Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19940201 r 1 APPROVED 211SL94 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 1994 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 7:30 p.m. at the Efland Cheeks Community Center in Efland, 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 Managers Albert Kittrell and Rod Visser, Economic Development Director Ted Abernathy, Planner Gene Bell, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Purchasing Director Pam Jones, Planning Director Marvin Collins, Budget Director Sally Kost, Public Works Director Wilbert McAdoo, Transportation Planner Slade McCalip, Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass, Fire Marshall Mike Tapp, County Engineer Paul Thames, Major Don Truelove, and Director of Emergency Management Services Nick Waters, I. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Chair Carey added as item IX-B the "Endorsement of a Grant Application for funding of the Safe Schools Program" . II. AUDIENCE COMMENTS A. MATTERS ON THE PRINTED AGENDA Chair Carey said that those citizens who have indicated a desire to speak will be recognized at the appropriate time. He introduced the Township Advisory Members for Cheeks Township who were in the audience. Commissioner Gordon emphasized that she wants to hear specifically from the citizens on any road improvements or on any safety issue. B. MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA 1. COMMUNITY CONCERNS Sim Efland made reference to pipes and fixtures for gas, water and sewer and the widening of interstate roads and noted that a lot of money could be saved by locating these utilities on the South side of the road along the interstate. Ralph Edwards said he is glad that Highrock Road has been partly paved. He asked for the Board's help in getting the remaining one- fourth mile paved. Howard McAdams asked about the number of incidence of littering since the green boxes have been closed and who should be contacted to report litter along the road. John Link stated that Public Works should be contacted. They will come out and check through the garbage to determine ownership and contact the person who littered. There is an ordinance which is enforced by the Sheriff's office. Lacy Jones made reference to road #1313 and asked where it is on the list of secondary roads. Slade McCalip, Transportation Planner, stated that according to the list, this road will probably be paved year after next. 2 PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Carey dispensed with the reading of the public charge. III. BOARD COX"NTB Commissioner Gordon asked for an update on recycling in the rural areas. Wilbert McAdoo reported that 4600 households will be added to the curbside recycling program the first of March. Information will be distributed in February. There will be no charge to the citizens. With regard to the recycling at WalMart, Wilbert McAdoo indicated that the County is considering taking over the operation. Commissioner Insko made reference to a North Carolina education poll which is based on a national poll and noted that the highest concern of parents in this state is violence. This is distressing because it takes the ' focus away from learning. Also, 70% of the parents believe that the school their children attend is a good school but the majority does not like their school system. With regard to health care, the state of North Carolina in 1993 paid more for medicaid than for education. Chair Carey reminded the County Commissioners of the OWASA retreat scheduled for February 5 and asked that they try to attend. A CIP work session will be scheduled in the near future. IV. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT - NONE V. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS A. PROCLAMATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN ORANGE COUNTY A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to proclaim February, 1994 as Black History Month in Orange County and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN ORANGE COUNTY WHEREAS African-American men and women have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; WHEREAS, . African-Americans have been and continue to be vital contributors to the economic, social, cultural, moral, spiritual and political life of this Nation; WHEREAS, African-Americans have achieved outstanding success in the arts and sciences; WHEREAS, African-Americans have been in the forefront of every major progressive social movement; WHEREAS, African-Americans have been leaders not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the industrial movement, the civil rights movement, and the struggle for human rights worldwide, which create a more fair and just society for all; WHEREAS, African-Americans have served and continue to diligently serve our Nation in every foreign crisis; and 3 WHEREAS, despite these contributions and many more, the role of African- Americans in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued in the literature, teaching and study of American history; NOW, THEREFORE, do we, the Commissioners of Orange County proclaim the month of February, 1994 as BLACK HISTORY MONTH and commend this observance to Orange County citizens. VOTE: UNANIMOUS VI. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - NONE VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS DESIGN MANUAL This item was presented by Marvin Collins for the purpose of receiving citizen comment on a proposed Design Manual containing performance standards and design criteria applicable within proposed Economic Development Districts (EDDs) . The agenda abstract list the concerns expressed at the December 21, 1993 and the January 18, 1994 meeting and the changes to the Design Manual in response to these concerns. All comments from the last Public Hearing will be incorporated into the record of this meeting. Ted Abernathy showed on an aerial photograph the location and size of each node. PUBLIC HEARING COMMENTS Roy Roth spoke in support of the changes that have been made. He made reference to the I-40/Old NC node and indicated he cannot make recommendations concerning "permitted uses" until a rationale is set which defines or categorizes permitted uses. He noted that criteria required in the zoning provisions for the Research Triangle Park include a minimum building lot size of eight (8) acres with no more than 15% of the total area of a tract being covered by buildings. Mr. Roth's complete statement is in the Permanent Agenda File in the Clerk's office. Dolly Hunter spoke in support of the EDDs. She noted that the Economic Development Commission and its citizen subcommittees and the Planning Board have worked very hard to fulfill the goal of the County Commissioners and be consistent with the Land Use Plan. She feels the buffer and landscape requirements in the design manual are too restrictive. She suggested a parallel access road along Old NC86 saying that DOT will never allow multiple turnouts onto this highway. Ann Joyner reiterated that members serving on the Economic Development Commission and the Planning Board have spent much time on this project. She feels that EDDs will broaden the tax base and maintain the quality of life. She urged the Board to approve the design standards. She feels that different design standards are needed for different locations. Billy Smith spoke for citizens who live on Oak Dale Drive and Cornwallis Hills saying that they need the opportunity to be able to sell their land. He is unhappy about the Quickie Mart in front of his house. He 4 asked how long it will take for someone to act for them. Marvin Collins explained that it will be May 23 before their petition will be heard at public hearing. John Link made reference to the turn lane in front of Mr. Smith's house and said that the turn lane will use the right-of-way on both the west and east sides of the road. He recommended that Chair Carey write a letter to the Division Engineer and ask for a written response on how the decision was made and what their plans are for this area. Lindsey Efland, Chair of the Economic Development Commission, stated that the time to act is as soon as possible. The Board gave this project to a Task Force, and have received their recommendation. He asked that the Board please decide on the proposal because many other issues are awaiting an answer on this one. Carl Waters indicated that this could be another Meadowlands. There are not many complaints about Meadowlands. This could be a good thing for the community. A motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to include the comments made at the January 18, 1994 meeting on the design standards for the EDDs in the minutes of this meeting. They are included by reference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS After a brief discussion, the Board decided to put this item on the next agenda for receipt of limited public comment and for Board discussion. The Board will call Marvin Collins with any specific concerns they have about the design standards. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to continue the public hearing to February 15, 1994. VOTE: UNANIMOUS VIII. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: A. MPO PASS-THROUGH AGREEMENT The Board approved an agreement with the City of Durham establishing a mechanism for the transfer of Federal transportation planning plans and authorized the County Manager to sign the agreement. B. DURHAM TECH CONTRACT - FIRE TRAINING The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the renewal of a contract with Durham Tech for administrative support for fire training classes held in Orange County for emergency management personnel. C. BID AWARD - POLICE VEHICLES This item was removed from Consent Agenda and considered at the end of the Consent Agenda. D. PROPOSED NAME CHANGE FOR THE COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM The Board approved to change the name of the Coordinated Agency Transportation program to the Coordinated Area Transportation program. This 5 change reflects the system's provision of general public transportation as well as service to the County's human service agencies. E. AMEND THE ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN (TDP) FOR FY93-94 TO INCLUDE THE NEW SMART START PROGRAM The Board approved an amendment to the Transportation Development Plan for FY93-94 which would add two new expansion vehicle's for the coordinated use by the Smart Start Program and to include the Partnership for Young Children as a C.A.T. Participating Agency. F. RESOLUTION TO APPLY AND ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH N.C. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FEDERAL TRANSIT ACT (PTA) SECTION 18 CAPITAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the resolution as stated below to apply for Federal Transit Act, Section 18 capital and administrative funding as well as enter into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for FY94-95. RESOLUTION APPLICANT SEEKING PERMISSION TO APPLY FOR SECTION 18 FUNDING ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY ASSURANCES WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has received a grant from the US Department of Transportation authorized by Section 18 of the Federal Transit Act of 1991, as amended, to provide assistance for rural public transportation projects; and WHEREAS, the purpose of these transportation funds is to provide grant monies to local agencies for the provision of rural public transportation services; and WHEREAS, Article 2B of Chapter 136 of the North Carolina General Statutes and the Governor of North Carolina have designated the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) as the agency responsible for administering funds received through Section 18 of the Federal Transit Act of 1991; and WHEREAS, The County of Orange hereby assures and certifies that it will comply with the Federal Statutes, regulations, executive orders, the Special Section 13 (c) Warranty, and all administrative requirements which relate to the applications made to and grants received from the Federal Transit, as well as the provisions of Section 1001 of Title 18, U. S. C. NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners is hereby authorized to submit a grant application for funding under Section 18 of the Federal Transit Act of 1991, make the necessary assurances and certifications and be empowered to enter into an agreement with the NCDOT to provide rural public transportation services. G. APPOINTMENTS The Board approved the following appointments to the Commission for Women: Eugenie Blanton for an unexpired term ending 6/30/94 6 Danette Rutkowski-Scharfenberg for an unexpired term ending 6/30/94 Lyn Dickinson for an unexpired term ending 6/30/95 H. ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FEBRUARY 28, 1994 PUBLIC HEARING The Board approved the legal notice for the quarterly public hearing scheduled for February 28, 1994 as presented. I. NC VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT (VOCA) GRANT APPLICATION The Board approved submitting this application. However, the Manager and the Budget Director will review the priorities of this proposal in the context of other long-term priorities of the Sheriff and Social Services Departments prior to the Board approving receipt of any grant funds. Final approval of this grant appears to commit the County after the first two years to continue funding the program with County funds. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA BID AWARD FOR POLICE VEHICLES A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to award a bid for fourteen "Police Package" sedans to Bobby Murray Chevrolet, Inc. of Raleigh, North Carolina at a cost of $13,258.83 per vehicle. VOTE: UNANIMOUS IX. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA A. CITY OF MEBANE - REQUEST FOR ETJ EXTENSION A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to authorize the staff to meet with the Mebane staff to initiate discussions on joint planning. Commissioner Gordon suggested that any joint planning area created could be called the "mutual planning zone (MPZ) " VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. ENDORSEMENT OF GRANT APPLICATION FOR FUNDING OF THE SAFE SCHOOLS PROGRAM The Orange County Task Force on School Violence is requesting funding for a school resource officer for Orange High School and Stanford Middle School. The State Grant application needs prior approval by Orange County Commissioners. This approval does not obligate Orange County in any way financially. However, the community is responsible to continue the program after two years. A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Insko to formally endorse the grant application for funding of the Safe Schools Program as drafted by the Orange County Task Force on School Violence. VOTE: UNANIMOUS X. REPORTS A. LAND EXCHANGE - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 7 This property is located adjacent to the property leased by the County from the Orange County School Board for the Efland-Cheeks Community Center. Habitat would swap approximately 5200 square feet for 3700 square feet. Property given to the County will make the County lot accessible from Richmond Road. Property given to Habitat will make its parcel suitable for building a single family dwelling. The Board received this report as information. XI. APPOINTMENTS - All appointments were approved under the Consent Agenda. XII. MINUTES - NONE XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION - NONE XIV. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for consideration, Chair Carey adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on February 15, 1994 at 7:30 p.m. in the OWASA meeting room in Carrboro, North Carolina. Moses Carey, Jr. , Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk