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APPROVED 513193 MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 23, 1993
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on
Tuesday, March 23, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. in the OWASA Community Meeting Room in
Carrboro, 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
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr. , Assistant
County Managers Albert Kittrell and Rod Visser, Assistant Public Works
Director Mary Barbour, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Planner Emily
Cameron, Finance Director Ken Chavious, Budget and Management Analyst Donna
Dean, Human Resources Director Elaine Holmes, Purchasing Director Pam Jones,
Recreation Program Supervisor Robert Jones, 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,
Social Services Director Marti Pryor-Cook, Land Records Manager Roscoe Reeves,
EMS Director Nick Waters, and Solid Waste Coordinator Beth Wickham.
NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE LOCATED IN THE PERMANENT
AGENDA FILE IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS/CLERK'S OFFICE.
I. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Three appointments were added and one additional resume for the Board
of E & R was distributed.
A resolution was added as item IV-C to "Exclude Mebane Telephone
Exchange from the 910 Area Code".
The EMS Chapel Hill appointments were deleted and all the Planning
Board and Board of Adjustment appointments were deleted.
Item VIII-F was added to conclude the process of the Manager's
evaluation.
BOARD COMMENTS
At the request of Commissioner Halkiotis, Ken Chavious stated that the
County obtained a very good rate at the bond sale on March 9. over the life
of the bond the rate will save the County slightly over five million dollars.
The impact on the tax rate will be about one cent.
Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to the tipping fees levied
against the Town of Hillsborough and Orange County for the cleanup from the
tornado and stated a concern that there is no policy to waive fees following
a natural disaster. Chair Carey expressed his desire to develop a policy to
deal with this kind of situation in the future. The recommendation needs to
come from the Landfill Owners Group to the three governing boards.
II. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
A. MATTERS ON THE PRINTED AGENDA
Chair Carey indicated that those citizens who have indicated a
desire to speak will be recognized at the appropriate time.
B. MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA - NONE
PUBLIC CHARGE
Chair Carey dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
III. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner
Halkiotis to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as listed below except
Item C which was considered following the Consent Agenda.
A. RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH PUBLIC HEARING FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY IN
BIRCHWOOD LAKE ESTATES, PHASE I
The Board approved a resolution setting a public hearing on the
abandonment of a right-of-way located at the end of Wisteria Drive in
Birchwood Lake Estates Subdivision, Phase I as stated below:
NOTICE OF THE ADOPTION BY THE ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF A RESOLUTION
EXPRESSING THE INTENT OF THE BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS OF ORANGE COUNTY TO CLOSE
A RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED AT THE END OF
WISTERIA DRIVE (SR 1884)
IN BIRCHWOOD LAKE ESTATES SUBDIVISION, PHASE I
RESOLUTION OF THE ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF INTENT
TO CLOSE A RIGHT-OF-WAY IN
BIRCHWOOD LAKE ESTATES SUBDIVISION, PHASE I
WHEREAS, petitioners Pauline H. Whitfield, John Glenn Whitfield, Lanny
Trogdon, Lynn Trogdon and Dennis Clements have filed a petition before the
Board of County Commissioners to close a right-of-way identified on the map
which is part of Exhibit A to this Resolution (hereinafter "the abandoned
right-of-way") ; and
WHEREAS, it appears from the petition that the road in the abandoned
right-of-way has never been constructed; and
WHEREAS, it appears that no individual, firm or corporation owns
property in the vicinity of said right-of-way without a reasonable means of
ingress and egress to his, her or its property;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Orange County that it intends to close the abandoned right-of-way. That prior
to a decision on the closing of the abandoned right-of-way, a public hearing
shall be held at the Orange Water and Sewer Authority headquarters in
Carrboro, on the 20th day of April, 1993 at 7: 30 p.m. The Clerk to the Board
of County Commissioners is directed to publish this Resolution in the Chapel
Hill Herald and the News of Orange County once a week for four (4) successive
weeks before said hearing and that the Clerk shall prominently post a copy of
this Resolution in at least two (2) places along the abandoned road as
required by N.C. General Statutes 153A-341.
B. CONTRACT APPROVAL FOR THE ENGINEERING DESIGN FOR THE NEW COURTHOUSE
ROOF REPAIRS
The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign an agreement
with RTD Associates for engineering design and contract administration
services for the New Courthouse roof, in an amount not to exceed $3,275.
C. PAVING PARKING LOTS AND SITE WORK FOR BARTOW PROPERTY
Item Removed and considered at the end of the Consent Agenda.
D. ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING DATE ON THE UPDATED ORDINANCE FOR
REGULATING EMERGENCY SERVICES
The Board established a public hearing date to receive public
comments on an updated ordinance regulating emergency services for 7: 30 p.m.
on April 20, 1993 at the OWASA Community Meeting Room in Carrboro.
E. PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS
The Board approved the nineteen property tax refunds as listed
below:
NAME ACCOUNT # AMOUNT
Marine Midland Automotive 117145 $ 178 . 14
McGilvary, Barbara Brummitt 142203 95.84
American Board of Orthopedic 150158 8,763. 37
Surgeons
First Union National Bank 57829 874. 65
Sha Pe Enterprises Inc. 141208 130.48
Robinson, Jack L. 160096 15.88
Mitchell, Virginia 96753 48.69
Fitch Lumber Company 136755 142.28
Jack Shreffler 8847628 1, 365. 51
Blackwood, Rhonda Lynn 129622 193 .70
McKenzie, Edward Butt, Jr. 179391 319.63
Lease Plan USA, Inc. 9151536 and 9050038 2,966.07
Smith, Jane P. & Thomas Martin 143912 123.72
Freshwater, Albert Wesley 13818 21.87
Moore, Louis P. 181373 133. 38
Michaux, Sandra K. 181372 67 .20
Harris, Christopher E. 181361 67.61
Henley, Grace F. 181362 52.23
Ivey, Lee Battle, Hrs. 16369 987. 01
F. ESTABLISH PUBLIC HEARING FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
PROGRAM
The Board established April 20, 1993 and May 18, 1993 as public
hearing dates to receive citizen comments regarding the development of a 1993
Community Development Block Grant application.
G. RESIDENTIAL ANTI-DISPLACEMENT AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PLAN
The Board adopted a Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation
Assistance Plan for Orange County as presented in the agenda abstract.
H. ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE APRIL 15 JOINT PLANNING AREA PUBLIC HEARING
The Board approved the legal notice and items for discussion at the
Joint Planning Area public hearing scheduled for April 15, 1993 as presented
in the agenda abstract.
VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS
ITEM DELETED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
C. PAVING PARKING LOTS; SITE WORK FOR BARTOW PROPERTY
Pam Jones clarified that this work will be paid for from the
Government Services Building fund which is not considered as revenue available
for other projects. The parking committee has endorsed the plan. These costs
are the original bid costs at the time the bid was taken for the Government
Services Center.
Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner
Willhoit to approve paving the parking lots and to authorize the Manager to
execute the necessary change orders and to approve the work to be done on the
Bartow property.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
IV. RESOLUTIONSfPROCLAMATIONS
A. RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT FUNDING FOR LOCAL RECREATION AND PARKS
Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner
Halkiotis to approve the resolution as stated below which supports the
modification of proposed legislation affecting the Recreation and Natural
Heritage Trust Fund and to establish a Park Fund in North Carolina.
RESOLUTION
REQUESTING MODIFICATION OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION
AFFECTING THE RECREATION AND NATURAL HERITAGE TRUST FUND
AND ESTABLISHING A PARK FUND IN NORTH CAROLINA
WHEREAS, the 1991 session of the General Assembly enacted a bill that
increased the excise tax on land transfers by one dollar per thousand; and
WHEREAS, Eighty-five percent of the revenues from this increase on
excise tax went into the general fund of the State; and
WHEREAS, the Legislative Study Commission on Parks and Recreation has
drafted legislation that would dedicate the eighty-five percent of the revenue
that is currently going to the general fund to a proposed Park Fund of North
Carolina to be used for land acquisition; and
WHEREAS, local governments in North Carolina need almost one billion
dollars to meet national standards in providing land and facilities for
leisure opportunities for citizens and visitors; and
WHEREAS, funding from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund,
which was a major source of support for State and Local Parks Systems for the
last twenty-seven years, has decreased considerably since 1979; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Recreation Parks Society has requested
support for modification of the proposal developed by the Legislative Study
Commission on Parks and Recreation to divide the entire 1991 tax increase of
one dollar per thousand to be used for acquisition of land with significant
natural heritage value, local park acquisition and state parks; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Recreation and Parks Advisory Council has
endorsed this proposal and has requested the Board of Commissioners to also
support this proposal.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR THE COUNTY OF ORANGE
DOTH RESOLVE:
1. The members of the General Assembly representing the people of
Orange County are called on to support the modification of the proposal which
has been drafted by the Legislative Study Commission on Parks and Recreation
to provide for a more equitable distribution of the funds from the 1991 tax
increase with the funding being divided as indicated above.
2 . The Clerk to the Board of Commissioners is directed to send a copy
of this Resolution to each of the members of the General Assembly representing
the people of orange County and to the North Carolina Association of County
Commissioners.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
B. PROCLAMATION OF INTER-FAITH COUNCIL'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Motion was made by Chair Carey, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to
recognize March 21st as the 30th anniversary of the Inter-Faith Council as
stated in the proclamation below.
PROCLAMATION
30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTER-FAITH COUNCIL
WHEREAS, The Inter-Faith Council will celebrate on March 21 thirty years of
service to those individuals or families in need, and
WHEREAS, The Inter-Faith Council has grown from a few volunteers to over
1, 000 volunteers working in two locations with eight paid
professional staff members guiding and coordinating their efforts,
and
WHEREAS, Many programs have been developed throughout the years which
reflect the continuous commitment of the Inter-Faith Council to
develop programs when no other agency is responding to the need,
and
WHEREAS, From the very beginning, concerns with social justice has been a
hallmark, influencing the selection of programs to be developed
with almost all programs providing services to people suffering
some form of discrimination,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Orange County Board of Commissioners
that the Inter-Faith Council be commended for its thirty years of
service and for its mission of "receiving with concern all who come
to their doors and helping each to the best of their ability" .
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
ADDED C. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE MEBANE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE FROM THE 910
AREA CODE
Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner
Halkiotis to adopt and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution as stated
below which calls for the Mebane Exchange to remain in the 919 area code area.
RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE MEBANE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE
FROM THE 910 AREA CODE
WHEREAS, an additional 11910" telephone area code is being proposed by
the telephone companies and the North Carolina Utilities Commission, and
WHEREAS, this 910 area code proposal includes changing the Mebane
Exchange from 919 to 910; thereby splitting the Mebane Exchange from other
telephone exchanges in Orange County, and
WHEREAS, effective Saturday, March 20, Orange County Extended Area
Service was implemented and will provide the county with a cohesive calling
community, and
WHEREAS, this 910 area code intrusion will have adverse effects on the
unifying efforts of Extended Area Service for residents, businesses and public
facilities in the Mebane area,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners unanimously supports the exclusion of the Mebane Exchange from
the proposed 910 area code.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
V. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - NONE
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. 1993-98 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN
County Manager John Link summarized the proposed 1993 through 1998
Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) .
In answer to a question from Commissioner Insko about the pay-as-
you-go funds for schools, Link explained that they would take the amount of
revenue they projected for last year and retain that amount of money for pay-
as-you-go for the school systems. There has been an increase in sales tax
revenue and this would be the amount that would be placed in a reserve
account. This holds the amount for the schools at the 1992-93 level.
Commissioner Gordon asked if the County could take advantage of the
low interest rates and use certificates of participation to finance schools.
Ken Chavious explained that it takes local legislation for a county to fund
schools this way. However, this is another alternative to a bond issue.
Commissioner Gordon distributed information about school
enrollment. She stated that the School Capital Needs Advisory Committee had
projected the need for an elementary school immediately in Chapel Hill-
Carrboro and one for Orange County in the not too distant future.
Commissioner Willhoit noted that he hopes the schools will address
how year round schools could help alleviate the overcrowding in the short run.
THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR COMMENTS
JOHN HOWARTH, a Human Research Consultant by day and a swim coach by
night, spoke in support of the swimming pool. He noted that North Carolina
is the number one state per population for drownings. The proposed pool would
alleviate the overcrowding in the few other pools available. Chapel Hill High
has a team of 68 kids and they are turning kids away because they don't have
a pool.
EARL DAVIS, Chairman of Unitax, noted that projections were made during
the last bond issue which indicated that Chapel Hill needed a new elementary
school. He agrees that the school boards need to look at year round schools
and other alternatives before citizens are requested to pay more taxes. With
regard to the swimming pool, he sees no reason why there can't be a pool. He
addressed this issue in a letter with several questions about the long term
financing. He is concerned that there are some other needs in Orange County
which may be higher on the priority list.
BARNEY DALE, resident of northern Orange and father of two children,
feels that ice skating in Hillsborough is an asset. If the County does not
take advantage of this asset it will go away. He supports a new facility.
REBECCA DALE stated she has been skating at the Daniel Boone Rink for
five years and would be very disappointed if it closed down. Also, she swims
in Chapel Hill at the YMCA. She supports the building of a pool.
DIANE POZEFSKY, Estes Hills PTO Co-chairman, spoke in favor of a new
elementary school in Chapel Hill. When overcrowding occurs, the first things
to go will be the science labs, computer labs and art rooms. She is in favor
of single tract schools but not multi-tract schools. In a single tract school
the time in between can be used for tutorial and childcare. In the summer
now, there are three schools being used for childcare and one used for
tutorial programs.
MISSY PARKER stated that in October, 1991, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro
City School System in collaboration with Chapel Hill-Carrboro Head Start was
awarded a three year federal grant to develop successful approaches in
supporting children and families as they move from Head Start into the public
schools. This is now known as the transition project. Ninety-six percent of
the children participating are African-American. As the project director, Ms.
Parker shared her observations. She supports a new elementary school.
MARY BUSHNELL, Chair of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education,
stated that the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education has advocated for a
long time for additional elementary space. It was acknowledged by the Capital
Needs Advisory Committee in 1991 that this space was needed. They will be
discussing the ramifications and implications of year-round education and what
it will mean for the students, the community and what it could do for their
capacity needs. They commend the County Manager and will work with him to
look for ways of funding an elementary school for their district that will
keep the impact on the countywide property tax as low as possible. Their
class size of 29 to 30 is too large for the teachers to do what they need to
do for these children. She is in support of dedicating the extra sales tax
revenue for an elementary school.
KENNETH TOUW, member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education,
showed transparencies which illustrated the need for a new elementary school.
He noted that the school buildings are aging. He compared enrollment, school
space, and the number of classrooms with Orange County schools. He also
voiced his opposition against multi-track, year-round schools.
MADELINE MITCHELL, President of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro PTA Council,
also indicated that the buildings are aging. She feels a new elementary
school is needed. She is against multi-track schools. She noted that the
survey conducted last year supports the fact that the citizens would have
approved a bond which included an elementary school. She asked that the
County consider funding a new elementary school with pay-as-you-go funds or
certificates of participation or some combination.
ROSETTA MOORE, representative of the northern Orange branch of the
NAACP, spoke in support of the construction of a swimming pool in northern
Orange County. The County has built new buildings but they do not address the
basic needs of children who need help to become well adjusted adults. Too
many children are not in school -- they are in the buildings but they are not
in school. They do not participate in extracurriculum activities or sports.
She proposed that the design of the community center be scaled down and built
in stages or place the swimming pool in a school.
KEITH COOK, Chair of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council,
submitted a statement which is hereby made a part of the record by reference.
Speaking on behalf of over 548 residents in the community who signed in
support of the activity center and pool and for the countless others who have
called, written, or spoken to them about this issue, RPAC recommends that the
pool project remain in the CIP, regardless of the fate of the Triangle
Community Activity Center. Other items he would like to see put back into the
CIP and funded at the recommended level are (1) Fairview Community Park to
fund ballfield construction, (2) Recreation Centers/Park Improvements, and (3)
vehicle replacement. Mr. Cook explained that they are using private fields
now for baseball and they will be losing those fields in the next couple of
years.
GEORGE GRIFFIN, parent of two children, spoke in support of the new
elementary school request. He teaches at the middle school and sees the
result of overcrowding. He favors year-round schools but not multi-track
schools.
SARAH STEWART, teacher at Glenwood, spoke about the need for more
elementary space. In Chapel Hill they are currently 200 students over
capacity. They get money for head start programs but have a difficult time
finding space to house these programs. She supports single tract year-round
schools. She spoke in support of the swimming pool.
MARY ANN COLBERT, reading teacher at Sewell and Glenwood, shared what
she did this year to make her small space comfortable for her students. She
is in favor of a new elementary school and single track school.
TOM BROWN, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Federation of Teachers, spoke in
support of education in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. All but one of their
schools is over capacity. Four of the schools have been expanded to
accommodate this increase in population. They ask that the Board do
everything possible to fund a new elementary school by exploring all options
available.
ALICE MANILOFF, Principal of Ephesus Road Elementary School, talked
about the new addition that they opened this year. They do have enough space
at this time for students and teachers. Instead of setting up four new
classrooms this year they had to set up seven. Ephesus has almost 600
children. If the growth continues they could lose that community feeling she
feels is essential for schools to meet the needs the children bring with them.
DIANA CAPLOR, teacher in Chapel Hill-Carrboro system, spoke in support
of a new elementary school in Chapel Hill. The district capacity is 3, 175.
As of March 1993, the enrollment was 3, 365. According to state projections,
in four years, they will have 540 over the required enrollment. She stated
that in crowded classrooms individual needs of students are not met. Students
with special learning or emotional needs are not well served and the average
child, whose behavior is under control, may have limited opportunity to
interact with teachers. She urged the County Commissioners to support the
construction of a new elementary school in Chapel Hill.
CECIL CHARLES spoke in support of a new elementary school. All
elementary schools are over capacity. He agrees with the Board in trying to
find creative ways for cost containment. He feels that year-round education
should be looked at to improve the quality of education.
BETH LAMANNA, President-Elect of the Ephesus PTA, is concerned about
the overcrowding conditions. The class size at Ephesus is pushing 30 kids.
There is a need for more individual attention. She supports a new elementary
school.
HARVEY GOLDSTEIN, member of the Executive Board of the Frank Porter
Graham PTA, spoke about the overcrowding conditions at Frank Porter Graham.
He feels the physical environment impacts the quality of the teaching and
learning that takes place. His one son is in a Children of Today and Tommorow
(COTT) class and because of the overcrowding may not be in a COTT class next
year and this concerns him. He supports the technology in the CIP and asked
that the Board consider increasing this allocation in future years. He feels
the key to economic growth is quality schools.
VICKI KOWLOWITZ, member of the Glenwood PTA, spoke about the parent
involvement in the school. She asked what the parents can do to help in
getting more elementary space.
SARAH STEWART suggested having a campaign to buy in Orange County. She
feels that a "Buy Orange" campaign needs to be implemented within the County.
LOIS HERRING spoke in support of the swimming pool for central Orange.
She emphasized that older people also need healthy outlets.
WITH NO FURTHER COMMENTS THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED
John Link noted that the comments received focused on education and the
proposed swimming pool project. He suggested that the Board approve those
items about which there are no questions and set aside those issues that need
to be further discussed.
Commissioner Willhoit asked that the schedule for the energy retrofit
be moved up rather than spreading it over a five year period because it does
have a lasting impact and a cost reduction. If the Board does not agree with
the money allocated for the schools and the pool, he would like to put monies
into a utility fund for extension of the sewer line to the Buckhorn
Interchange and earmark a modest amount for one time innovative projects that
would not have a continuation need but would bring about a cost reduction that
would have a continuing impact.
Commissioner Insko clarified that if they approve the CIP this does not
obligate them to expend money for the pool.
This item will be placed on the next agenda for adoption of the items
that are agreed upon and a possible work session for the schools and the pool.
Commissioners Halkiotis, Carey and Insko stated their support of
leaving money in the CIP for the pool project.
VII. REPORTS
A. ACCESS TO POTENTIAL LANDFILL SITES
John Link stated that last year the Board requested that reports
be provided through the Landfill Owners Group (LOG) that would outline the
advantages and disadvantages of the potential landfill sites and an assessment
of why or why not the Landfill Search Committee (LSC) voted to maintain each
site under active consideration. The draft report has been provided to
members of the LSC and the LOG and have been forwarded to the governmental
bodies for consideration. Last year a concern had been expressed about the
intrusive plan by Joyce Engineering to conduct site testing which would
involve excavations. They have presented a revised plan which provides for
greater soil borings and outlines in detail how these tests will be done. The
LOG approved this latest plan.
John Link asked that the Board consider a resolution and interlocal
agreement between Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill that
authorizes the Town of Chapel Hill to act on behalf of the jurisdictions
comprising the LOG in exercising the statutory authority granted to each
jurisdiction to conduct testing of potential sites for a sanitary landfill.
The date in the amendment needs to read 6-30-94 instead of 6-30-93 . Also,
Exhibit A has been revised which will permit access to all properties which
have been identified at each site.
Commissioner Halkiotis questioned the increase in cost to $122,000
and stated his concern about the credibility of the engineering firm. The
report states that there may be increased cost above the $122,000 based on
nontechnical issues that may require additional time. He feels that there are
other issues such as (1) meeting the 25% recycling rate, (2) preventing
illegal dumping from other counties, (3) burying cardboard, etc. , that need
to be addressed before this report is approved.
Commissioner Gordon made reference to site 3 noting it was taken
off because of its proximity to the airport. She feels that site 3 can be
used for borrow areas, yard waste, ash and other things that would not attract
birds. If site 3 could be used, maybe not as much land would need to be
purchased for the landfill site and there could be larger buffers to lessen
the impact on the property owners. She wanted more information concerning the
suitability of site 3 for a landfill.
Commissioner Willhoit stated that some of that area will be used
for borrow areas but they don't need to use it for yard goods. There are some
power line easements. The LOG will continue to discuss the Green tract.
Discussion ensued on the selection of Joyce Engineering and the
process being followed.
Vic Knight, local real estate agent and developer, expressed his
concern about the borings which are proposed by Joyce Engineering and the
proper abandonment procedures. He asked that the Board amend the resolution
stipulating that the County will monitor the work being done to be sure that
everything is done correctly and the abandonment is done according to State
guidelines.
John Link indicated that there could be a second resolution which
requests that the LOG take appropriate measures to carry out the monitoring
and the abandonment as required. The County plans to have someone from
Environmental Health present for these borings regardless of what Joyce
Engineering or the LOG wants.
Reggie Gillespie, Attorney for Fox Development, spoke in opposition
to the borings on site #11. He feels the level of activity has been
increased. He referred to the report in the agenda package and expressed
concerns about clearing and road cutting on site #11. He asked that there be
competent oversight of all aspects of the work. He feels that there are less
invasive, less intrusive, less destructive measures and that more work needs
to be done before taking this next step.
In answer to a question from Commissioner Insko, Gayle Wilson
stated that the preliminary geotechnical information will be used by Joyce
Engineering to develop preliminary engineering plans for each of the four
sites. That information will be used to model landfills on each of the four
sites to determine the fill areas, the costs, additional amenities which have
to be made, etc. Actual drawings and more precise imprints of the landfill
will allow the LSC to do the next level of scrutiny to rank the sites and make
a recommendation to the LOG.
The Board decided they would review the charge to the LSC to
determine if additional guidelines need to be given to this group.
Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Chair Carey
to adopt the resolution as stated below:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXERCISE OF ORANGE COUNTY'S
AUTHORITY TO ENTER UPON PRIVATE LANDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF
CONDUCTING SURVEYS, BORINGS, EXAMINATIONS AND APPRAISALS TO
ASSIST IN THE SELECTION OF A SITE FOR A NEW LANDFILL TO SERVE
ORANGE COUNTY AND APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE
EXERCISE OF THAT AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, Orange County is a member of the Landfill Owners' Group and is a part
owner of the present Orange County Landfill; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and the two other owners of the present landfill, the
Town of Chapel Hill and the Town of Carrboro, have appointed a citizens'
Landfill Site Search Committee to consider sites for a new landfill for Orange
County; and,
WHEREAS, the owners of the Orange County Landfill have appointed
representatives to the Landfill Owners' Group which is considering issues
related to the operation of the present landfill and possible location of a
site for a future landfill; and,
WHEREAS, as part of the process of evaluating potential sites for a future
landfill for Orange County, it is necessary to enter upon properties which
have been identified as possible sites for a future landfill; and,
WHEREAS, under North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. 40A-11) , Orange County, as an
agency with the authority to exercise the power of eminent domain, may enter
upon lands for the purpose of making surveys, borings, examinations and
appraisals as may be necessary or expedient in carrying out and performing its
powers of eminent domain, specifically in this case to select a site for a
sanitary landfill to serve Orange County;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners that the
Board hereby approves the exercise of the County's authority under G.S. 40A-
11, to enter upon the lands described in Exhibit A attached hereto and
incorporated herein, for the purpose of making surveys, borings, examinations
and appraisals as may be necessary or expedient in selecting a site for a
future landfill to serve Orange County;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners authorizes the
County Manager to execute the attached interlocal agreement on behalf of
Orange County with the other owners of the Orange County Landfill, whereby the
Town of Chapel Hill is designated to exercise said authority on behalf of
Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill, and ratifies said
agreement.
VOTE: AYES, 3; NOES, 2 (Commissioners Gordon and Halkiotis)
B. CAROLINA ACCESS PROGRAM
Marti Cook explained that Carolina ACCESS is a managed care program
of the North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance. The program's
objectives are to improve access to primary care services for Medicaid
recipients, to reduce any unnecessary or inappropriate use of medical
services, and to contain overall costs. This will cost the county $2,500
annually. Other costs associated with the position such as office equipment
and clerical assistance will be shared at the regular 50/50 local and federal
match rate for public assistance administration.
Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner
Halkiotis to approve the implementation of Carolina ACCESS in Orange County.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
C. OWASA REPORT - POSTPONED
D. REPORT ON UTILITY SERVICE AREA BOUNDARIES - POSTPONED
VIII. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA
A. REFINANCING OF 1988 BONDS
Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner
Halkiotis to approve the refinancing of 1989, 1990, and 1991 Series bonds if
a minimum cumulative savings of $500,000 can be realized; authorize the County
Finance Officer to work with the Local Government Commission and Bond Counsel
to take all required procedural steps; and authorize the Manager and Finance
Officer to execute any written agreements necessary for this refinancing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
B. BID AWARD FOR THE CEDAR GROVE COMMUNICATIONS TOWER
Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner
Insko to award the bid to Towercom, Inc. for the installation of a 170 foot
self-supporting tower at Cedar Grove Fire Station #2 at a cost of $30,430.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
NOTE: One additional bid was received from Piedmont at a cost of $36,950.
C. ORANGE COUNTY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN - POSTPONED
D. MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE ASSURANCE PROGRAM - POSTPONED
E. COMMISSIONERS' 1993 LEGISLATIVE GOALS
Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Chair Carey to
adopt the proposed resolution attached to these minutes on pages
and to authorize the County Attorney to transmit the proposed local bill to
the Orange County legislative delegation.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
F. COUNTY MANAGER'S EVALUATION
Motion was made by Chair Carey, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit
to set the County Manager's salary at Grade 88, Step 6D at $88,421.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
IX. BOARD COMMENTS - made at the beginning of the meeting
X. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT - NONE
XI. APPOINTMENTS
NOTE: All appointments were delayed except for the Board of
Equalization and Review.
Nominations for the Board of E & R were Sue Culbreth, Lightning Brown,
Thomas Heffner, Scott Dorsett and Margaret Brown.
The Board voted and the result was that Sue Culbreth, Thomas Heffner
and Margaret Brown were selected as regular members and Lightning Brown and
Scott Dorsett were selected as alternate members with Tom Heffner selected as
Chair.
XII. MINUTES - POSTPONED
XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION - NONE
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
With no other items for the Board to consider at this time, Chair Carey
adjourned the meeting at 12:05 a.m. The next regular meeting will be held on
Monday, April 5 at 5:30 at the Pleasant Green Community Center in Eno
Township.
Moses Carey, Jr. , Chair
Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk