HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19870601_~),4,~
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JUNE 1, 1987 REGULAR MEETING
AND
MAY 26, 1987 CONTINUED JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on
June 1, 1987, 7:30 p.m., Superior Courtroom, Hillsborough, North Carolina
to hold their regular meeting and to continue the Joint Public Hearing
from May 26, 1987.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Shirley E. Marshall, and Commissioners
Moses Carey, Jr., Stephen Halkiotis, John Hartwell and Don Willhoit.
ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill.
PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: .Chair Barry Jacobs, Planning Board
Members Chris Best, Peter Kramer, Mike Lewis, Betty Margison, Brenda
Swann, Prince Taylor and Steve Yuhasz.
STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Kenneth R. Thompson, Assistant County
Managers Albert Kittrell and William T. Laws, Planner Gene Bell, Clerk to
the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Administrative Secretary Joanna Bradshaw,
Planning Director Marvin Collins, Planner Brad Tongan.
A. BOARD AND MANAGERS COMMENTS
Chair Marshall asked that the third floor renovations be put on the
agenda for the July 6 meeting. She announced that the line item detail
will be delivered tomorrow to the Board members.
Commissioner Willhoit indicated he would need to leave the meeting
early because of an early flight. He informed the Board he would be out
of town from July 3 until after the NACo Conference and asked that
adoption of the budget be targeted this month if possible.
Chair Marshall assured that if at all possible the budget would be
adopted June 30.
B. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
1. MATTERS ON THE PRINTED AGENDA
Chair Marshall stated that those citizens who have signed up to
speak will be recognized at the time that item is discussed.
2. MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA
Peggy Walker, President of orange Congregations in Mission (OCIM)
accompanied by Susan Gladin, Executive Director of OCIM distributed a
letter to the Commissioners and briefly detailed the situation. She
stated that a single mother with a six year old child came to OCIM today
for assistance. She has been laid off since December and is facing
eviction from her apartment. She has been living with no electricity, no
lights and no water. In two weeks she will be eligible for unemployment
and food stamps. However, today this person has no food and no lights and
OCIM had nothing to give this person.
Ms. Walker reported that in the first five months of 1987, OCIM
already has spent 78% of its 1987 Sumaritan Relief budget which does not
include the $13,000 that was given for the Saratoga workers. OCIM will
have no funds available for the month of June. The membership of oCIM
instructed Ms. Walker to request from the~County's contingency fund an
additional $10,000 to be placed into the General Assistance fund to
provide housing, utility and other emergency needs for families in Orange
County. The request is supported by the Inter-Faith Council and Ms. Marti
- -.~,
Cook, Director of Social Services. ~.-~.,
Chair Marshall suggested and it was the consensus of the Board
that because of the low balance in the County's contingency fund that this
request be reviewed during the budget session. This would be-the General
Assistance line item in the Social Services budget
C. MINUTES
Consideration of the March 24, 1987 minutes was postponed to the next
meeting.
PUBLIC CHARGE
Chair Marshall read the "Public Charge" as approved by the Board and
as contained in the rules of procedures for the Board.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (Continued from the May 26, 1987 Meeting)
1. LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENTS -- LITTLE RIVER TOWNSHIP COMPONENT
Staff .presentation was made by Gene .Bell.
The presentation was made in three parts: the process; the
existing plan; and the proposed plan and related issues.
I. The Process
The process began with the reactivation of TAC's in March 1986.
_ Since that time there have been eleven meetings. in Caldwell
dealing with the Plan and related issued.
Plannins Staff identified four basic steps in updating the Land
Use Plan:
(1) A determination of existing conditions;
(2) Analysis of trends;
(3).Development of organizing concepts or guiding principles; and
(4) Compilation of the Draft Plan.
The four step process was typified by the following questions:
(1) Where are we?
(2) Where are we going?
(3) Where do we want to go?
(4) How do we get there?
Having identified the steps in the process, Bell elaborated as
follows:
(1) Existing Conditions
a) The staff conducted a survey of existing land use in
Little river township in December 1986. The results of
the survey are tabulated on the botton of page 16 of the
agenda. (Attachment to these minutes on page )
b) Existing conditions also identified and evaluated included
the natural environment and constraints or opportunities
posed by the conditions to growth. These areas included:
- flood prone areas
- steep slopes (15~)
_~ ~ `'
- poor soils
severe percolation problems
shallow depth to groundwater or bedrock
poor load bearing capacity
high plasticity (shrink/swell)
c) Existing population patterns were determined by a count
and identification of the location of dwellings in the
land use survey. For this purpose, the township was
divided into four parts using the main roads as dividing
lines. The proportional distribution of dwelling unit
distribution is as follows:
North = 15~
South = 42~
East = 17$
West = 26$
(2) Trends
Bell. summarized development trends within the Township.
Housing stock increased by almost one-third (576 units to
763) during the period 1980-85.
Subdivided lots less than .ten acres in size equaled 144 with
an additional 84 lots in 1986. The distribution of these
lots is north 11~, south 52~, east 21~ and west 16~.
During the period 1981-85, 15°S of the land under Agriculture
Use Value Taxation south of NC ~ 57 and Guess Road was ; ~~~~
withdrawn from the program.
Population increase from 1980-85 was 477 people or a 32~
increase over 1980. The 1990 projection is slightly over
2300 residents in Little River Township or a 57~ increase
over 1980. This indicates that residential development has
been the dominant form of development in Little River since
1980 and the majority of this development has been
concentrated in the southern part of the township.
(3) Residents Preferences Concerns
In an effort to determine the preferences and concerns of
township residents; a questionnaire was distributed in
December 1986. Returns were low (only 9) so an effort was
made again in January 1987. The final tally was only 22.
returns which was insuffic~.ent to base hard and fast
assumptions on, but the results were used as much as
possible. Those concerns identified as problems by 2/3 or
more of the respondents and used when drawing up the Draft
Plan were as follows:
Growth of Durham to the northwest
Loss of agricultural land
Too much residential development
Soil erosion
Development in environmentally sensitive areas
(4) Preparation of the Draft Plan
f the Draft Plan, alternative forms the Plan
In preparation o
could take were discussed. The following issues were
focused on:
1) Protection of environmentally sensitive areas, i.e,
assuming there is going to be more residential
development, where is the best place for it given the
environmentally sensitive areas discussed earlier.
2) Development Trends - Whale eoulusede toandeterminekenew
development trends
residential areas?
3) Citizen preferences -Using the responses from the
questionnaires, where would residential and commercial
areas be?
Considering the existing plan. along with the foregoing
issues, Staff endeavored to use the best features of each to
produce the Draft Plan.
II. Existin Plan
The following organizing concepts were used in doing the 1981
Plan.
_ (l) Agricultural operations in the Township should be protected
~~ ~ against disruption due to non-farm development. Residential
development should be directed away .from prime farm lands.
(2) The rural, low-density residential character of the Township
should be maintained.
(3) The Caldwell and Schley areas exhibit the characteristics of
a crossroads community within the Township, a character which
should be enhanced.
(4) A need for some commercial and industrial activities,
especially agricultural support services, exists and should
be accommodated.
In the existing Plan, there is a large Rural Residential area
designated along the Guess Road Corridor to Caldwell. There are
also five activity nodes: two Rural Community Nodes (1/2 mile
radius) at Caldwell and Schley and three Rural Neighborhood Nodes
(1/4 mile radius) at Berry's Grove, Harris Crossroads and
Underwood's Store. There is also a large area designated
Agricultural Residential.
III. Draft Plan
The same organizing concepts were used as in the 1981 plan with
the addition of the following:
Existing water supply watersheds in the Township should be
developed in a way that will minimize impacts on water
quality and not conflict with agricultural uses.
Bell noted concerns from questionnaires and indicated they were
incorporated in the Plan as appropriate, considering the limited
.-,
-~~_~~ response.
Bell explained the Plan beginning with the Rural Residential
designation. He indicated it was scaled down in size -from the
1981 Plan, and there are two primary areas.
one is the southeastern part of the township which reflects
historical development and the trends discussed earlier. The
second is the central township area south of Caldwell and is
based on the lack of environmental constraints, development
trends previously discussed, and the general lack of agriculture.
Yn both cases, the Staff .has tried to orient Rural Residential on
arterial highways to provide. good access to Hillsborough. and
Durham and also around encroachment on the agricultural areas.
Both of the areas are in general conformity with the
questionnaire results.
The Agricultural Residential areas are interspersed in existing
agricultural areas. The primary use is residential although the
lot size often exceeds ten acres. Some examples include the
Worth Lutz property, Little River Ranches and Little River Farms.
The agricultural areas are not so much a designation as a
reflection of existing conditions. The areas shown as
Agricultural on the Plan were identified through a combination of
field survey and review of agriculture use value taxation files
and include managed forest lands.
Protection of agricultural lands in the Township is the first
operating principle. By identifying them on the plan, it is ~`
easier to assess the potential impacts when adjacent areas are
proposed for residential or other development and, at least to ;;
some extent, try to mitigate the potential impacts on the
agricultural areas.
Resource Protection Areas are composed of two limiting
environmental features - flood prone areas and steep slopes
(those more than 15~). There are 1230 acres in flood prone areas
and 470 acres with steep slopes in the Resource Protection Area,
representing a total of 1700 acres (5~ of the Township).
The arterial and collector road system serving the township has
also been identified. The arterials include NC 57 and 157.
Collectors include Guess Road, New Sharon Church Road, Schley
Road and Little River Church Road. The road classifications have
been shown because they serve as a guide in determining the
location of Activity Nodes and Rural Residential Areas.
Little River Township lies in two water supply watersheds. The
northern part of the Township lies in the Flat River Watershed
which flows to Lake Michie, the primary water supply for the City
of Durham.
The southern 80~ of the Township lies in the Little River
drainage basin which flows into the Little River Reservoir in
Durham County. Sell indicated that Mr. Tom Bruce of the Water
Resources Department for the City of Durham was available to
address this item in more detail later in the meeting.
Activity Nodes are the same as 1981 except for Harris Crossroads.
_: .
A project that has generated a great deal of discussion and
concern is Treyburn in north central Durham County. It is a 5200
acre mixed-use development. Over the next 20 - 25 years, a range
of 20,000 to 40,000 jobs in Treyburn has been estimated.
Approximately 4000 dwelling units are also proposed as part of
Treyburn.
The only use currently under construction at Treyburn is the
Organon Teknika Plant to be fully operational by early 1988. It
will initially employ 400 - 500 people and by 1998 should have
around 2000 employees.
Construction is just beginning on the first 60 residential units
which are on 80,000 square foot lots with public water and sewer.
Durham Research Properties estimates that ten years from now all
residential development at Treyburn will. be completed and there
will be 10,000 - 15,OOA jobs.
Further development
Eno Waste Treatment
all improvements st+
line in 1991. The
environmental impact
correct.
at Treyburn
Plant. The
~y on sched~
plant is
statement,
is contingent upon upgrading the
current capacity is 2.5 MGD. If
ale, a 10 MGD plant could be on
currently the subject of an
thus the 1991 date might not be
"- The best source for determining where residential demand
generated by Treyburn will be strongest is the Traffic Impact
Analysis prepared by Kimley-Horn & Associates of Raleigh. Their
projections for traffic into and out of -Treyburn are: north 20°s,
south 55~, east 10~ and west 15%.
The Planning Staff recommends approval of the amended text and
map and incorporation into Section 3.7 of the Land Use Plan.
Following this hearing, the Little River TAC will meet to
formulate a recommendation to the Planning Board. The Planning
Board will meet on June 15 to consider TAC comments and formulate
a recommendation to the Commissioners for their meeting on July
6, 1987.
Tom Bruce of the City of Durham Department of Water Resources, stated
that his department is responsible for the development, operation and
maintenance of Durham's water supply, water treatment and waste treatment
facilities. He indicated that the City of Durham looks to the three
rivers of the Upper Neuse Basin (Eno River, Flat River and Little River)
for its water supply. Due to droughts in 1921 and 1922, a dam was
constructed on the Flat River which formed Lake Michie and has served as
Durham City's and Durham County's primary water supply since 1926. He
noted that in 1974, the City began planning for a reservoir on the Little
River. He indicated that this project was nearly complete, and plans were
to begin impounding water by late July of this year. In 1984, the Durham
City Council passed a Watershed Protection Ordinance for the protection of
the Falls and Jordan Lakes as well as providing for the protection of
Little River Reservoir and Lake Michie.
Mr. Bruce continued that in December of 1985, the Durham City Council
passed a resolution requesting that the Division of Environmental
Management reclassify the Flat River and Little River to the highest
~~. ~~'
possible level of the new stream classification system which is WS-I and
WS-II. The success of this request depends upon actions of Orange County,
since most of these watersheds are located in Cedar Grove and Little River
Townships. The reclassification is pending an investigation by the
Division of Environmental Management. Mr. Bruce presented the request~~~,:~
that Orange County designate the Flat River and Little River Watersheds in
Orange County as water supply watersheds and provide the same level of
protection currently provided for Lake Orange, Corporation Lake, Lake Ben
Johnson, Cane Creek, University Lake, and Seven Mile Creek. This would be
in the best interests of Durham and Orange Counties. The Durham water
system already serves Orange County along US 70 as well as having
provided emergency water in Chapel Hill for OWASA. He continued that
there is a potential interconnection with Hillsborough to serve Orange
County citizens, and there may also be potential for separate water supply
reservoirs on the north and south forks of Little River to serve Orange
County directly. The City of Durham is cooperating with Durham County on
the development of a watershed--wide study of the Lake Michie and Little
River watersheds. One of the major inputs into the study will involve
Orange County's long range plans for these watersheds. He asked that
orange County cooperate with Durham County as they move forward with this
watershed- study, noting that all information developed would be of
interest to both Durham and Orange Counties.
Commissioner Hartwell stated that he felt it would be in the best interest
of orange County to help Durham protect its water supply, particularly if
Durham is going to reciprocate and make a long-term (longer than ten
years) commitment to supply water. He continued- that he also felt it
would not be good for Orange County to agree to protect that watershed in
perpetuity and Durham set only a ten-year limit on water provision to
orange County. He indicated that was the status of the negotiations now
with the Town of Hillsborough. He stated the two counties should work
together and asked that the paper reflect that concern. Mr. Bruce
indicated agreement with Commissioner Hartwell, noting that he had not
been involved with the negotiations with the Town of Hillsborough so he
did not know what had transpired thus far between Hillsborough and Durham.
Planning Board member Peter Kramer asked the County Attorney to explain
the process for implementation of the Township Plan. Gledhill responded
that the Plan would be implemented through the Subdivision Regulations and
the Zoning Ordinance when zoning is applicable in the township. Kramer
continued, asking about watershed protection. Gledhill responded that
there are some watershed protection measures that are in the Subdivision
Regulations, however, watershed protection measures must be implemented
primarily through zoning regulations.
Commissioner Hartwell spoke to Marvin Collins, Planning Director,
indicating he wished to go on record publicly as being critical, of the
center at Underwoods, noting that he .felt it was a disgrace to Orange
Caunty. He continued, stating that there was nothing in this Land Use
Plan which helps deal with such a situation as Underwoods. Collins
concurred. Hartwell continued, asking if there is anything in place at
this time which could help deal with the situation, noting that he felt
it is a threat to the health and safety of the community. Collins
responded that there are no ordinances currently in place which the
Planning Department enforces which would give Staff any means- of
addressing that situation. He continued that short of having a specific
ordinance which addresses nuisances, there is nothing that could be done
at this point.
Barry Jacobs, Planning Board Chair, asked Gene sell how closely the growth
-~
- :,
-,
in Little River Township between 1981 and the present adhered to the Larz'd-~"
Use Plan that was adopted in 1981. Bell responded that growth was
predicted in the 1981 plan to occur at about 7.5~ annually. The actual
growth rate is slightly over 5~. Bell explained the growth rate,
indicating there were fairly large lot sizes. Jacobs continued, asking
what the gap was between the Subdivision Regulation and the Zoning
Ordinance in regard to watershed protection. Bell responded that in the
Subdivision Regulations, there are requirements for a 50 foot buffer on
any perennial stream. In the Subdivision Regulations, there are no
restrictions on uses of land in an unzoned area. A Zoning Ordinance would
include a permitted use table and any uses not listed would not be
permitted. Specific portions of the ordinance address watershed
protection. Jacobs asked how density was regulated through the
Subdivision Regulations. Bell responded that in the Subdivision
Regulations, a lot in an unzoned township is required to have an area of
40,000 sq. ft. Also, if this area were zoned, it would be zoned Protected
Watershed.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner-
Carey to refer the Little River Township Plan to the Planning Board for a
recommendation to the Board of Commissioners on July 6, 1987.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS.
2. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION - PD-1-87 FLOWERS MOBILE HOME PARK
_ Staff presentation by Marvin Collins.
This agenda item is to receive citizen comment on a proposed Planned
Development -~ Mobile Home Park.
Flowers Mobile Home Park is an existing park located in Eno Township
``-`' on the west side of Mt. Hermon Church Road (SR ].812). The proposed
Planned Development -Mobile Home Park would be an expansion of the
existing park, involving the addition of 25 mobile home spaces to 43
existing units. The tract on which the park addition is to be located
consists of 25 acres west of and adjacent to the existing park.
The property is currently zoned Residential--1 (R-1) and is designated
Rural Residential in the Land Use Plan. The property is also located in
the Major Transportation Corridor (MTC) adjacent to I-85. The requested
designation is PD-MHP-R-1 which requires the approval of a Special Use
Permit and compliance with specific development standards for mobile home
parks and planned developments in general.
The application is the first to be considered which employs the new
mobile home park standards. adopted in March, 1987.
Article 8.2.2 of the Zoning Ordinance states that where a
preponderance of evidence indicates compliance with the general standards,
specific rules governing the specific use, and that the use complies with
all required regulations and standards, the application must be approved
unless it is found, in some specific manner, that:
1_. The use will not promote the public health, safety and general
welfare if located where proposed and developed and operated
according to the plan as submitted;
2. The use will not maintain or enhance the value of contiguous
property; or
A:~~.
3. The use is not in compliance with the general plans for the
physical development of the county as embodied in these regulations
or in the Comprehensive Plan, or portion thereof, adopted by the
Orange County Soard of Commissioners. :~•-~:.
The burden of proving one or more of the above findings is on those.,.
opposing the application. The proof must also be in the form of
competent material and substantial evidence.
No information has been received which would establish grounds for
making one or more of the above .findings.
The Planning Staff has reviewed-the application, the site plan and
supporting documentation and found the-applicant in general compliance
with the standards, specific rules and required regulations. The
Planning Staff has made, however, negative findings with respect to
certain required standards and/or regulations. These negative findings
may be addressed through conditions of approval attached to the Special
Use Permit. For this reason, the Planning Staff recommends approval of
the request with the conditions as attached on pages of these
minutes.
Collins stated that since May 26, the applicant has submitted a revised
site plan and additional information which addresses some of the
recommended conditions. Conditions addressed on the revised site plan
._-~inc],ude:• #6, #9, #10, #13, #1$, #19, #20 a & b, #21 and #22 and may be
deleted. The other 17 conditions are still applicable.
Commissioner Hartwell inquired if the existing mobile home park was:
required to meet the new mobile home park standards. Collins responded
that the existing park was a pre-existing nonconforming use and is not ';;
required to meet the new standards.
Jacobs inquired of the status of the -State review of the community
water system. Collins responded that neither the Division of Health
Services nor the Division of Environmental Management will offer any
comments on a preliminary plan. They will only review and approve a
formal application for a permit for either community water or community
sewage disposal system. No application has yet been submitted so no
State comments are available. The applicant did submit materials which
indicated that the Orange County Health had checked the soils for
suitability for a community low pressure system and had indicated that
the soils were satisfactory for such a .system. The well sites as
indicated on the plan are also in compliance with Health Department
requirements.
Jacobs asked if the State reviews a preliminary plan or a final plan.
Collins responded that the State reviews a finax plan that includes all
construction details as well as information supplied by the -applicant
and the Orange County Health Department.
Jacobs asked about information on traffic counts and impacts at the
intersection of US 70 and Old NC 10. .Collins indicated that projected
traffic counts were in the packet and that trips per day were. estimated
to be approximately 120 trips per day (25 units at 4.78 trips per unit-
znstitute of Traffic Engineers estimate for a mobile home unit). An
impact assessment was not done for the intersections because of the low
volume of traffic that the use would generate.
Commissioner Carey inquired if the .17.3 acres shown as being left-~in~`
its natural state is the area outside that needed for the septic
system. Collins responded that was his understanding and that the
septic system was designed to accommodate the additional 25 units only.
The design thus serves as a built in density control.
Philip Post, the engineer who prepared the plan, stated that the travel
surface of I-85 is well over 100' from the edge of the right--of-way
-which would make the first mobile home location almost 300 feet to I-
85. Post indicated there would be the absolute minimum grading and
clearing needed for the mobile home spaces and roads. He noted that
the area shown as remaining in .its natural state would remain under the
unitary ownership of the entire tract. There is grazing of horses at
various times in existing pastures. He indicated much work had been
done to present the best possible planned development. Post also
stated that this project will be .under control of the State Health
Services for water and sewer services and that agency will not review
an application as a preliminary matter but. only as a final plan with
all details presented.
Mr. Post stated that the site distance at the park entrance is B50 feet
to the north. He noted that the traffic count of 125 trips per day on
Mt. Hermon Church Road is only a l~ increase. The capacity on this
road is 7,000 - 9,000 vehicles per day.
Jacobs asked if there was any opportunity within the tenants' associa-
-.tion agreement for the handling of tenants grievances. Post responded
that the existing agreement as written would not address such
grievances but noted the closing sentence of the agreement asks for and
welcomes suggestions from the tenants.
Jacobs indicated that tenants from other mobile home parks were
concerned about the lack of legal mechanisms to address grievances, and
he would be interested to see how this would be handled in this
situation.
Commissioner Halkiotis stated that in some mobile home parks which he
had recently visited the opportunity to address grievances is a pro-
blem.
Commissioner Carey stated suggestions for solutions of tenant problems
could come from meetings being held with Planning Board members, .mobile
home park owners and tenants. He continued, asking who is responsible
for the maintenance of Phase I of Flowers Mobile Home Park. Post
responded the park owner maintained the public areas and the tenants
were responsible .for the areas around their mobile homes. Post
indicated this system would continue in effect for the addition to the
park.
Trash pick-up was discussed, and Post indicated there would be
individual trash cans at each unit and be picked up. Post indicated
all these items could be addressed through mobile home park
regulations. ..
Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner
Carey to refer the application to the Planning Board for
recommendation. The recommendation is to be presented to the Board of
Commissioners on July 6, 1987.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS.
-"~ 3~:`~~ ZONING ATLAS AMENDMENTS - Z-2-87 WILDWOOD - SECTION IV
Marvin Collins made the staff presentation.
This agenda item is to receive citizen comment on a proposed request -,~~-,~
by Wildwood Corporation to amend the Orange County Zoning Atlas.
Collins displayed a map showing the. entire Wildwood project.
Wildwood Corporation of Hillsborough has requested rezoning of 28.80
acres or 1,254,528 square feet of land. The property is located west of
the present Wildwood Subdivision off NC 86 in Hillsborough Township.
The property is designated Ten Year Transition in the Land Use Plan.
The present zoning of the property. is Residential-2 (R-2). The applicant
is requesting that the zoning classification be changed to Residential-4
(R-4) .
A similar request (R-1 to R-4) was made by the applicant in November,
1985. In response to a Town of Hillsborough recommendation (either R-2 or
R-3), topographic constraints and traffic concerns, the Board of
Commissioners approved changing the zoning designation from R-1 to R-2.
Development of the tract will have impacts on water and sewer
facilities, and the ability of streets to handle projected traffic volumes.
The Planning Staff recommends rezoning of the property from R-2 to R-3
for,. the following reasons:
1. Projected pump station capacities- permit additional units to be
developed.
2. The change from R-2 to R-3 is consistent with a "step-down"
approach to zoning in the area, with higher densities near NC 86
and lower densities further removed.
3. Streets within Wildwood Subdivision are capable of handling
additional traffic.
The Planning Staff further recommends continuation of the public
hearing until the Board of Commissioners June 1~, 1987 meeting at which
time the recommendation of the Town of Hillsborough may be entered into the
record.
Planning Board member Best asked what the Planning Staff's
recommendation was when the applicant requested a rezoning to R-4 in
November 1985. Collins responded that Staff had recommended the change to
R-4. There was a considerable amount of land between the Wildwood tract
and Old NC 86 and if the "step-down" in zoning density that occurred was
too immediate, there would be a sizable land area midway between Old 86 and
New 86 in a low density area that would probably be served by Town of
Hillsborough water and sewer in the future. The recommended zoning at that
time was consistent with what had been developed previously.
Collins continued that the current Staff evaluation was more detailed.
Slopes greater than 15~ had been identified, and it was found that a
cluster subdivision would be better suited for this site. Traffic impacts
were reviewed much closer this time as well.
Best continued, asking about the location of Oakdale Drive Extension. _
Collins indicated the location on the. map. The developer has to build
Oakdale Drive Extension before Section III of Wildwood is completed.
Commissioner Hartwell commented that Dakdale Drive Extension was=-~
important for the Hillsborough Thoroughfare Plan. He felt the roads needed
to be in place as Wildwood was being completed.
Chair Jacobs asked if any accident reports were available 'for the
portions of Wildwood which feed onto NC 86. Collins responded that
information could be provided if the hearing is continued until June 16.
Jacobs asked what the changed conditions are which justify the rezoning
request. Collins responded that it was not essential that there be changed
conditions. The only condition that has changed is the depth of the staff
analysis. Collins noted the previous Town of Hillsborough recommendation,
either an R-2 or R-3 designation. The Staff recommendation is consistent
with that recommendation, particularly since the Town will assume responsi-
bility for services in the future.
Jacobs asked that a Homeowner's Association representative be present
at the public hearing if it is to be continued.
Fritz Brunsen, representing the developer, stated that the R-3 zoning
for clustering would allow for a greenway between the existing housing and
the proposed housing. He indicated that the developer is willing to accept
staff's recommendation for an R--3 classification instead of an R-4.
Sandra Riley, a resident of Wildwood living on George Anderson Drive,
presented concerns about existing drainage problems. She indicated efforts
to contact the developer, Mr. Freeland, had been in vain, and he had made
no attempt to correct current drainage problems. She complained of three
to four foot deep ditches which held water constantly. She also indicated
stumps and other debris were in the ditches. She urged the Board to have
the developer correct these drainage problems before allowing him further
"development privileges.
- Tom Wilkie stated that he lived on John Breckenridge Drive and would
feel the greatest impact of traffic from development of the tract in
question and feared runoff problems as related to his property. He
presented photos showing ditches with standing water which constituted
mosquitos breeding and other health hazards for the residents. He
indicated there were springs throughout the development which caused
constant drainage problems for many residents.
Chair Marshall asked for a report from the Manager on these issues.
County Manager Ken Thompson indicated that a previous problem had been with
water standing under a house due to a spring. He noted that problem had
been investigated and corrected by having the developer go back and pipe
the water out.
Mr. Wilkie indicated he had no desire to deny anyone the opportunity
to develop his property, but he did desire to have all these drainage
problems corrected before more development is allowed.
Chair Marshall asked for a full report from the Manager regarding the
problems presented but reminded the Planning Board that its consideration
of the request must be separate from the problems presented.
Commissioner Carey asked if it was known whether springs are present
on the section being presented for consideration. The response was that it
was not known if springs were on this section.
Jacobs asked why this request was not presented as a Planned
Development. Collins responded that Staff felt that the Subdivision
..
Regulations were sufficient to address staff concerns particularly since
cluster provisions are contained within the Subdivision Regulations.
Commissioner Carey asked that an investigation for springs be
conducted on Section IV of Wildwood to avoid more of the same problems.
Commissioner Halkiotis expressed concern and discomfort that the
developer had not yet corrected problems but was requesting more
development.
Motion was made by Chair Marshall, seconded by Commissioner Hartwell
that the hearing on Wildwood Rezoning Request be continued to June 16 to
receive "the County Manager's report on the drainage problems, the Town of
Hillsborough recommendation, and a report from the Wildwood Homeowner's
Association.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS.
4. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS
a. Article 5.1.1 - Schedule for Residential Develo ment
Marvin Collins made the Staff presentation.
Article 5.1.1 of the Zoning ordinance contains the minimum gross
land area and building height requirements, and the required
"- minimum land use intensity ratios for floor area, open. space,
liveability space and recreation space in Planned Developments.
The Article currently does not contain minimum required
recreation space ratios for Planned Development - Mobile Home';
Parks. It also does not contain land use intensity ratios for
Planned Development - Mobile Home Parks in.RS, R8 and R13 zoning,.
districts.
The proposed amendment will correct these deficiencies by adding
minimum required recreation space ratios for RB, AR, Rl, R2, R3
and R4 zoning districts. Furthermore, minimum gross land area,
building height and land use intensity ratios will be added for
R5, R8 and R13 districts.
The Planning Staff recommends approval of the proposed
amendments.
The Planning Board will prepare a recommendation on the proposed
amendment at its June 15, 1987 meeting. The Board of
Commissioners will consider the proposal for decision on July 6,
1987.
There were no questions or comments.
Motion was made by Chair Marshall, seconded by Commissioner Carey to
refer the amendment of Article 5.1.1 of the Zoning ordinance to the
Planning Board for recommendation to the Board of Commissioners on July 6,
1987.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS.
b. Article 2.3.5 - Board of Ad'ustment Administration
Staff presentation by Marvin Collins.
Procedures for public notification for amendments to various
County ordinances vary from ordinance to ordinance. To reduce
confusion by the general public and to insure consistency, the
public notification procedures have been reviewed to identify
inconsistencies.
The proposed amendment to Article 2.3.3 would require that
property for which a Class B Special Use Permit or variance has
been requested must be posted at least ten (10) days prior to the
public hearing date. The amendment would provide uniformity
between "posting requirements" in Article 2.3.3 and Article 20
(Zoning Text/Atlas Amendments). Currently, the property must be
posted at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting date.
The Planning Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendment.
Jacobs asked why 10 days rather than 15 days is being proposed is
being proposed as the uniform standard. Collins responded that
the General Statutes require that an advertisement for a public
hearing be advertised for the first time not less than 10 days or
more than 25 days prior to the hearing and the 10 day standard is
a minimum standard. Complaints have been received that there are
so many variations between the administrative procedures and
mechanisms of the Board, there needs to be more uniformity.
Therefore, Staff felt. that posting requirements for public
_, hearings should be consistent throughout.
There were no public comments.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner
Halkiotis, to refer this amendment to the Planning Board"for recommendation
-' to the Board of Commissioners on July 6, 1987.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS.
5. Subdivision Regulations Text Amendments
a. Section III-B-3 - Sketch Plan Review
Staff presentation by Marvin Collins.
Section III-B-3 of the Subdivision Regulations contains the
procedure for Sketch Plan review of subdivisa.on proposals. Unlike
review provisions for Preliminary Plans and final P].ats, no time
limit is set for the validity of Planning Staff review of .sketch
Plans. To prevent Planning Staff review of Sketch Plans from
being considered a permanent approval, a revision of the
regulations is proposed.
The proposed revision places a time limit of one (1) year on the
validity of the Planning Staff Sketch Plan comments and clarifies
language in the regulations regarding the significance of the
comments.
Planning Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendment.
There were no questions or comments.
7 Y .f
Motion was made by Commissioner
refer this amendment to the Planning
of Commissioners on July G, 1987.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS.
Carey, seconded by Chair Marshall, to
Board for recommendation to the Board
b. Section VIII-B - Amendments
Staff presentation by Marvin Collins.
Procedures for public notification for amendments to various
County ordinances vary from ordinance to ordinance. To reduce
confusion by the general public and to insure consistency, the
public notification procedures for amendments to ordinances have
been reviewed to identify inconsistencies.
The proposed amendment to Section VIII-B would require that the
first advertisement of a notice of public hearing regarding a
proposed ordinance amendment appear in a~newspaper not less than
ten (10) and not more than twenty-five (25) days prior to the-
hearing. The amendment would provide uniformity between
advertisement requirements in the Zoning Ordinance and the
Subdivision Regulations. Currently, the first advertisement must
appear in a newspaper not less than fifteen (15) days prior to
the hearing.
--- The Planning Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendment.
There were no questions or comments.
MOTION; Commissioner Marshall moved, seconded by Commissioner Carey, to,
refer this amendment to the Planning Board for recommendation to ,~
the Board of Commissioners on July 6, 1987.
VOTE: Unanimous.
D. RESOLUTIONS OR PROCLAMATIONS
1. RAPE PREVENTION MONTH IN ORANGE COUNTY
Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by
commissioner Carey to approve the proclamation as stated below:
WHEREAS, rape and sexual assaults are violent crimes committed
against females and males of all ages and economic groups; an
WHEREAS, rape in Orange County has been one of the fastest
growing violent crimes in recent years, with an average of 60 sexual
assaults per year reported to the Orange County Rape Crisis Center; and
WHEREAS, during 1.986, 70 sexual assaults were reported in Orange
County; and
WHEREAS, rapes have been most frequently reported in the late
summer months and are reported to be increasing on the college campus;
and
WHEREAS, there are precautions that-can be taken to lessen the
likelihood of sexual assaults, and the Rape Crisis Center, law
enforcement and other social service agencies are providing training in
self-protection; now
THEREFORE, We, the. Orange County Board of Commissioners in full
recognition and appreciation of the efforts for the prevention of rape
and sexual assault in Orange County, do hereby proclaim the month of June
1.987 as
RAPE PREVENTION MONTH TN ORANGE COUNTY
i
North Carolina and do urge all citizens to seek preventive informatic~i~
and to educate their children as well. We urge all citizens and county,
local and state agencies and organizations involved in the criminal
justice system to devote special attention to the prevention of these
crimes and to the needs of the victims. We urge all other agencies and
organizations to join in the redoubling of efforts to make the system of
care in Orange County more responsive to the needs of victims of sexual
assault.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS.
F. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA
1. BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by
Commissioner Carey to amend the 1986-87 Budget Ordinance as stated below:
GENERAL FUND
- Appropriation - Social Services $ 4,502
Source -Emergency Food and Shelter $ 4,502
VOTE: UNANIMOUS.
G. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA
1. SUNSET RIDGE SECTION II - PRELIMINARY
Planning Director Marvin Collins presented for consideration of
approval the Preliminary Plan for Section 11 - Sunset Ridge Subdivision.
The property is located in Cheeks Township south of West Lebanon Road
between Mill Creek Road and Doe Run Road. Thirty eight lots are proposed
out of 45.02 aces. The property is zoned Rural Residential and is
designated Rural Residential in the Land Use Plan.
The Planning Board recommended approval with the attachment of 5
conditions. The County Manager recommends approval with the attachment
of 4 conditions.
After further discussion by
Manager and County Attorney motion
seconded by Commissioner Hartwell to
allow additional time for receipt of
Board.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS.
the Board and input from the County
was made by Commissioner Carey,
postpone action until July 6 to
comments from the Mebane Planning
2. ADDITION OF SHAMBLEY DRIVE TO STATE MAINTAINED ROAD SYSTEM
. Marvin. Collins presented for consideration of approval a
petition from NCDOT for the addition of Shambly Drive in Perry Hills
Subdivision to the State maintained Secondary Road System. The Manager
recommends approval.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by
Commissioner Carey to approve the manager's recommendation.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS.
3. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM ORDINANCE
(A copy of the Ordinance with the proposed amendments is in the permanent
agenda file . ? ~ .= -r .... .. -- ,- ~- ~ ..
County Attorney Geoffrey Gledhill stated that some of the
changes are due to changes in the law and some of the changes are
substantial in that they will impact the way that the cable companies
will operate in the County.
- ° ~_~
Randall Roden, attorney for Carolina Cable, questioned whether
or not amending the Ordinance would automatically amends the franchise
under which Carolina Cable is operating. He stated that a cable company
is not a utility that can be regulated by a County. It is a media of
expression. The only .law in North Carolina authorizing counties to
control cable television is a provision which permits counties to grant
franchises on reasonable terms. There are two parties to a franchise and
it can't be changed by one of the parties but must be agreed upon by both
parties. If a county amends an ordinance, it does not automatically
impose upon Carolina cable whatever changes are made in the franchising
ordinance because it has not been,accepted,by the existing operators.
He noted that the current franchise requires the payment of 3;
on certain revenues as a franchise fee. The current ordinance changes
the ~3~ fee to 5~. Roden stated that increasing this fee is unfair and
beyond the power of a County to do.
Ryden indicated that~the ordinance reflects a major change in
the policy regarding cable television for Orange County. The line
extension policy was originally limited to areas with 30 homes per mile
on an average from the point where the extension would be made. This
allowed the cable company to expand as the population increased.
He disagreed with the technical requirements as outlined in the
Ordinance. This would mean that a new company would nat be required to
have two way communication but at the same time does not relieve Carolina
Cable from the requirement in their franchise to provide two--way
communication. He supports equal terms for all cable providers and the
continuation of maintaining the high standards as originally set forth.
He-indicated a problem with the definitions as contained in the Ordinance
-and asked that these definitions be clarified.
In summary, Mr. Roden asked that the problems the Ordinance is
designed to address be reviewed before the Ordinance is approved.
In answer to a question from Commissioner Hartwell, Mr. Roden
stated that the revision in the overbuilt requirement would not be an
incentive for Carolina Cable to pay an additional fee.
Discussion ensued on the extension of the trunk cables as
proposed in. the Ordinance. There is no provision in the ordinance or a
timetable for the building of this cable.
Commissioner Hartwell assured Mr. Roden that all cable companies
in the County would be treated equal.
Gledhill expressed disagreement with the statement that the
County cannot charge Carolina Cable 5$ and stated that the franchise fee
is not critical to the decision to be made at this time. The two-way
capability amendment incorporates the recommendation from the Cable
Television Advisory Committee. They felt there was little demand for the
two-way capability and felt that it should not be required by the County.
The two-way communication system was offered by Village in their proposal
and was simply accepted by the County. It was not a requirement of the
County but the acceptance had. to be incorporated into the franchise
ordinance. To treat both companies equally, this requirement could
either be deleted from the franchise held by Carolina Cable or added as a
requirement in the Ordinance. With regard to the trunk cable, the issue
is whether or not the County wants to impose a timetable for the building
of this trunk cable.
Gledhill stated that the County could grant a franchise to
another cable operator in Orange County without requiring that company to
have two-way capability.
Jim Medlin from Greensboro and representing Alert stated
agreement with the proposed Ordinance and urged its adoption.
Discussion ensued on the two-way capability requirement. It was
decided that several issues need to be addressed. One issue is that the
franchise for Alert should have a builtin timetable for trunk cable for
..-~
~.
i
areas of Orange County that have 30 homes a mile. The definitions of"--'~
trunk cable, feeder and overbuilt in the Ordinance need to be clarified
and the question of the two-way capability requirement needs to be
decided. Either release Carolina from the requirement or impose this
- requirement on Alert.
Chair Marshall indicated that since Carolina proposed the two-
. way capability that this should not be a requirement for Alert Cable.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by
Commissioner Carey to adopt the Cable Television System ordinance on the
first reading.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS.
4. PROPOSED ALERT CABLE ORDINANCE FRANCHISING AMENDMENTS - FIRST
READING
5. PROPOSED CAROLINA CABLE ORDINANCE FRANCHISING AMENDMENTS - FIRST
READING
It was decided that additional information on the two-way
capability was necessary before a decision could be made on the franchise
amendments. It was the consensus of the Board to ask Norman Vogl, Chair
of the Advisory Committee, to provide additional information for the next
meeting scheduled for June 16. The two Cable companies will be requested
to provide an estimated cost of providing an active-two-way system.
6. BID AWARD FOR THE FLASHBOARD SYSTEM AT ORANGE LAKE
Two bids were received for the flashboard system at Orange Lake:
Crain. and Denbo, Inc. $ 2~,,g78
_.,.. Crowder Construction Company $ 29,850
Motion was made by Comri~issioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner
Marshall to award the bid to Crain and Denbo, Inc. for a sum of $21,978
for construction of a flashboard (spillway) system at Orange Lake and
authorize the Chair to sign.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS.
7. BUDGET WORK SESSION SCHEDULE
The following budget work session was adopted by the Board:
(all meetings pertaining to the budget are listed)
June 8, 7:30 p.m., Superior Courtroom, Hillsborough for the
purpose of holding a public hearing
June 15, 4:00 p.m., Board of Commissioners' Room for the
following departments:
Sheriff
Emergency Services
Fire Districts
Public Works
June 16, 4:00 p.m., Lincoln Center for the following
departments:
Personnel
Elections
Purchasing and Central Services
June 17, 7:30 p.m., Schools
June 22, 4:00 p.m., Multipurpose Center of the Southern
Orange Human Services Complex, - 5-year Capital Improvement
Plan
y_ •~, ~i'
June 22, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln -Center for the following
departmentss .
Health ~:
Mental Health ~ _
Social Sexvices
HSAC officers
June 24, 4:00 p.m. in the Commissioners' Room for the
following departments:
Planning
Recreation and .Parks -
Aging
Library
June 24, 7:30 p.m. - Schools
June 25, 4:00 p.m. in the meeting room in the Tax and
Records Building on Cameron Street, Hillsborough for the
following departments:
Data Processing
Register of Deeds
Land Records
June 29, 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln Center for a public hearing
June 30, 7:30 p.m., in the Courtroom of the Old Courthouse,
--- Hillsborough, North Carolina, - special meeting to adopt
(interim) budget
8. EFLAND SEWER BIDS
Ken Thompson stated that on April 9, bids were received. On
June 9, the bid bond .will expire. The low bidder agreed to hold the low
bid except for the cost of pipe beyond the June 9 deadline. He reported
that the House version of the Senate 2 Bill passed last Monday and it is
before a Senate subcommittee. Commissioner Hartwell has offered to send
a letter to the Chair of the subcommittee and a letter will be sent to
Senator Royall and Senator Ralph Hunt.
No official action was taken by the Board.
Geoffrey Gledhill expressed concern that the material cost as
stated by the low bidder seems low and that perhaps the engineer should
review these costs.
H. APPOINTMENTS
The following reappointments were made by the Board:
BOARD OF HEALTH
Anne Gross
Ruth Royster
Winifred Prysock
COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS BOARD
Henry Atwater
TRIANGLE J EMS COUNCIL
- Victor Germino
G. Kenneth Morgan
~1
I. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner
Hartwell to adjourn the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held
on June 15, 1987 at 7:30 "°'~'
Chapel Hill, North Carolina.m~ in the Courtroom of the old Post Office; `-
Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk Shirley E. Marshall,_ Chair
Joanna Bradshaw, Administrative secretary
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JUNE 8, 1987
8:00 a.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in special session on
Monday, June 8, 1987 at 8:00 a.m. in the Board of Commissioners Room,
Orange County Courthouse, Hillsborough, North Carolina for the purpose of
awarding the bid for the Efland Cheeks Sewer Project.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Shirley E. Marshall and Commissioners
Stephen Halkiotis, John Hartwell, and Don Willhoit.
BOARD MEMBER ABSENT: Moses Carey, Jr.
ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill.
STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Kenneth R. Thompson, Assistant County
Managers William T. Laws and Albert Kittrell, Finance Director Gordon
Baker, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Deputy Finance Officer Ken
Chavious and Purchasing Director Pamela Jones.
y~-~ ~~,..~r~nyr ~rw~x ~'RVJECT (See attached bid
tabulation which is made a part of these minutes)
~T3 ~ -~
Ken Thompson reported that the revenues for the Efland Cheeks Sewer
Project had been secured. These revenues will cover the portion of the
line that had to be redesigned for Hillsborough. The total project cost
will be 1.5 million. The total cash available for the project is
1,571,087 leaving a surplus of $56,072.
Thompson noted that there is a "rock clause" in the contract where
the bidders had to take full responsibility for any rock encountered in
the Efland area. This was based on the County providing the contractor
with a survey showing where the rock is located and the amount of rock
present. He stated there should be no change orders due to rock.
Thompson reference the bid tabulation and explained the alternates as
listed on that chart.
Alternate 1 is a force main size of 8" which covers just the flow
that would result from the immediate construction.
Alternates 3 and 4 are sized to accommodate the Efland area as it was
originally planned and option 4 would include additional areas.
Commissioner Hartwell asked about the increased capacity in going
from an 8" pipe to an 10" pipe.
Kevin Carter, Engineer for Hazen and Sawyer, explained that to pump
535 gallons per minute through an 8" force main requires 167 foot of head
which is the limit that the type pumping system will take. A 10" force
main would drop the flow rate from 535 down to 89 because portions of the
10" force main would be gravity driven. In power cost there would be a
savings of approximately $25,000 or $27,000 over a ten year period. A 12"