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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19971119APPROVED MARCH 4. 1998 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1997 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, November 19, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chapel Hill Municipal Building, 30fi N. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair William L. Crowther and Commissioners Margaret W. Brown, Moses Carey, Jr., Alice M. Gordon and Stephen H. Halkiotis. COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Managers Rod Visser and Albert Kittrell and Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE. ALL RECORDING TAPES OF THE MEETING WILL BE KEPT FOR FIVE j~ YEARS. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA The Board agreed to add to Item #5, "A Resolution Regarding the Use of Plutonium", and added to item 8-f the name of Lee Pavao as the Chapel Hill representative on the Joint Master Recreation and Parks Plan Group and changed the OWASA representative to Bany Jacobs. RECOGNITION OF THE CITIZENS WHO SERVED ON THE BOND EDUCATION COMMITTEE A reception was held prior to the beginning of this meeting to thank the citizens who served on the Bond Education Committee. Each County Commissioner graciously thanked those who served on this committee and members of the Orange County staff who worked to support this committee. Each member in attendance was presented a certii'ICate of appreciation for working on this committee. Commissioners Brown and Halkiotis made these presentations. Chair Crowther thanked Commissioner Brown and Commissioner Halkiotis for their hard work in chairing this committee. 2. AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters on the Printed Agenda Chair Crowther stated that citizens who have indicated a desire to speak on an item on the printed agenda will be recognized at the appropriate time. b. Matters not on the Printed Agenda With regard to Piedmont Electric's proposal to run a power line through the southern portion of Orange County, County Attorney Geoffrey Gledhill summarized his understanding of the proposal to construct a new distribution line and substation in the Mt. Sinai Road area of Orange County. He outlined the applicable sections of the Zoning Ordinance which would apply to this situation and the responsibility of the Utilities Commission in this particular case. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS Thomas Buell spoke for a group of 32 people in the audience. He read a prepared statement which is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's Office. In summary, he said that the citizens have received inconsistent information from Piedmont Corporation and he is asking that the County Commissioners ask certain questions of Piedmont which he attached. 2 Sheila Bishop who lives on Mt. Sinai Road read a prepared statement. She emphasized that the proposed site would mean that all the woodland on one side of her house would be leveled. This land has been in her family for five generations and no amount of money could compensate for what they would suffer. She also presented a list of questions for which she would like for the County Commissioners to obtain answers. Allen Eckhaus lives on Hathaway Lane in Chapel Hill . He asked the County Commissioners to help in any way they can to be sure this line does as little damage as possible. He feels that what they are doing is unfair to the consumer and that they need to change their plans to move ahead with this substation and transmission lines. Carla Graves who lives on Mt. Sinai Road spoke against Route A which is the longest of the four proposed routes. It will have the largest impact on the watershed and runs parallel on top of a small creek. Trees would need to be removed as well as ground cover which will cause erosion. She noted that there are two federally designated wetlands on route A . They have 41-1/2 acres which would be cut in half from front to back. They have many historic sites on this property. The citizens in this area have a lot of concerns and hope that Piedmont Electric will take them seriously. The citizens appreciate any help the County Commissioners can give them. Richard Knapp with Piedmont Electric said that they have had an ongoing planning process. They have determined that they need to upgrade their system. In April they started the process by determining the best place to put the transmission lines and substation. They had a series of meetings to brief people and give them an opportunity to ask questions. The process is ongoing and they appreciate the input that the citizens have given them. They may have a decision as early as next week. Commissioner Brown said that there are many questions that she would like Piedmont Electric to answer. Commissioner Halkiotis expressed a concern about Piedmont Electric not answering all the questions that citizens have. He respectfully asked Piedmont Electric to agree to postpone their decision. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to ask Piedmont Electric to not to make a decision until the County Commissioners and the citizens receive additional information, specifically on the eight questions asked by the citizens group and other questions from the County Commissioners. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Planner Mary Willis clarified that there is not a Special Use Permit requirement for power lines. For transmission lines which are greater than 100 kilovolts, there is a Special Use Permit for the substation. This particular line does not exceed the 100 kilovolt and is permitted by right Commissioner Halkiotis asked that Piedmont Electric be contacted tomorrow and given the list of questions. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Crowther dispensed with the reading of the Public Charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Carey expressed a concern about United Way no longer funding the Mental Health Assoc. He feels that without this funding, it leaves a group of people without advocacy and that this is something which needs to be addressed by the community. John Link explained the process that United Way follows in determining which agencies receive funding. 3 Commissioner Brown wants a detailed report on how the funding of nonprofits has changed since the consolidation of United Way. Commissioner Halkiotis mentioned a fundraising event sponsored by Ray Motors for MADD on November 26. Commissioner Gordon reported that the Triangle Transit Authority approved a tax which will finance the activities of phase one of the regional rail system. Commissioner Brown and Chair Crowther also attended the TTA Tax Board meeting and approved additional fundraising efforts. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link reported that the 1997 United Way campaign for Orange County employees reached a milestone of $20,000 which is an increase of $1600 from last year. The number of contributors increased by 31 %. 5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS ADD A. RESOLUTION REGARDING THE USE OF PLUTONIUM A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the resolution as stated below: RESOLUTION REGARDING THE USE OF PLUTONIUM WHEREAS, the Orange County Peace Coalition has brought to the attention of Orange County Board of Commissioners concerns of NASA's Cassini Space Probe carrying 72.3 pounds of plutonium-238 to supply power to the instruments on board; and WHEREAS, plutonium is one of the most toxic chemicals known; and WHEREAS, there have been previous mishaps from rocket launchings, orbiting missiles and returns to earth; and WHEREAS, the Cassini flying in 1999 from Venus to Earth to gain velocity to pass Jupiter enroute to Saturn remains a risk; and WHEREAS, future missions are scheduled to continue to use plutonium as a power source. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby resolve to join scientists and other citizens who want these space missions carrying plutonium to discontinue until other sources of energy are used; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners appeal to the President and North Carolina's congressional delegation to postpone these planned space missions using plutonium until an alternate, safer technology is developed. VOTE: AYES, 4; NOS, 1 (Chair Crowther) Chair Crowther voted against this resolution because he does not have a full understanding from NASA in terms of security issues. Also, there were several groups which supported this resolution. However, the Democratic party did not endorse this resolution. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS -NONE 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS -NONE 4 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: ~4. BICYCLE PLAN COMPONENT TASK FORCE The County Commissioners approved the structure of a proposed Bicycle Plan Component Task Force, its charge and schedule to guide the development of a Bicycle Component to the Transportation Element of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan. B. CERTIFICATION OF BOND REFERENDUM RESULTS The Board officially accepted the report of the Board of Elections for the results of the November 4, 1997 bond referendum. C. BOND PROCEEDS REIMBURSEMENT RESOLUTIONS The Board adopted resolutions which will authorize reimbursement to the County for capital project expenses that may be needed prior to scheduled bond sales from the proceeds of the sale of bonds. D. HOME PROGRAM - ABBOTTS COLONY This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. E. PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS The County Commissioners approved nineteen (19) requests for tax refund as listed below in accordance with N.C. General Statutes 105-381 and the Refund Resolution as approved by the Board on September 16, 1997: Name Account Nbr. Amount Refunded Harold 8~ Carolyn Anderson 210889 $ 73.43 Hogan, Cornelius D. E41101 49.66 Maybeny, Julie Ellen E34680 31.45 Wachovia Auto Leasing co. E22126 33.30 Centura Bank Leasing E16369 137.09 Sheila Byrd Perry D65897 12.77 Mazda American Credit D79401 195.22 GE Capital Auto Lease, Inc. E10713 196.74 Nationsbanc Dealer Leasing D79872 423.24 Southtrust Bank E21185 137.48 Centura Bank Leasing E16369 137.09 First Union Bank of N.C. D300315 391.85 Amy Thomas Laughhunn E5109 334.42 Amy Thomas Laughhunn E34233 300.72 GE Capital auto Lease, Inc. E10661 255.41 CI Partners, LLC D68680 645.48 CI Partners, LLC E16485 7g2.7g CI Partners, LLC E16210 521.51 Hanna, Rebecca J. E40815 35.62 F. JOINT MASTER RECREATION AND PARKS PLAN WORK GROUP CHARGE AND APPOINTMENTS This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. G. CHANGE IN BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING The Board approved adding to their regular meeting schedule a meeting for Saturday, December 6, 1997 at 8:30 a.m. at the Homestead Community Center in Chapel Hill . VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA 5 D. HOME PROGRAM _ AB_BOTTS COLONY Commissioner Brown said she is pleased that Habitat for Humanity has decided to take these lots for Habitat housing projects. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve transferring two lots in Abbotts Colony in Chapel Hill from the Orange Community Housing Corporation to Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, North Carolina, Inc. and authorized the Chair to execute a Development Agreement with this agency on behalf of the Orange County HOME Consortium upon the County Attorney's review and approval. VOTE: UNANIMOUS F. JOINT MASTER RECREATION AND PARKS PLAN WORK GROUP CHARGE AND APPOINTMENTS The Board reviewed the revised charge to the Joint Recreation and Parks Master Plan Work Group and appointed members to the work group including the steering committee. Commissioner Brown asked to appoint one more person to this group from the SportsPlex and Commissioner Halkiotis volunteered to serve as this representative. Commissioner Gordon asked that #8 be added to the charge for the reassessment of and dedication of parkland when developments are approved. The Board decided to also add this to the list of topics for discussion at the County Commissioners' Goal Setting Retreat next month. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the charge as amended and as stated on page of these minutes and to approve the appointments as stated below: NAME Margaret Brown Stephen Halkiotis Patrick Mulkey, Ricky Hill Leo Allison, Renee Price Wendy Olson Lee Pavao Hank Anderson Keith Cook Bea Hughes Werner Barry Jacobs Wendy Weiher Ron Hyatt VOTE: UNANIMOUS REPRESENTING Orange County Commissioners SportsPlex Orange County Recreation and Parks Advisory Council Orange County Planning Board Town of Hillsborough Town of Chapel Hill Town of Carrboro Orange County School Board Carrboro-Chapel Hill School Board OWASA Duke University University of North Carolina 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA A. CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE -EMERGENCY GENERATORS Several questions were answered by EMS Director Nick Waters and Red Cross Director Bob Lockwood. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to adopt the capital project ordinance as stated below that will provide funding to perform electrical work to make two school buildings ready to serve as emergency shelters, and to accomplish other emergency preparedness improvements. EMERGENCY GENERATORS PROJECT Project # 61-758 Revenue -Transfer from General Fund (1997-98) $ 80,000 Appropriation -Emergency Generators Capital Project $ 80,000 This Capital Project Ordinance provides funds for improvements at Stanford Middle School and Chapel Hill High School to make these facilities generator ready in times of emergencies, and to 6 purchase additional power generation equipment for use at other County facilities. This project will be financed with proceeds from the County's portion of the one-half cent sales tax. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CENTER -FINANCING OPTIONS The County Commissioners considered adopting a resolution indicating the County's intent to file an application with the Local Government Commission for an installment purchase for renovations to the Skills Development Center located at 501/503 West Franklin Street and to establish a date for a public hearing on the financing proposal. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brown to adopt °A Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Approval of a Financing Agreement Authorized by North Carolina General Statute 160A-20" with the not-to-exceed amount of $780,000. This is on file in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's Office. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. HOME PROGRAM _ CREEL STREET The Board considered transferring one lot on Creel Street in Chapel Hill from the Orange Community Housing Corporation to EmPOWERment, Inc. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the transfer of one lot on Creel Street in Chapel Hill from the Orange Community Housing Corporation to EmPOWERment, Inc. and to authorize the Chair to execute a Development Agreement with this agency on behalf of the Orange County HOME Consortium upon the County Attorney's review and approval. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Brown requested on a future agenda to hear a report from EmPOWERment, Inc. 10. REPORTS A. REPORT ON CANE CREEK WATERSHED STUDY The Board received a report on the results of the Cane Creek Watershed Study. Bany Jacobs, Chair of the OWASA Board, presented this report. He distributed a summary sheet and used overheads to summarize the report. The Board received this report as information. B. STRATEGIC AUTOMATION PLAN TASK FORCE REPORT The Board received a report and recommendations from the Technical Review Task Force that was appointed by the Board of Commissioners to review the County's Strategic Automation Plan (SAP). Rebecca Troutman, member of this Task Force, recognized the task force members and reviewed the transmittal letter to the Board of County Commissioners. John Smith, member of the Task Force, summarized the long and short range strategic plans. Commissioner Halkiotis thanked the committee for their hard work in developing these recommendations. He likes the idea of an ongoing committee and welcomed any member of the Task Force to serve on this standing committee. Commissioner Brown thanked the Task Force for the time and energy they put into this recommendation and she hopes they will try to continue on the standing board. Commissioner Gordon thanked the entire group. She made reference to the short-term plan and said that this seems like a lot to do in six months. Information Systems Director Dick Taylor said that this six month plan is an attempt to take the short term plan and some of the long term items and combine them. There will be outsourcing support to supplement their staff. It emphasized the importance of starting as soon as possible. 7 John Link said that their first step will be to come to the County Commissioners at the next meeting with a specific proposal and associated costs. He will also present for the Board's consideration the composition and charge of the standing committee. The Board received this report as information. C. CHILD FATALITY PREVENTION TEAM REPORT The local Child Fatality Prevention Team presented a report as required by G.S. 143-571. The report was received as information. 11. APPOINTMENTS Appointments to the Bicycle Plan Component Advisory Task Force were postponed to the next meeting. 12. MIN_ UTES -NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to go into Closed Session to instruct staff concerning position to be taken on behalf of Orange County in negotiating a lease °Authority: G.S. Section 143-318.11(a)(5) and will discuss a personnel matter by authority of G.S. Section 143-318.11(a)(6). VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Chair Crowther to reconvene into regular session for adjournment. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to come before the Board, a motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to adjourn the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on November 24, 7:30 p.m. in Superior Courtroom in Hillsborough, North Carolina. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk William L. Crowther, Chair