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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19900106 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ANNUAL GOAL PLANNING RE' T - JANUARY 6, 1990 - The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in Special Session on Saturday,. January 6, 1990 at 8:30 a.m. for the purpose of holding their Annual Goal Planning Retreat. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr. , and Commissioners Stephen Halkiotis, John Hartwell, Shirley E. Marshall and Don Willhoit. ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill (until 1:00 p.m.) STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr. , Assistant County Managers Albert Kittrell and Ellen Liston, Deputy Clerk to the Board Kathy Baker, Recreation and Parks Director Mary Anne Black, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Planning Director Marvin Collins, EDC Intern Oli Devaud, Public Works Director Wilbert McAdoo, Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore, EDC Director Sylvia Price, Social Services Director Marti Pryor-Cook, Health Director Dan Reimer, Personnel Director Addie Turner, Budget Officer Rod Visser and EMS Director Nick Waters. NOTE: The list of goals as presented by each of the groups listed below are in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's Office. I. REVENUE STATUS FOR 1989-90 AND PROJECTIONS FOR 1990-91 OPERATING AND CAPITAL Rod Visser and Ellen Liston made the presentation. The present revenue status ands., future revenue status were reviewed. Since 1981 revenues have grown by 12%. The revenues for this year are on tract with what was budgeted. Unfortunately, these hig historical increases in revenues will not increase during the next few years. Rod Visser used slides to show the growth in the General Fund revenues and what is expected in the next few years. The growth will slow down to between 3-1/2 and 4-1/2%. These projections are based on four criteria: (1) slow growth (2) sales tax base will remain stable (3) growth in the tax base will depend on small commercial development and residential building. (4) cut in monies from State and Federal Governments He stated that the three major revenue sources that will decrease include property tax, sales-tax, and intangibles. The sales tax is a major revenue source. It has historically increased eight percent yearly. Future increases are expected to be three to four percent. The 1-1/2 cent sales tax is distributed statewide. The forecasters at the State suggest that the increase this year will be in the four percent range and in future years three percent. The Intangible Tax will provide eleven million now, eight million next year and four million in future years. Seven percent increase in revenues is needed to maintain the current level of service. This includes 4.5% increase for inflation and 2.5 for increased population being served. 5 GOAL TRIORITIES DEVELOPMENT No changes were made to the agenda. Chair Carey exalained that the agenda had been expanded to include other members of other boards and the School Board Chairs. Through these goals, the County staff will know what the Board desires and can proceed accordingly. GROWTH MANAGEMENT RURAL CHARACTER STUDY Planning Board Chair Barry Jacobs stated the goals for the Planning Board. They want to make the services in the Planning Department more accessible to the citizens and easier to understand. The Transportation Study will be continued this year because some of the issues are dependent on the outcome of the Rural Character Study and the final Chapel Hill/Durham/Carrboro Thoroughfare Plan. The Planning Board will stay involved with the Rural Character Study and the watershed issues. They will pursue individual planning efforts on other projects including the Efland Area Study. With reference to the Rural Character Study (RCS) and the bond for - recreation and open space for parkland, Chairman Carey noted that the Agricultural Advisory Board has requested that the County move ahead with purchase of development rights. He stated that this should be pursued as a goal because it seems to be consistent with what the'Planning Board and the Agricultural Board has recommended. A plan needs to be developed. Barry Jacobs stated that the Rural Character process included a subcommittee which made recommendations to the full committee. The full committee adopted most of ' what was recommended. One option would be the purchase of development rights. The higher density developments would have water and sewer services. Selling development rights would achieve larger lots. He indicated that after the January 18 Rural Character Study meeting a process will need to be developed. It will go to the Planning Board before going to the Board of Commissioners and can go to public hearing in May. Chairman Carey stated that regarding the authority to purchase development rights -- the County needs to develop a plan to move ahead with farmland preservation. The purchase of development rights is one way of doing that. He feels that the purchase of development rights should be included in the Rural Character Study. Before pursuing a bond, the public needs to inform the Board of what they are willing to invest. Planning Board member Chris Best spoke as a member of the Transportation Advisory Committee. The Committee has about completed Phase I and would like for the Board to consider financing Phase II for this next fiscal year. He suggested that a public hearing be held on Phase I in conjunction with the Thoroughfare Plans. Chairman Carey noted that nothing has been received from DOT on the Thoroughfare Plan since they gave a report to the Commissioners last winter. Commissioner Willhoit noted that the County needs to call for a modification of the plan before holding a public hearing. The Commissioners feel that DOT is not responsive to the public hearings that have been held, the EDC, watershed protection, etc. These issues need to be considered on a regional basis. Commissioner Halkiotis asked John Link for an update on the process for approval of the three thoroughfare plans. John Link reported that the County has received a map on the Efland Interchange. The Count Engineer and the planning ,staff. .,,., are reviewing it and will present it to the Board of almissioners on February 2Q. Chris Best noted that if the County took the lead and had a public hearing on all three plans including the interchange at Efland and the freeway, they could .talk about how it ties in with the transportation study. DOT is anxious for the County to approve the County's Thoroughfare Plan. Commissioner Hartwell stated that the plan now shows Ben Johnston Road going all the way to four-lane highway 70 and the passageway under 85 would be closed. DOT said that if the duct was put under 85 and drawn in on the Hillsborough Thoroughfare Plan that they would assure the County that it would remain there. Commissioner Hartwell does not agree with either change. He feels that DOT should be told that the proposal does not conform to the Hillsborough Thoroughfare Plan. DOT has indicated they could make modifications without having another public hearing. Chris Best suggested holding a public hearing and forwarding the comments to DOT. Commissioner Willhoit requested that the Planning Staff develop a document identifying what they like about the DOT proposals. Planning Director Marvin Collins suggested holding a public hearing between February and May. It was decided that John Link would present in March a recommendation on what to include for this special public hearing. Commissioner Marshall and Chris Best agreed to develop the scope of work: ' ' for Phase II of the Transportation Study. COALS: Set a schedule to set a public hearing in May - coordinate other steps before May (RCS) Develop a plan to use purchase of Development Rights for farmland preservation. Prepare for public hearing in late March 1990 for DOT Thoroughfare Plans 2. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT Commiasioner Halkiotis referred to Seven Mile Creek and the widening of 1-85. He stated that although there was no finding of significance in the environmental impact statement, DOT did indicate that there are some BMP that can be pursued in controlling runoff. He suggested that a specific recommendation be that DOT pursue BHP in their design for widening 1-85. Commissioner Hartwell noted that Don Cox suggested as an alternative for controlling runoff, rerouting the drainage for three tributaries into the Eno. This would keep the drainage out of the reservoir. Paul Thames agreed and stated that this would protect Seven-Mile Creek but wo not protect Lake Ben Johnston. The other possibility is to install wet holding ponds the south side of 1-85. This would protect the entire Eno River Basin. Thames will present a report on these alternatives later this fiscal year. He emphasized a need to work with Hillsborough to obtain a higher designation for the Seven Mile Creek watershed. It is now rated Watershed III. Commissioner Hartwell asked that the designation of Watershed I rating be pursued for every water supply watershed from which people drink. Chairman Carey stated that an agreement needs to be finalized on the water and sewer service boundary. This was presented to the Board last April and needs to be pursued further. He emphasized that the sharing of resources that exist would maximize the resources in Orange County and benefit all citizens. Barry Jacob talked about the Environmental Impact Ordinance noting it has been revised and one area they will review will be the impact of watershed protection. He mentioned that the Planning Board expressed an interest in establishing a livestock market to promote agricultural preservation. Another concept they want to pursue is that of an ombudsman to whom any citizen can call and get an answer. Simplifying what is said to citizens will make the County more accessible. 3 WATERSHED PROTECTION Chairman Carey noted that there is already a timeframe for the University Lake Watershed. A determination needs to be made as to what the Board wants to do in the next year on the other watersheds. He feels the Board should proceed with setting standards for the Durham and Little River watersheds. • Commissioner Marshall suggested that the Board finalize the standards for watershed protection on Cane Creek and Little River and follow DEM's criteria for all other watersheds. Commissioner Willhoit noted that the focus on Cane Creek needs to be in determining the adequacy of current regulations. If the existing standards are not adequate, interim standards need to be considered until more definite engineering information is available. Engineering data is available for Little River. Imposing standards is more of a political issue than anything else. John Link stated he will be meeting with the Durham County Manager to further discuss the Little River issue. With reference to the Upper Eno Watershed, it was decided that the Board of Commissioners and the Town of Hillsborough would meet and reconfirm steps on protection of this watershed and to further discuss water resources.. ' GOALS: Staff pursue interim protection measures for Cane Creek (1st quarter FY 90-91) Staff pursue interim protection measures for Little River (2nd quarter FY 90-91) Commissioners pursue protection standard agreement on Upper Eno watershed Pursue with Hillsborough upgrading Seven Mile Watershed to WS-I (Entire upper Eno watershed) Pursue agreement on water and sewer service boundaries 4 SOLID WASTE piANAGEMENT Wilbert McAdoo explained that three additional consolidated sites have been established this past year. Two more are being negotiated. A report will be presented to the Board about manned sites vs. unmanned sites, types of containers, etc. early in 1990. Options will be listed for each alternative. John Link stated that the CIP will include an amount of money each year for either acquisition of property or for retrofiting the present system. Wilbert McAdoo stated he will be looking at rural recycling programs in other localities to determine how recycling is being promoted. He will continue to work with the private haulers to encourage recycling. With reference to the Landfill Site Search Committee, McAdoo stated that hopefully all members will be appointed by March 1 and the first meeting will be held the middle of March. It is estimated the search will take at least one year. They hope to find a site that will last for 20 years. Commissioner Wilihoit emphasized that public participation needs to be encouraged in the recycling effort. Commissicner Marshall suggested that the Board may want to consider forming a Solid Waste Advisory Board. Chairman Carey suggested that they try to utilize the TAC's more. Commissioner Marshall questioned this since the TAC's are formed under the Planning Board. Commissioner Halkiotis suggested educating the public in a very simplistic fashion as to what the County is trying to do to protect the earth. People don't understand they are part of the problem. He endorsed more public education. It was decided that John Link would report to the Board within six weeks a recommendation for the rural green boxes, a plan for financing the recommendation and a calendar for addressing the solid waste needs in the County. Commissioner Wilihoit noted that the County needs to have a more unique identification for the regional landfill effort. GOALS: Include more public participation in solid waste efforts Affirm direction for standards and acquisition for- green box sites and look at finance alternatives for rural solid waste collection Expand, be creative about education on solid waste and recycling Decide which actions we will take on alternatives presented by Landfill Owners Group (review studies on composting, RDF, incineration) Provide a calendar to highlight decisions, reviews necessary to proceed on solving solid waste question EDUCATION L. CAPITAL , A brief presentation on the CIF requests from both school systems was made. '- The proposal on the school funding equity issue was reviewed. Ellen Liston reviewed the funding levels for school capital, money available from the bond issue and pay-as-you-go monies. • • Commissioner Willhoit requested that the two school systems give the Board an update on the schedule of roof repair/replacement that was part of the study done by Laws Engineering Firm. Ms. House indicated that they do a yearly assessment and include the repair of roofs as part of their capital improvement plan. Dr. Lunsford indicated they have followed the plan as outlined in the report. Commissioner Willhoit asked that both systems include in their report what kind of followup testing has been done and the result of that testing. The testing was part of the strategy of holding the contractor accountable for the work performed. Chapel Hill/Carrboro Board Member Sue Baker stated that since they did not get all the money they requested for capital improvements, they are not able to keep up with the growth occurring in the district. _ s Discussion ensued on growth and where and why it is taking place when building is down and tax revenues have decreased. Sue Baker stated they estimate 300 additional students next year and feel the growth will continue for the next seven or eight years and then start to decline. Dr. Lunsford stated the growth in the County System is in the heart of the County. The planning and acquisition of land for the second new school is scheduled for 93-94 with construction to begin in 1995. Commissioner Willhoit stated that a major decision that will need to be addressed is which school system will need an additional high school first. Sue Baker stated that it would take twenty million dollars to build a new high school and the taxpayers could not support two high schools. Ms. House stated that they have a Long Range Committee looking at this question. In the late 1990's, they would have a large increase at the high school. Discussion ensued on the growth of the student population with relation to the slowdown of growth in the County. . It was decided that John Link would work with the two school superintendents on population projections, long range financing for a high school, etc. Commissioner Marshall stressed that if one high school brings with it merger it will have an implication'of where an elementary school would be built. 2. COUNTYWIDE DISTRICT TAX With regard to the equity issue, Chairman Carey stated that the Board intends to continue following the policy direction they adopted. Senate Bill 2 was discussed. It was decided that an all day workshop would be scheduled with the schools after March 1 and that the Countywide district tax would also be discussed at the same time. The County Attorney was requested to provide information on this issue. GOALS: Coordinated study of decision for new high school between two school systems Develop population projections per township Address revenue projections and the CIP in long range planning . . Work session with school districts about S.B. #2 after March 1, 1990 Continue to pursue County equity model in 1990-91 budget LUNCH C ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDC Director Guido DeMaer explained that everything the EDC is doing at present has to do with the strategic plan and its implementation. He referred to the reports that had been distributed stating that the preliminary recommendations will be further refined at meetings next week. They have had great participation by their citizen groups. DeMaer stated that one concern is the availability of water and sewer. He emphasized that businesses want everything in place when looking for a location. The procedures for building in this County are cumbersome. The County needs to have everything in place so that businesses will have a package deal when looking at Orange County to locate a business. More than anything else a business wants certainty. Orange County is not perceived as being user friendly. Commissioner Willhoit asked for specific examples of where some unstated goal resulted in the demise of the program. Commissioner Hartwell suggested that EDC present a recommendation for prezoning. DeMaer indicated that the recommendation will be forthcoming within the next few months. Sylvia Price stated that a positive effort is being made when dealing with a prospect. It is the process and how things are handled in this County that stop businesses from coming to Orange County. Businesses have to wait a long time for maybes. Commissioner Hartwell mentioned the potential for locating recycling businesses in Orange County. DeMaer asked for other suggestions on what the County want EDC to promote. Chairman Carey emphasized that the recommendations from the Strategic Plan that have a budget impact will be discussed at budget time. GOALS: Increase understanding of Economic Development as a solution to poverty in Orange County. Identify specific parcels for pre-zoning consistent with land-use plan with recommendation from the EDC. m. HUMAN SERVICES John Link reported that a Youth Services Reporalled for a youth coordinator. This position should be filled within six weeks. Also, the 24-hour city hall program will be put together this year. On the computerization of Human Services, they will take Mecklenburg's program and produce one for Orange County. SOCIAL SERVICES Commissioner Hartwell stated two main objectives for Social Services. One is the issue of computers and the second is the implementation of the Welfare Reform Bill. The County match is seven percent. The overall picture should improve for those things that have been done entirely out of county money. The space problem was discussed. Social Services is still under a consent order because they are out of state compliance with space requirements. With regard to computers , the County may be able to draw down a 50% match to develop a computer program. The goal is to have a roaster client index where certain information will be available throughout all of the Human Services Departments. Accessibility cf the data is critical. Twenty-five additional terminals will be needed. The cost would be $50,000 plus 2-man months from Keith Brooks. Commissioner Hartwell noted that the most important need in data processing is for a PC support person. The Board agreed with Commissioner Hartwell. (,,., John Link stated that even if the money is not available from the State, the County will proceed to develop a program. Marti Cook referred to inhome services and stated that they looked long range at the inhome services being offered and the possibility of coordinating these with other agencies. Commissioner Hartwell reinforced this statement noting that people cannot pay for the service unless they are wealthy. The County' s role may be to provide this care for those unable to pay. With reference to the exemption of Social Services employees from the State Personnel Act, Addie Turner noted she expects approval by Sept. of 1990. Discussion ensued on JTPA for next year. The Board would like to consider a consortium arrangement similar to what they had before. They asked for a progress report so negotiations with other entities can take place earlier in the process. HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION Commissioner Marshall reported that HSAC is reorganizing to conform with the intent of the Board. They will have a citizens roundtable to ascertain what citizens perceive as human service needs. They will meet with the County' s Human Management Tea and determine if the two Board can form a working relationship on specific projects and issues. HSAC requests that the Board of Commissioners review their recommendations and give them some feedback. Chairman Carey suggested incorporating the recommendations from HSAC into the recommendations from the HSMT as a means for addressing them. John Link stated that the desired outcome frome meeting between HSAC and.HE-""., is that the linkage between these two committees will be strengthen and also the links between those in Chapel Hill and Carrboro will be stronger. It was decided that the Minimum Housing Ordinance needs to be reviewed for . . amendments that would make the ordinance more effective. SENIOR CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING Chairman Carey referred to the recommendation from the Senior Citizens Board for a senior citizens center in East Chapel Hill. Commissioner Marshall pointed out that municipal citizens require a higher level of service. People have needs but there are other needs -- true County needs. This is an enhancement that does not really fit into county mandates. Chairman Carey stated that the County will be consolidating senior citizen centers when the new Human Services Building is built. He is not convinced that a third site 'is something in which the County should play a significant role. The County could assist in operating a third facility if everything else was provided. He suggested forming a task force to study the recommendation and alternatives. It was decided that a county/municipal task force would be formed. This task force could identify the need and the scope of the service needs of a Senior Citizens Center in east Chapel Hill. Depending on the recommendation from the task force and the Board of Commissioners, the County would then determine its level of participation it n such a project. SWIMMING POOLS Commissioner Halkiotis informed the Board that the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council will be presenting to the Board a report on swimming pools along with statistics and costs. _ Commissioner Marshall noted that one of the most glaring capital needs the County has is to get a pool in northern Orange County. It was the top concern of the teen symposium] . There are very few places that don't have a public pool available for the citizens. • Chairman Carey stated that a plan needs to be in place by next year to include pool in the County' s long range plans. It was decided to incorporate a pool in the loni range planning. HEALTH In response to a question from Commissioner Halkiotis, Dan Reimer stated they are trying different ways to educate teens and preteens about pregnancy. They do have , grant to provide AIDS education and have reached a lot of people outside of the high school. It has enabled them to put on programs and to work on a one-on-one basis with many of the students. The federal money for family planning has decreased. There i t increase in STD and because the Health Department provides services for both STD anc planned parenthood in the same area of the Health Department, they sometimes have to schedule more time for one than the other. Commissioner Marshall stressed that the County must look at the health costs that are increasing and the increased number of people without any insurance. She would like to see a multiyear discussion on what the possibilities are in meeting health care needs and costs. Chairman Carey noted that there is not a clearly defined plan for indigent health care. Instead of relying on NCMH and others to meet this need, perhaps the county's role needs to be identified. This could be done by a task force. More and more people are falling into the ranks of indigent. With reference to the shift in the eligibility for Medicaid from 100% to 150%, Marti Cook indicated that the 150% would only cover pregnant women and infants up to age one. This translates to those women in households up to $18,000 a year for a family of four. It was decided that the County should review what is being done with health services and caring for the indigent. It needs to be determined if the county should do more or less and who should be served. The County's role, should be clarified in case the need increases. • Chairman Carey indicated to Chris Nutter that the recommendations from the poverty forum would be considered for incorporation into this years' goals at the time that report is received by the Board. GOALS: Computerize Human Services including I development of master client index function Pursue federal match - put $50,000 in an earmarked contingency fund Reevaluate JTPA and start early negotiation with other counties on possible alignments Pursue greater coordination between JTPA and "JOBS" aspect of Welfare Reform. Pursue reconsideration of Minimum Housing Code Pursue stronger links between HSAC and Human Services Management Team Pursue additional office space. Rental to comply with needs for Welfare Reform personnel. Create a Town/County Task Force to identify the scope of wanted services needed for an east Chapel Hill senior citizen center Begin planning for including in CIP for at least one pool (central or northern area) Access the County's role in Health Care comparing what is reported in The Future of Public Health. Improve water supply protection through monitoring alternative sewer systems IMPROVING FUBLIC ACCESS_ AND SERVICES John Link referred to the status report and the list of initiatives for improving public information and access. Specifically, efforts are being pursued to improve customer relations by emphasizing that the customer comes first. This will be the main focus at the Department Head retreat'. Progress is being made in the 24-hour - city hall approach. This was discussed and Albert Kittrell explained the process.. John Link emphasized that the County is trying to make it easier for the citizens to access services. He would like for this to be an ongoing goal for 1990. GOALS: Continue process to implement "24 hour City Hall" and team building and customer contact. F. PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES Nick Waters emphasized that they have three committees working on new initiatives for EMS. Commissioner Halkiotis stated that the fire chiefs are excited about the enhancements that are planned for the communications system. - GOAL: Continue EMS Council G. LONG RANGE CAPITAL PLANNING Suggestions for long range planning includes the following: 1. Jail planning, minimum security facility, automatic house arrest sys': . 2. Needs of the court system 3. A more efficient way of transporting people from jail to court and court to jail Elizabeth Walters stated she has received no assistance on the Agricultural Committee and no action from the Board of Commissioners on a list of recommendation the' brought forward. There has been a committee working on farmland preservation since 1978. For the last four years, the Board has not acted on the recommendations. The Agricultural Committee has consistently leaned toward open space and parklands. Commissioner Willhoit responded that the Board will soon be receiving recommendations from the Rural Character Study Committee. A public hearing will be hel and the Agriculture Committee will have an opportunity to make a statement at that public hearing. The preservation of farmland will be considered along with the recommendations from the RCS. Commissioner Marshall stated that the recommendations were sent to the County Attorney and there may be a need to determine if any of these recommendations can be addressed separately. John Link stated that at least four of the seven recommendations are currently being discussed. They are looking at the program in Forsyth County and hopefully w' the next twelve months will have some specific policies to address these issues. Elizabeth Walters emphasized she does not agree that large lots will save agriculture but they will have to be larger than 20 acres to preserve it. She is not opposed to 20 acre lots under certain conditions. The.tarmers would like for Kendig to have larger lots than 20 acres. Chairman Carey pointed out that it will be what the people who live in the area want to do and not what we want to do to preserve the farmland. . Commissioner Willhoit expressed a concern about trucks carrying debris that is not covered. He would like for us to have some control in that area. He would like for standards to be in place prohibiting this. There being no further items for discussion, Chairman Carey adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting of the Board will be held on January 8, 1990 at 7:30 in the Courtroom of the Old Courthouse, Hillsborough, North Carolina. Moses Carey, Jr. , Chairman Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk