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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19980317APPROVED JUNE 2. 1998 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING March 17, 1998 5:30 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Tuesday, March 17, 1998 at 5:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Road in Chapel Hill for the purpose of holding a closed session by authority of G.S. Section 143-318.11(a)(6). COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Margaret W. Brown, and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., William L. Crowther, Alice M. Gordon and Stephen H. Halkiotis. COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., and Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to go into Closed Session by authority of G. S. Section 143-318.11(a)(6). VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Crowther to reconvene into special session. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the Board to consider, a motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adjourn this special meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on March 17, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Margaret W. Brown, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk 2 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING March 17, 1998 7:30 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 17, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the Southem Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, immediately following an open house and dedication ceremony for the Southem Human Services Center. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Margaret W. Brown, and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., William L. Crowther, 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 RECORDINGS OF THE MEETING WILL BE KEPT FOR 5 YEARS. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA NONE 2. CITIZEN >9K AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters on the Printed Agenda Chair Brown stated that citizens who have indicated a desire to speak on an item that appears on the printed agenda will be recognized at the appropriate time. b. Matters not on the Printed Agenda -NONE PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Margaret W. Brown dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Halkiotis reiterated his suggestion that the County work with the two school systems on the electric deregulation issue. He made reference to the Southem Human Services Center and said that this new facility is one that citizens can be proud of. He talked with one of the architects, Mr. Glenn Coley, who mentioned that the firm of Coley, Redfoot and Zack plans to donate $1,000 to be used for children fumishings in the waiting room. He thanked them for their generous contribution. Commissioner Carey thanked everyone for this facility. He received a letter from the three judges about the safety of our court facilities. John Link said that County staff is aware of those concerns and plan to respond to the judges about these concerns. Commissioner Crowther also made complimentary comments about the building. Commissioner Gordon thanked the citizens for providing such a wonderful building. Chair Margaret Brown said that the building is magnificent and that everyone deserves a thank you for their part. She also thanked Mr. Zack for his contribution for children fumishings. 3 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT He commended the present County Commissioners and the past County Commissioners for their foresight in planning this facility. Citizens will feel welcomed when they come to this facility and know that we care about them. He commended Pam Jones for her oversight of this construction job. He introduced Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore and said that he has copies of a bus schedule for using our own Orange Public Transportation (OPT) system to provide transportation for people coming to this building. The fares are reasonable and while we certainly still need a response from the town of Chapel Hill in terms of their bus service, this is our plan for the interim. Commissioner Gordon noted that she appreciates the information and is glad that this is in place. Commissioner Halkiotis also thanked Jerry Passmore for providing this service for the interim. 5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS -NONE 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS -NONE 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS -NONE 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below. a. Minutes The Board approved minutes from the Aug. 25, 1997 quarterly public hearing and the Aug. 25, 1997 meeting continued from Aug. 20. b. Modification to Contract with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. c. Property Tax Refunds The County Commissioners approved requests for tax refunds per the resolution, a copy of which is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's Office. d. Petitions for Addition - Remington Run in Bingham Township and Dawn Drive in Cedar Grove Township The Board approved a petition from NCDOT to approve the addition of Remington Run in the Brittany Creek subdivision in Bingham Township; and Dawn Drive in the ~Ison Place subdivision, Cedar Grove Township, to the state-maintained secondary road system. e. Equalization and Review Board Appointments This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA b. Modification to Contract with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign a contract modification between Orange County and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to increase the contract amount from $21,700 to $32,882.57. 4 In answer to a question from Commissioner Gordon, interim Human Rights and Relations Director Oliver Melvin said that this is a projected payment we will receive for the number of cases they will handle. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. Equalization and Review Board Appointments The Board approved a resolution providing for the appointment of a special board of equalization and review to hear 1998 property valuation appeals. A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Chair Brown to approve the resolution as incorporated by reference and to appoint as regular members Tom Heffner, John T. Homer and Kevin Foy and to appoint as alternate members Margaret Brown, William Crowther, Lee Butzin, Reginald Morgan, Don Willhoit, Howard McAdams, Vic Knight and Tim Kepley. Tom Heffner was appointed as chair. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. -ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA a. Purchase of GIS Server and Work Stations The Board considered appropriating $48,000 for a GIS server and two workstations. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Crowther to approve purchasing the requested GIS equipment and adopt the project ordinance incorporated here by reference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Revocation of Preliminary Plan -University Manor Phase 1 The Board considered a request for revocation of the preliminary plan for University Manor, Phase 1. Planner Emily Cameron reiterated new information as included in the abstract. Regarding the status of the roads, DOT has issued a conditional approval on the roads Two resolutions were presented to accomplish revocation of the subdivision approval and abandonment of the public roads, one of which releases the Conservation Easement (Resolution B) and the other retains it (Resolution A). A motion was made by Chair Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to adopt Resolution A, incorporated here by reference, to revoke the subdivision approval of University Manor, Phase I, and close the existing public roads in Section I (retains the Conservation Easement); and to schedule a public hearing to close the roads for the regular Board of Commissioners meeting on either April 21 or May 6, 1998. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Advertisement for Joint Planning Public Hearing -April 8 1998 The Board considered issuing a legal notice advertising the April 8, 1998 joint planning area public hearing. Interim Planning Director Gene Bell said that Chapel Hill would like to have on this agenda the entire small area plan as revised. The County Commissioners decided to move this meeting from the Southern Human Services Center to Carrboro Elementary School and to provide another date if citizen turnout is greater than expected. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to hold the public hearing at Carrboro Elementary School with the agenda as presented from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and to adjourn the meeting to a time and place certain in June if they do not knish. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 5 d. Town of Chapel Hill Request for Bond Funds for Southern and Northern Community Parks The Board considered a request by the Town of Chapel Hill for $250,000 for projects at the Northern and Southern Community Parks. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the request from the Chapel Hill Town Council to allocate $250,000 from the 1997 County bond funds for the Northern and Southern Community parks. Discussion Chair Margaret Brown said that she would like for a review process to be in place before we start funding park projects from the bond proceeds. She has looked at some of the correspondence we had with Chapel Hill at the time the bond was being considered and it talked specifically about coordinated planning and development. She would like for us to have a collaborative effort from now forward. She also requested a sketch for both of these parks. Chair Margaret Brown read into the record which is incorporated here by reference a statement made by the County Commissioners at their September 16, 1997 meeting which said that "the County Commissioners' intent with all the projects approved by the voters will be to implement after a cooperative planning process has taken place". An amendment to the main motion was made by Commissioner Gordon and seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to allocate further monies from the bond proceeds only after there is a cooperative planning process, including the County Commissioners, and a needs assessment if necessary. VOTE ON THIS AMENDMENT: UNANIMOUS VOTE ON THE MAIN MOTION: AYES, 4; NOS, 1 (Chair Brown because she would like to see this collaboration in place before any of the money is allocated) Chair Margaret Brown suggested that the County's Purchasing Director be involved in the bidding process for these projects. She feels that the County needs to be informed and responsible when spending the citizens money. Commissioner Carey disagreed with unnecessarily placing a burden on County staff and he feels it is unnecessary. e. Chapel HilUCarrboro YMCA Capital Campaign The Board considered a request by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA for a contribution to its capital campaign in the amount of $10,000 per year over the next five years. A primary focus of this campaign is to expand the YMCA's outreach activities, in two major respects -child care and teens. A major portion of the new facility will be a new Youth Wing that will include a child care facility on one floor and a Youth Center on the other which will provide young people of middle school and high school age a wholesome place to go, under supervision, and participate in programming geared to them. Ted Vaden spoke in support of this request. He addressed public benefits. His intention is that this new facility be a resource for the entire community and in particular the youth. A teen director will be hired later this year and will develop specific details for this center. There may be fees associated with the programming at the teen center and for day care. He stressed that the Y has a policy of not turning away anyone who cannot pay. This would provide a facility for Youth Voices at no charge. The County Commissioners asked that members of Youth Voices be consulted about the design for the teen portion of this center. 6 A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve funding for the YMCA Capital Campaign and (1) that the funding begin in fiscal year 1998-99; (2) that such funding be considered outside agency funding and appropriated in phases over amulti-year period in the same way as the Arts Center, Triangle Hospice and Dickson House; (3) that there be an annual pertormance agreement between the County and the YMCA citing the specific public purpose for which the appropriation is intended; (4) that the County receive an annual report in March of each year documenting the use of County funds, and (5) that space is provided free of charge for Youth Voices. VOTE: UNANIMOUS f. Justice Facilities Follow-up, Group Charae, Membership and Time Schedule The Board approved appointing and issuing a charge to a committee to follow up on recommendations made in the Judicial Facilities Study conducted in 1995. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the charge, membership as presented to also include Commissioners Carey and Halkiotis and Judge Chuck Anderson and the time schedule as presented. VOTE: UNANIMOUS g: Farmland Preservation Program Goals for 1998-99 Fiscal Year The Board considered the goals of the farm preservation program for the 1998-99 fiscal year. Commissioner Crowther said that he wanted to bring forth this item because some of the recommendations include implications on County taxes. Regarding the exemption of taxes for farm machinery, he would like to know the tax implications. Regarding the tax exempt status on farm use, he would like to know if the amount of exemption would exceed $200,000 which is the estimated amount the County receives from farm use. John Link said that this information will be provided. Also, he will present information on where we stand in terms of the amount of farm use deferment and the history which has occurred over the last ten years. Planner Don Belk said that they have looked at the annual deferred taxes from 1991 to 1995 and the total was $935,000 (land removed from agricultural use) . Commissioner Carey would like to move towards acquiring easements. Chair Margaret Brown said that since she is already working on a report from the County Tax Assessor that they will include this information in that report which should be out within the next two months. Regarding family land planning seminars, the staff will bring back a report outlining the outcomes and associated costs. Don Belk will provide that information. Commissioner Carey made reference to PDR and said that if anything is going to happen we need to establish some receiving areas and work with the other jurisdictions to get their help. 10. REPORTS a. Law Enforcement Qualification Training The Board heard a report on the feasibility of a firing range for Orange County law enforcement officers to conduct firearms training. Commissioner Halkiotis reiterated the information in the agenda. Lindy Pendergrass said that in Orange County there are eight law enforcement agencies who must conduct firearms training. All 4631aw enforcement officers have to go out of the County for this training. . 7 Commissioner Halkiotis asked Sheriff Pendergrass if he had a facility here in the County, would the officers use it more frequently. He said that an officer could use if as often as they like if designed and set up for law enforcement. A motion was made by Chair Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to authorize the County Manager and Commissioner Halkiotis to meet with law enforcement agencies to look at what would be required to put together an appropriate and qualified firing range for exclusive use of law enforcement agencies in Orange County and to consider funding for a facility during the regular budget cycle for 1998- 99. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. 1998-2008 Manager's Recommended Capital Investments P{an The Board heard a report on the County Manager's 1998-2008 Capital Investments Plan. John Rinehardt and Peter Morcombe made comments about Charter Schools and the students they are serving and plan to serve in future years. 11. APPOINTMENTS -NONE 12. MINUTES -NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION -NONE 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the Board to consider, A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adjourn the meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for March 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Margaret W. Brown, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk