been identified and are being addressed through reallocation of existing space. IV. REVIEW BOARD/COMMISSIONS ISSIIES/RECOMMENDATIONS V. BOCC INITIATIVES FOR 1993-94/REVISE PROJECTED COMPLETION TIMES FOR 92 93 GOALS TRANSPORTATION Commissioner Gordon stated that it may help with our negotiation with the Department of Transportation to have a transportation goal which states our objectives and our procedures for developing our transportation improvement program requests. Commissioner Insko indicated she would like to look at all the alternatives to light rail and the impact of the automobile on Land Use planning. There is no clear understanding about rail at this time. John Link indicated he would work with Commissioner Gordon and the planning staff to determine what refinement needs to be taken with this ongoing goal. Commissioner Willhoit asked that Gene Bell provide them with a report on clustering and the Nutter Farm and the implications there for transportation. DISTRICT REPRESENTATION Chair Carey expressed a need to develop a process and let the public speak on this issue. PROJECT ORANGE COIINTY CONNECTS Commissioner Willhoit suggested, as a way to increase communication with the citizens in the rural areas of the County, moving the Commissioners' regular meetings out into the various townships and talking about things relevant to that particular township. It was the consensus of the Board to hold some of their regular meetings in different townships. FEEDBACK FROM CITIZENS Commissioner Insko indicated a desire to hear more from the users of County services. As a pilot, the County could target specific programs or services and/or specific groups of citizens. Chair Carey suggested establishing a goal for departments and non-departments to come up with a survey to gather this information. PROVIDING BETTER ORIENTATION TO CONSIILTANTS Commissioner Insko suggested that consultants be screened before they are hired and that they receive an orientation to Orange County. She feels it is important that they understand the level of citizen participation and those things that are unique to Orange County. DEVELOP POLICIES AND A PLAN TO INSTITIITIONALIZE THE IISE OF CONFLICT RESOLOTION TECHNIOIIES AS ONE TOOL IISED BY COIINTY EMPLOYEES TO HELP MARE DECISIONS Commissioner Insko suggested that the plan include the following relationships: staff to citizen, citizen to citizen with staff serving as mediators and staff to staff. ADJOIIRNMENT With adjournment time being reached, Chair Carey adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on January 4, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. in the courtroom of the Old County Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk Moses Carey, Jr., Chair