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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 199403011 APPROVED 44/94 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MARCH 1, 1994 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 1, 1994 at 7:30 p.m. in the Orange Grove Community Center in Bingham Township, North Carolina. COIINTY 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, Economic Development Director Ted Abernathy, Planner Gene Bell, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Finance Director Ken Chavious, Planning Director Marvin Collins, Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes, Purchasing Director Pam Jones, Budget Director Sally Kost, Commission for Women Director Lucy Lewis, Tax Assessor Director Kermit Lloyd, Public Works Director Wilbert McAdoo, Planner David Stancil and County Engineer Paul Thames NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE I. ADDITIONS OR CHANGEB TO THE AGENDA One appointment was added to Item VIII-A. The minutes for December 11 and December 21, 1994 were deleted. The appointments to the Hillsborough Planning Board and the Orange County Board of Adjustment were deleted. II. AUDIENCE COMMENTS A. MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA Chair Carey said that citizens who have indicated a desire to speak will be recognized at the appropriate time. B. IdATTERB NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA General Arthur Hurow asked that the County Commissioners consider two improvements to the process for residents to follow when they receive their tax bill. First, he would like for the citizen to be informed when their case will be discussed by the Board of E & R and second, he asked that an explanation be given on the revaluation notice sent to the citizen explaining the reason for the action taken by the Board of E&R. He also expressed a concern that the independent appraisal done by the State was done by Mr. Smith of the County's Tax Appraisal's office. He strongly feels that the elected officials should be part of the process. The County Manager will report back to the Board on General Hurow's concerns. 1. COMMUNITY CONCERNS Mr. Edward Johnson of the Orange Grove Fire Department spoke about the need for the fire department to expand its facilities. They have 2 hired an architect who has prepared the plans and specifications. They want to put it out for bids in the near future. The cost is estimated to be $75,000. They have an opportunity to get a below prime rate on this loan but must follow some procedures which includes holding a public hearing. A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to authorize the Orange Grove Volunteer Fire Dept. to conduct a public hearing on March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Orange Grove Fire Station for the purpose of receiving citizen comments on their planned expansion. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Mr. Johnson noted that a part of Arthur Minnis Road and Buckhorn Road cannot be traveled by their fire department because of dangerous curves and a bridge which cannot support their vehicles. He asked that these two roads be upgraded. Patrick Mulkey, Chair of the Bingham Township Advisory Committee (TAC), welcomed the County Commissioners to Bingham township. He spoke in support of improvements to Buckhorn Road. He noted that the TAC plans to meet with the OWASA Board to talk about concerns for Cane Creek. PIIBLIC CHARGE Chair Carey dispensed with the reading of the public charge. III. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Gordon informed the Board about an informational meeting scheduled for March 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 on ground water resources. Commissioner Willhoit asked that a policy be made by the County Commissioners on benefits. This will be added to the next agenda. Commissioner Halkiotis emphasized his continued concern about the intersection of Highway 70 East and Mt. Hermon Church Road. This has been the scene of several accidents. He suggested that a light be installed at this dangerous intersection and noted that lines need to be painted on the road. Commissioner Willhoit noted that a public hearing will be held on March 23 at the Efland Cheeks Community Center for the purpose of identifying and hearing public comments on Solid waste convenience sites in that area. This is being held because citizens spoke on February 15 in opposition to the proposed site on Saddle Club Road. Commissioner Halkiotis reinforced the need to keep the WalMart recycling site open. Wilbert McAdoo indicated they are talking with them in an attempt to maintain this site. IV. COIINTY MANAGER'S REPORT - NONE O. RESOLIITIONS/PROCLAMATIONS A. MENTAL RETARDATION MONTH PROCLAMATION The proclamation was read by Ellen Deardon of the ARC. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner 3 Halkiotis to approve the proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION COUNTY OF ORANGE MENTAL RETARDATION MONTH WHEREAS, mental retardation is a condition which today affects more than six million American children and adults and their families; and WHEREAS, the most effective weapons for alleviation of the serious problems associated with mental retardation are public knowledge and understanding; and WHEREAS, the potential for citizens with mental retardation to function more independently and productively must be fostered; and WHEREAS, for over 25 years the Arc of Orange County has promoted awareness of the needs and abilities of persons with developmental disabilities; and WHEREAS, during the month of March, 1994, members of national, state, and local chapters of the Arc are making a special effort to forge vital employment, education, and fundraising campaigns to promote awareness of, and provide for the needs of persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Moses Carey, Chair of the Orange County Commissioners, on behalf of the County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the month of March, 1994, as MENTAL RETARDATION MONTH in the County of Orange, and urge all our citizens to learn more about mental retardation so that they might be good neighbors, co-workers, and friends to our citizens who have this developmental disability. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. PROCLAMATION OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH The proclamation was read by Amy Tattersall, Vice-Chair of the Commission for Women. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Insko to approve the proclamation as stated below: THE ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION FOR WOMEN SUBMITS THE FOLLOWING PROCLAMATION TO THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS] WHEREAS, American women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation; WHEREAS, American women have played and continue to play a critical economic, cultural, and social role in every sphere of the life of the Nation; WHEREAS, American women served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement; WHEREAS, these contributions have been historically overlooked and 4 undervalued in the literature, teaching and study of American history; and WHEREAS, Women in Orange County have made and continue to make significant historical contributions to our community, state, and nation, NOW, THEREFORE, do we, the Commissioners of Orange County, proclaim the month of March, 1994 as WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH and commend this observance to Orange County citizens. VOTE: UNANIMOUS VI. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - NONE VII. PUBLIC $EARINGS (AND FOR DECISION) A. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS PROPOSAL - PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO: LAND USE ELEMENT AND ZONING ORDINANCE INCLUDING DESIGN MANIIAL This item was presented for the Board's consideration of proposed amendments to the Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance establishing Economic Development Districts, including a proposed Design Manual containing performance standards and design criteria applicable within the proposed districts. As a continuation of the public hearing on this item, the Board asked for citizen comments at this time. Lindsay Efland made reference to the goal adopted by the County Commissioners three years ago. He said that it is frustrating that approval for these nodes is taking so long because a lot of citizens and county staff have worked many hours on this proposal. Since the original proposal, changes have been made in the boundaries and the type of permitted uses allowed. The Economic Development Commission is concerned that these changes may create a situation where loans will be difficult to obtain. He asked that the County Commissioners approve the Buckhorn and I-85/Highway 70 node as they were presented on December 2, 1993. He agrees that the Old 86/I-40 node needs further study and suggested further work on this proposal. A letter was received from Julie Andresen who requested that the Board delay action on the Old 86/I-40 intersection. She is concerned that intense development at this location will demand urban services such as water and sewer, threatening the rural character of this area. A letter was received from Robert Ayers who asked that the Board consider going ahead with the I-40/Old 86 Economic Development District. He believes that a failure to approve this node will be detrimental to the best interests of the citizens of Orange County and will certainly lead to yet another annexation request to Hillsborough. A letter was received from Gregg Sandreuter in support of the Economic Development Districts. T_BERE WERE NO FURTHER PUBLIC COMMENTS Commissioner Willhoit asked for an update on what they changed at these two nodes since December 2, 1993. Marvin Collins distributed this information. One change was to include a wage range of $9.18 and another change was to the permitted use table, changing some of the uses to special uses. Discussion ensued on these changes. Commissioner Gordon expressed a concern with the special use tables 5 meeting the goals of the Economic Strategic Plan. Chair Carey suggested that the Board consider approving the two EDDs and sending the I-40/Old 86 node back to a committee for further study with a recommendation in June. A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Insko to approve establishing two Economic Development Districts at the I- 85/Buckhorn Road node and the I-85/U.S. 70 node and the proposed text and map amendments to the Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance, including the Design Manual, as revised, per the Planning Board recommendation and effective this date. After a lengthy discussion, Commissioner Gordon said she would write an agenda item for the next meeting which outlines the changes to the Economic Development Districts she wants the County Commissioners to consider for the May 23, 1994 Quarterly Public Hearing. It was decided that Moses Carey, Jr., John Link, Ted Abernathy and Marvin Collins would develop a charge for the committee which will study the I-40/Old 86 EDD. VOTE: UNANIMOUS VIII. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: A. APPOINTMENTS RECREATION AND PARRS ADVISORY COONCIL Hattie VanHook - reappointed for a term ending 3/30/97 ORANGE COIINTY ARTS COMMISSION Chris Firpo ~ reappointed for a term ending 3/30/97 BOARD OF EOIIALIZATION AND REVIEW Thomas Heffner, Chair Margaret Brown Lightning A. Brown Reginald H. Morgan (Alt) EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ADVISORY COIINCIL Ashley Alyssa Collier - appointed for an unexpired term ending 3/30/95 HIIMAN SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION Mary Bacon - appointed to a term ending 3/30/97 Curtis C. Tyler, Jr. - appointed to a term ending 3/31/95 ORANGE COIINTY HOARD OF ADJUSTMENT This appointment was removed by Commissioner Gordon. B. MINUTES The Board approved the minutes for December 16, 1993, January 10, 1994 and February 15, 1994 as submitted. C. H_IIDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #8 The Board adopted the proposed budget ordinance amendment and the capital project ordinances as listed below: GENERAL FIIND 6 Source - Miscellaneous Expenditures ($10,000) Appropriation - Contributions to Outside Agencies $10,000 (To appropriate funds to the Orange County Community in Schools (CIS) program.) RESERVE FOR NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Capital Project Ordinance Source - from General Fund for the new Chapel Hill- Carrboro Elementary School Project $81,859 Appropriation - New Elementary School $81,859 D. ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS CONTRACT[SECTION 8 VOUCHER PROGRAM The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a resolution as stated below authorizing the execution of the Annual Contributions Contract and Form 50071, Certification for Contracts, Loans and Cooperative Agreements for the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS CONTRACT Whereas the Orange County Housing Authority (herein called the "PHA") proposed to enter into an Annual Contributions Contract (herein called the "Contract") with the United Stated of American, Department of Housing and Urban Development (herein call the "Government"). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PHA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The Contracts, numbered Contract No. 2903-V 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 Government from time to time, as monies are required, requisitions together with the necessary supporting document, for payment under the Contracts. E._ PETITION FOR ADDITION - LAREVIEW ROAD IN CHEERS TOWNSHIP The Board approved a petition from the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the addition of Lakeview Road in Cheeks Township to the State-maintained Secondary Road System. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS IX. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA A. ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY HOUSING CORPORATION FUNDING REQUEST Keith Cook reported on the activities of the Orange County Community Housing Corporation. He requested an additional $15,000 to continue their successful Homebuyer Education Program through the end of FY 93-94. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit to approve an additional allocation of $15,000 from the County Commissioner's Contingency fund. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Bs OPTIONS FOR SALE OF ADDITIONAL 1992 SCHOOL BONDS The Board considered options for the sale of the remaining $30 million in school bonds. A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the sale of the remaining $30 million in school bonds at a June 14, 1994 bond sale. VOTE: UNANIMOUS X. REPORTS A. 1994-99 MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) John Link made a brief presentation on the 1994-99 Capital Improvements Plan. He highlighted the major changes to the existing plan, including the funding plan, education projects, public buildings and equipment, skills development center work group charge and recreation and parks. This CIP will be presented for public hearing on March 15, 1994. B. REPORT ON TOWNSHIP ADVISORY COUNCILS (TAG'S) This report was presented by Planner Gene Bell. Commissioner Gordon stated that she asked this item to be brought before the Board because it was reported that the TACs are not meeting on a regular basis. The bylaws state that they are to meet quarterly. However, if there is a lack of business, they can dispense with one meeting but must meet at least two times a year. She feels the County Commissioners should review the role of the TAG, membership, meeting schedule, etc. It was the consensus of the Board that Commissioners Gordon and Halkiotis and the Planning Board Chair will do this review and report back to the Board. C. COMMENTS FROM RURAL CHARACTER STUDY COMMUNITY MEETINGS David Stancil stated that in late January they held three meetings with a total attendance of 53 people. The results, compared to the meetings held last year, were similar. Those attending could not pick a preference between the Rural Character Study Committee development options and the staff alternative dated March, 1993. They did hear a very clear preference to two acre minimum lots. They had a universal praise for the five acre lot development option with an incentive package. They also heard that the open space development clusters, as proposed by both alternatives, were maybe too dense for rural areas. Finally, they heard that some of the development options should be different for different areas to reflect the diversity and the different needs and land use patterns. It was the consensus of the Board that Commissioners Gordon and Willhoit will work with Clint Burklin and Bill Waddell to highlight the main issues of the proposal, develop a process for moving forward on these strategies and bring that process back to the Board for approval. . . 8 XI. APPOINTMENTS - These were on the Consent Agenda. XII. MINiTTEB - These were on the Consent Agenda XIII. 8%ECIITIVE SESSION - LOCATION OF BUSINESS (10:15-10:30) A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Insko to adjourn the regular meeting into Executive Session to discuss the location of a business. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Insko to reconvene into Regular Session. VOTE: UNANIMOUS XIV. ADJOIIRNMENT With no further items to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. The next special meeting will be held on March 10, 1994 at 7:30 p.m. in the Library Conference Room in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The next regular meeting will be held on March 15, 1994 at 7:30 p.m. in the OWASA community meeting room in Carrboro, North Carolina Moses Carey, Jr., Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk