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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1988041996 J '~ MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING APRIL 19, 19$8 The Orange County Board of commissioners met in regular session on ?' Tuesday, April 19, 1988 in the courtroom of the old Post Office, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Shirley E. Marshall and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., Stephen Halkiotis, John Hartwell and Don Willhoit. ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill. STAFF PRESENT• Managers William T and Parks Director Planning Director Development Tara Kermit Lloyd. County Manager John M. Laws and Albert Kittrell, Mary Anne Black, Clerk to Marvin Collins, Director Fikes, Finance Director E Link, Jr., Assistant County Planner Gene Bell, Recreation the Board Beverly A. Blythe, of Housing and Community Llen Liston, and Tax Assessor A. BOARD AND MANAGERS COMMENTS Chair .Marshall added to the agenda two proclamations under that category. County Manager John M. Link added to the agenda as G8 a discussion on the proposed agreement between OWASA and Chatham County. He deleted from the Consent Agenda Fl - Board of Elections Tabulators and F5 Health Yourself Policy Statement. B. PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. MATTERS ON THE PRINTED AGENDA None 2. MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA None C. MINUTES Motion was made by .Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the March 15, 1988 minutes as corrected. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the minutes for April 4, 1988 as corrected. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Shirley E. Marshall read the public charge. PUBLIC HEARING **MASTER RECREATION AND PARKS PLAN Recreation and Parks Director Mary Anne Black made the presentation. She stated that the Board of Commissioners voted on March 15 to delete the greenways element of the Plan. The other three elements are being presented at this time for public comments. She presented a slide presentation which gave an overview of the process that was followed in developing the Plan. She used two maps to explain the differences between district parks and community parks. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Shirley E. Marshal]. read a statement from the League of Wo n~ Voters. This statement is made a part of these minutes and is printed below: "The League of Women Voters of Chapel Hill/Carrboro commends the Board _, of County Commissioners for their support of long-range planning for parks and recreation facilities in Orange County. Orange County has been very fortunate to have residents who were goad stewards of the land. However, with changing patterns in agriculture, this loyal stewardship will, in some areas, slip out of local hands. In view of the rapid development brought about by the growth of the Research Triangle Park and stimulated further by the extension of I-40 through Orange County, it is crucial for the future of this area that resource management decisions be addressed now. These decisions should include identification and regulation of areas impacted by expected public and private investment and acquisition of land for public use, through donation or purchase. The League believes that the County Commissioners are promoting public understanding and participation in this planning effort. Citizens were given the opportunity to express their views and desires at township meetings. Citizen's input continues to be encouraged at public hearings such as tonight's. The League of Women Voters of Chapel Hill/Carrboro supports the goal set forth in the Master Park Plan: "To provide the citizens, elected officials and staff of Orange County a 20 year course of action that adequately addresses the needs of all citizens within the community regardless of age, sex, race, handicap or income, and provides economically attainable timetable for acquiring, developing and administering recreation and park resources, programs and facilities. The League therefore urges the County Commissioners to adopt the Master Park Plan." l TED LATTA stated that he .has come out in opposition to the Park Plan Because it is being considered for the CIP bond package and he feels it is =got a good idea for the county because the needs of the schools and an adequate and clean water supply outweigh the needs of the parks. He is not saying drop the parks. The plan can be handled through Recreation and Parks and through small appropriations to the county budget without going with a bond for six million dollars to get it started. BARRY JACOBS ,Chairman of the Planning Board, explained that although the Planning Board has not voted on the Plan that they have generally worked to support it. A few recommendations that have been made include (1) that the park plan include some work with Hillsborough in an effort to preserve portions of Occoneechee Mountain and (2) those lands that are currently under County ownership that would not be flooded by a reservoir on Seven Mile Creek be designated due to their unique natural characteristics. They encourage that passive and active recreation be part of the plan. He presented statistics contained in a newspaper article which points out that the responsibility for developing parks and recreation in North Carolina is at the County level and not the State as is the case in other states. JEAN FORREST asked what would happen if a person does not want to sell their land for a park when a site becomes definite. Chair Marshall stated that a site would not become definite if a person did not want to sell their land. No one will be forced to sell their land for a park. VERN MILLER does not agree that there is an overall need for parks. some are needed and some are wanted. Orange County should not be compared with other counties. County government should look at the needs of Orange County and try to take care of these needs without taxing the people more and more. The needs of the municipalities should be different from those of the county. He spoke against swimming pools indicating. they are wants instead of needs. Some of the larger parks are not needed. TOM O'DWYER spoke in support of the Plan. He stated he feels people P,~._a should look at the future instead of the present situation. Recreation and. Parks is an investment in our future that involves a sacrifice now for that . ; future. He emphasized that governmental implementation of preservation is something that can last a lot longer and provide for the future of the community. WITH NO FURTHER COMMENTS, THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. D. RESOLUTIONS OR PROCLAMATIONS ADDED ITEMS '. 1. RECYCLING DAY PROCLAMATION Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Hartwell to proclaim April 23 as Recycling Day in Orange County. The proclamation is stated below: RECYCLING DAY WHEREAS, Orange County is rapidly exhausting the present. landfill for disposal of our wastes; and WHEREAS, Recycling of our solid waste can save valuable landfill space as well as energy and natural resources; and WHEREAS, The proceeds from the sale of recyclable newspaper, glass and aluminum to be collected on April 23 will benefit various community organizations; THEREFORE, The Orange County Board of Commissioners now proclaims Saturday April 23 as R(ecycling) Day in orange County and urge the -,--:~ citizens to recycle their newspapers, aluminum cans and glass bottles to save landfill space, and, on April 23, to support~:.;~ community organizations in Orange County. ~"'' VOTE: UNANIMOUS. 2. NURSES DAY PROCLAMATION Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to proclaim May 6 as National Nurses' Day 1988 in Orange County. The proclamation is stated below: . NATIONAL NURSES' DAY 1988 WHEREAS, Registered Nurses are knowledgeable health care professionals who are leaders in the management and delivery of health care services, and WHEREAS, Registered Nurses are striving to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving health care system while continuing to provide safe, dependable, conscientious care for each of us at affordable rates, and WHEREAS, The demand far nursing services is escalating in light of changes in the financing of health care services, the settings where services are delivered and the health care needs of the population, and WHEREAS, The supply of nurses is not keeping pace with the demand and there is an urgent need not only to recruit well-qualified candidates into the profession but to retain nurses in the workplace, and WHEREAS, The American Nurses' Association and the North Carolina Nurses' Association have declared May 6 as NATIONAL NURSES' DAY 1988 with the theme "Proud to Care" to increase public awareness of the contributions of nurses and the value of nursing as a career choice, therefore be it RESOLVED, That we, the Orange County ,Board of Commissioners urge citizens of this state/community to join us in celebration and recognition of the contributions of registered nurses in the delivery of quality, affordable health care for the nati.on's citizens. TOTE: UNANIMOUS. r' . REPORT N.C. 57 1.57 INTERSECTION AND HWY 70 ORANGE HIGH ROAD INTERSECTION John Link reported that the problem at N.C. 57/157 will be corrected by installing a double alternating flasher and placing rumble strips at that intersection. The Orange High Road intersection will be studied further with a report from DOT before June. Vic Knight questioned if DoT was going to include in their study of Highway 70/Orange High Road the change in the traffic pattern for that area. He suggested that DoT look at how the traffic pattern had changed as a result of the traffic congestion and the dangerous situation at NC 86 and 57. The people coming from the Caldwell community use that portion of Miller Road which is unpaved to avoid this dangerous intersection. John Link indicated he would ask DOT to look at the traffic pattern as requested by Vic Knight. F. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the items as stated below on the Consent Agenda. 1. BOARD OF ELECTIONS TABULATORS DELETED ~ 2. TAX REFUNDS REQUEST To approve the ~ following tax refunds as submitted '~- assessor. Harold G. Johnson Acct. # 7919087 $ 167.95 Hogue & Strickland Acct. # 86469 32.85 Jahn B. Wilson Acct. # 715723 118.07 Carl D. Mills Acct. # 104319 9.38 Clarence H. Adams Acct. # 119793 27.85 Jack Long Acct. # 703485 185.02 Kenneth Horne Acct. # 73275 1,530.96 Robert A. Keller Acct. # 328670 54.25 Anne B. France Acct. # 104801 1,980.78 Roberta F. Harris Acct. # 87001714 92.23 Pamela C. Welsh Acct. # 75353 65.57 Jacqueline Carrie Rose Acct. # 95397 13.97 3. BUDGET AMENDMENTS To approve the fol: GENERAL FUND Appropriation Source-Social Appropriation Source - Arts by the Tax Lowing amendments to the 1987-88 Budget Ordinance: - Social Services $ 20,442 Services - Block Grant 20,442 - Recreation Department 675 Commission 675 HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY FUND Appropriation - transfer to Courthouse and 1.1,503 Ag Building Fund Source - Appropriated Fund Balance 11,503 ~~ COURTHOUSE AND AG BUILDING CAPITAL FUND Appropriation - Renovations 11,503 Source - Transfer from Handicap Accessibility 11,503 4. GOVERNOR'S HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAM - MINI GRANT To approve submittal of a mini-grant application to the Governor's Highway Safety Program for Health Yourself, the employees wellness program,.. to be used to implement a seat belt program for county employees and ,--' community members using county parking lots. 5. POLICY STATEMENT - HEALTH YOURSELF DELETED G. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA 1. AFFIDAVIT - GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSING EXEMPTION ;, (See the permanent agenda file for a copy of the proposed ; application form). Planning Director Marvin Collins presented for consideration a proposed affidavit that would allow for an exemption from general contractor licensing requirements. An exemption can be granted to a person who builds a house on property that he owns when the house is intended for his own use after the construction is completed. This exemption is allowed under G.S. 87-1 and would be a method whereby the County could document these exemptions and if a contractor violated the provisions of G.S. 87-1, the matter could be referred to the N.C. General Contractors Licensing Board for appropriate action. Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the affidavit requirement for unlicensed contractors and the use of the form as part of Orange County's code enforcement program. A -. notation will be put on the affidavit indicating that notary services are available at no cost in the Planning Department so that the affidavit can be ` completed with one trip. ~= `' VOTE: UNANIMOUS. 2. WOODBROOKE._SUBDIVISION -- ACCEPTANCE OF LAND DEDICATED TO ORANGE COUNTY FOR RECREATION, OPEN SPACE,_PURPOSES Marvin Collins presented for acceptance by the Board the dedication of land to Orange County for recreation/open space purposes in Woodbrooke Subdivision. The 8.55 acres i_s located at the end of Meadow Lane and close to a branch of Morgan Creek. The final plat was approved by the Planning Board on October 19, 1987. Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Hartwell to accept 8.55 acres of land dedicated to orange County and located in the woodbrooke Subdivision for recreation/open space. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. 3. SUBDIVISION OF LOT 9 LAKE WOODS - ACCEPTANCE OF LAND DEDICATED TO ORANGE COUNTY FOR RECREATION/OPEN SPACE PURPOSES Marvin Collins presented for acceptance the dedication of land to Orange County for recreation/open space purpose. The 7,023 sq. ft. is located in Lake Woods Subdivision and is part of Lot 9. The final plat for Lakewood was approved by the Planning Board February 1, 1988. Commissioner Willhoit expressed a problem with accepting such a small The issue of what is meant by greenways need to be addressed. Chair Marshall stated that the procedure for accepting parcels of land is provided for in the Joint Land Use Plan. Concerns have been expressed about the area around Neville and Phils Creek and she suggested that this Article in the Joint Land Use Plan be reviewed. She suggested that this small parcel could be used as a conservation easement. ~~ Mary Anne Black explained that in the Land Use Plan that for areas designated for recreation and/or open space required through the Subdivision ordinance that no site specific planning had been done for those properties and it was the intent of the Land Use Plan to indicate potential areas for _-..development or nondevelopment depending on the sensitivity of the property. Commissioner Willhoit noted that the stream buffer will protect the streams and if this property is part of the stream buffer, it would not be logical to have it in county ownership. He indicated there should be a minimum parcel size before the County accepts a parcel of land. The Board agreed that they would accept this parcel in accordance with the ordinance and asked that the ordinance be reviewed for amendments. Marvin Collins explained the intent of the ordinance with respect to the greenways system of trails. Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to accept the 7,023 sq. ft. of land dedicated to Orange County. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. 4. JOINT PLANNING AREA PUSLZC HEARING The Board discussed the rescheduling of the April 13 Joint Planning Area Public Hearing that was canceled. It was decided that two possible dates would be checked with elected officials from Chapel Hill and Carrboro and considered at the next meeting. 5. PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Hartwell to approve the following policy as recommended by the county Manager: (1) That all copies of documents generated by and for the County to _ include all major reports, surveys and studies. Copies of such material will be retained in the County Commissioners meeting room of the administrative building. These copies may be -..- ~ checked out of Board of County Commissioners office and read on site. (2) If copies are requested by the public of any documentation such copies will be made available within three working days of the request. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. 6. EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT Tara Fikes explained that the grants will be awarded to local governments to help improve the quality and availability of emergency shelters and services for the homeless in their communities. Inter-Faith Council has agreed to provide the matching resources necessary. The application will request $5,000 which is the maximum allowable. Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to authorize the submission of an Emergency Shelter Grant application and authorize the Chair to sign the Application on behalf of the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. 7. HAZEN AND SAWYER ENGINEERING SERVICES PROPOSAL This proposal is to assess the appropriateness of utilizing alternative wastewater treatment methodologies in Orange County. The scope ~f work is described in the proposal contained in the permanent agenda file. Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner :arey to approve the proposal from Hazen and Sawyer for consultant services ~o access the suitability of alternative wastewater treatment facilities in orange County for a lump sum amount of $7,000. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. ~~~ ADDED ITEM 8. PROPOSED WATER AGREEMENT BETWEEN OWASA AND CHATHAM COUNTY (A copy of the proposed agreement is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's Office). John Link recommended (1) that the Board review the agreement and ._,,._a inform him of any questions or concerns and (2) that the Board ask OWASA for additional time so this item may be placed on the May 2 agenda for further discussion from which a collective response would be prepared. Motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the County Manager's recommendations. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. H. APPOINTMENTS The following appointments were made: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Johanna Snyder as the Carrboro representative Shirley Reynolds as an AT LARGE representative BOARD OF HEALTH Allen W. Rosman, Pharmacist CITIZENS ADVISORY GROUP Daryl Dunlap as a representative of the Orange Federation of Teachers EXECUTIVE SESSION - PROPERTY MATTER Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner, Willhoit to move into Executive Session to consider a property matter. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to go back into regular session. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. I. ADJOURNMENT With no further business for the Board to consider, Chair Shirley E. Marshall adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be held on May 2, 1988 at 7:3p p.m. in Superior Courtroom, Hillsborough, North Carolina. Shirley E. Marshall, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk