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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19901203MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1990 281 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 7:30 p.m. on December 3, 1990 in the Courtroom of the Old Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Moses Carey, Jr., Vice-Chair Stephen Halkiotis, Commissioners John Hartwell, Shirley E. Marshall and Don Willhoit. COMMISSIONERS ELECT PRESENT: Alice M. Gordon and Verla C. Insko. COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Manager Albert Kittrell, Deputy Clerk to the Board Kathy Baker, Agricultural Extension Director Fletcher Barber, Clerk to the Board Beverly Blythe, Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes, Register of Deeds Betty June Hayes, Animal Control Director Elma Johnson, Director of Personal Health Services Eileen Kugler, and Health Director Dan Reimer. NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERENCED IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve Regular Meeting as circulated. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve Regular Meeting as corrected. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by the minutes for the October 16, 1990 Commissioner Marshall, seconded by the minutes for the November 20, 199-0 BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Hartwell told of a funeral held on Saturday for Walter Rishel who was killed in an automobile accident. He was a writer. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up through the North Carolina Writers Network. The money will be used to provide opportunities for other young writers in this area. He encouraged all those who knew Walt to support others like him in his memory. B. RESOLUTIONS OF APPRECIATION AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS RESOLUTION FOR SHIRLEY E. MARSHALL Chairman Carey presented to outgoing Commissioner Shirley E. Marshall a. scrapbook of letters from friends and read the following resolution: 282 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA R E S O L U T I O N O F C O M M E N D A T I O N FOR - S H I R L E Y E. M A R S H A L L WHEREAS, Shirley E. Marshall was nominated by the Democratic Party in Orange County to complete the unexpired term of Anne Barnes in December, 1981, and WHEREAS, she was elected by the voters of Orange County to the Board of County Commissioners in the General Elections of November, 1982 and November, 1986, and WHEREAS she was elected by her fellow Commissioners as Chair of this Board in December of 1986 and December of 1987 and served in this position until October, 1988, and WHEREAS, in her position as County Commissioner and as Chair of the Board of Commissioners, she demonstrated through her poised and gracious manner, a particular skill and understanding of those addressing the Board and always provided reassurance to those who were hesitant or unsure, and WHEREAS, she further demonstrated during her tenure as Chair a- uncanny talent for guiding, summarizing and amplifying tx. perspectives of each Board member, and WHEREAS, through her boundless energy and keen insight of the problems of County Government and the concerns of the citizens of Orange County and with her sincere and impartial judgments has shown to this Board and to the people of Orange County a pathway towards better local government, and by her example has proven to be an inspiration to continue to make Orange County a good place in which to live, and WHEREAS, Shirley E. Marshall, since assuming office in December, 1981, has well served all the citizens of Orange County as a member of this Board and has given freely and unselfishly of her °personal time and efforts to our community and through her service on numerous community, County and State committees and councils including the Council on Aging, the Board of Social Services, Triangle J Council of Governments, Board of Health, Public Transportation Authority, Transportation Board, Human Services Advisory Council and the EMS Advisory Council, has promoted and helped to develop many progressive changes in all aspects of Orange County Government, and WHEREAS, Shirley E. Marshall, having served nine years as county Commissioner in Orange County, has decided to channel hF efforts toward a new career and pursue other goals in hL life and did not seek renomination to this office in the Democratic Primary of 1990, 283 NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners tuk Shirley E. Marshall for her continued support, cooperation and promotion of. the welfare and safety of each county citizen and takes action through its members Moses Carey, Jr., Stephen Halkiotis, John Hartwell and Don Willhoit to express to Shirley E. Marshall its sincere appreciation and deep gratitude for her faithful service, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it wishes for her and her family every happiness in the years ahead and directs this Resolution be presented to Shirley E. Marshall, with a copy sent to the press, and the Resolution be spread on the Minutes of this meeting, this 3rd day of December, 1990. Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Hartwell to adopt the resolution of commendation for Shirley E. Marshall as stated above. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Marshall stated it has been wonderful serving on the Board. She feels the Board is in good hands. She told the Board that when they feel nobody understands what they are doing, she will understand and will always support them. RESOLUTION FOR JOHN HARTWELL Chairman Carey presented to outgoing Commissioner John Hartwell a scrapbook of letters and read.the following resolution: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA R E S O L U T I O N O F C O M M E N D A T I O N FOR JOHN HARTWELL WHEREAS, John Hartwell was nominated by the voters of orange County to the Orange County Board of Commissioners in the Democratic Primary of May, 1986, and WHEREAS, John Hartwell was elected by the voters of Orange County to the Orange County Board of Commissioners in the General Election of November, 1986, and WHEREAS, John Hartwell has since December, 1986 with great distinction served the citizens of Orange County as a member of the Board of County Commissioners, giving freely and unselfishly of his time and energy and through his foresight and leadership help promote many progressive changes in the operation of Orange County Government, and WHEREAS, John Hartwell has given generously of his time, talent and 284 special knowledge through his service on numerous communitl z County and State committees and councils among which includes his having been a delegate to the Triangle J Council of Government, and a member of the Water Resources Task Force,- Reservoir Task Force, Council on Aging and the Social Services Board, and WHEREAS, John Hartwell having served four years in the office of County Commissioner of Orange County did not seek renomination to this office in the Democratic Primary of 1990, NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners acting through its members Moses Carey, Jr., Stephen Halkiotis, Shirley E. Marshall and Don Willhoit now take this means of expressing to John Hartwell its sincere appreciation and deep gratitude for his faithful service, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it wishes him and his family every happiness in the years ahead and directs this Resolution be presented to John Hartwell, with a copy sent to the press, and the Resolution be spread on the Minutes of this meeting, this 3rd day of December, 1990. Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded b,,-- Commissioner Halkiotis to adopt the resolution of commendation< presented to John Hartwell and stated above. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner John Hartwell stated that it has been an honor to serve on the Board. C. OATHS OF OFFICE FOR BOARD MEMBERS (The signed oaths are on permanent file in the office of the Clerk to the Board) Clerk to the Board Beverly Blythe administered the oath of office to reelected Commissioner Stephen Halkiotis. Register of Deeds Betty June Hayes administered the oaths of office to 'newly elected Commissioners Alice M. Gordon and Verla C. Insko. D. BOARD ORGANIZATION 1. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR The Board elected Moses Carey, Jr. as Chair until the first meeting in December, 1991. The vote was unanimous. The Board elected Stephen H. Halkiotis as Vice-Chair until. the first meeting in December, 1991. The vote was unanimous. 2. DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by 285 Commissioner Halkiotis to designate Commissioner Don Willhoit as, the voting delegate for all the NCACC and NACo meetings for calendar year 1991. VOTE: UNANIMOUS E. APPOINTMENTS 1. COUWY MANAGER Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint John M. Link, Jr. County Manager. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 2. CLERK TO THE BOARD Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Beverly A. Blythe as Clerk to the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 3. COUNTY ATTORNEY Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon to continue of Coleman, Bernholz, Bernholz, the,County Attorney. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by the County's association with the firm Gledhill and Hargrave for services as 4. BOARD MEMBER APPOINTMENTS Chairman Moses Carey agreed to serve as the Commissioners representative on the Advisory Board on Aging. Commissioner Alice Gordon agreed to serve as the Commissioners' representative on (1) Board of Health, (2) Triangle J COG as Delegate, and (3) Transportation Advisory Council. Commissioner Verla Insko agreed to serve as the Commissioners' representative on (1) EMS Advisory Council, (2) Social Services Board, (3) Triangle J COG as alternate and JOCCA Board of Directors. Commissioner Don Willhoit agreed to serve as the Commissioners' representative on the Human Services Advisory Commission. Chairman Carey announced that all other Commissioner appointments would remain the same. . 1. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Halkiotis brought to the Board's attention the situation that OPC is facing with their health care insurance. In order for Blue Cross/Blue Shield to continue coverage for the employees at OPC, 40% must participate. At the present time, 32% are participating. Commissioner Halkiotis requested that the County Manager look into the situation. It may need to,be addressed at the State level. County Manager John Link stated that OPC employees are not considered county or State employees. Because they are a smaller group of employees, they are of greater risk of higher rates by the health care entities. It is a statewide issue for those multicounty agencies. Commissioner Willhoit pointed out that the General Assembly will be convening very early next year. He suggested that the Board 286 determine what local bills they want to submit, schedule a publi hearing and schedule a meeting with the delegation in early January. II. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT - NONE III. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA - NONE IV. AUDIENCE COMMENTS A. MATTERS ON THE PRINTED AGENDA Chairman Carey announced that those in the audience who want to speak to items on the printed agenda will be recognized at the appropriate time. B. MATTERS NOT ON THE PRINTED AGENDA - NONE PUBLIC CHARGE Chairman Moses Carey, Jr. read the public charge. V. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA - NONE VI. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS - NONE VII. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - NONE VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS -- NONE IX. REPORTS A. ANIMAL CONTROL 1989-90 ANNUAL REPORT Dan Reimer and Elma Johnson presented an overview of the Orange County animal control program activities during FY 1989-90. In response to questions from various Board members, Ms. Johnson clarified some of the statistics included in the report. Figure one demonstrates the number of animals that the County Animal Control Officers are actually taking into the animal shelter. Figure two demonstrates the total amount of animals being taken into the animal shelter. In Orange County, the animal control officers will pick up 75% of all animals that are admitted to the animal shelter from their program area. The remainder come in from other sources. Commissioner Willhoit asked about the origin of the animals entering the shelter. Ms. Johnson indicated that Orange County contributes 48%, Chapel Hill 17% and Carrboro 7%. Commissioner Willhoit feels it important to have these figures by township so that priorities can be set. In answer to a question from Commissioner Insko, Ms. Johnson explained the procedure that is followed before a pet owner is fined. Commissioner Willhoit asked that Animal Control identify, by geographical area, the number of complaints, the. number of animals picked up and number of animals licensed. This data will be used to support the 1991-92 budget. B. REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONERS ON ORANGE COUNTY HEAL'.. INDICATORS 287 Health Department Director Dan Reimer and Director 'of Personal Health Services Eileen Kugler presented an assessment of the County's role in providing public health care services. By the use of transparencies, Mr. Reimer explained in detail the various statistics in the report. He reported that the plan of action calls for assessment, policy development and assurance. He explained these three concepts as stated in the publication The Future of Public Health. With regard to the barriers for those not being served, Mr. Reimer explained that overall the outreach services have been retracted during the last eight years as federal funding has declined. That segment of services was cut first. When comparing the staffing patterns of Orange county with other health department across the County, Orange County has a community health assistant population ratio worse than the State average. outreach is an area that needs to be improved in order to bring people in or take services out. C. CULBRETH PARK Tara Fikes presented a status report on the Culbreth Park Interim Assistance Grant Program. An integral part of this project is the participation of the Town of Chapel Hill which is providing second mortgage funds to lower the cost of the homes to the prospective low and moderate income buyers. Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the execution of the Development Agreement between the Town of Chapel Hill and the Culbreth Park Community Development Corporation substantially in the form of the copy presented in the agenda and authorize the Chair to sign the document after approval by the County Attorney on behalf of Orange County. VOTE: UNANIMOUS X. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA A. ANIMAL CONTROL CIVIL PENALTIES Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by commissioner Halkiotis to grant authority to the Animal Control Director to pursue civil action to recover the costs of unpaid Animal Control civil penalties and to make periodic reports to the Board regarding collection actions taken. The following policy was approved: POLICY FOR THE COLLECTION OF UNPAID CIVIL PENALTIES Pursuant to section XXI of the orange County Animal Control Ordinance, civil actions may be commenced in the name of Orange County by the Animal Control Director for the collection of unpaid penalties. Violators who have not paid the penalty will be informed that payment is due and that further legal actions may be taken. Requests will be taken into consideration for payment over a period of time by the animal control director if it can be shown that the person issued the penalty has taken measures to comply 288 to the Animal Control Ordinance. In no event shall the paymer. l be extended over a period greater than two (2) months. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. COMMISSIONERS' POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL Chairman Carey presented for discussion the Commissioners' Policy and Procedures Manual. Two changes were made to the modifications. The words "except for Public Hearings" was added to Rule #11. The "Order of Business for Public Hearings" was added before "Public Charge". Under "Public Charge" the first "shall" was changed to "may". All changes will be incorporated into the manual. Motion was made by commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the Commissioners' Policy and Procedures Manual as amended. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. EXAMINATION OF BONDS Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the bonds for those officers named in G.S. 109-5 as listed below: Sheriff $ 25,000 Register of Deeds 25,000 Finance Director 30,000 Tax Collector. 250,000 All County Employees 250,000 (for faithful performance) VOTE: UNANIMOUS XI. APPOINTMENTS Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the membership of the Human Relations Commission with the expiration dates as presented. VOTE: UNANIMOUS XII. MINUTES - A motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis, to approve the minutes of the October 16, 1990 meeting as-circulated. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Marshall, seconded by commissioner Hartwell, to approve the minutes of the November 20, 1990 meeting as circulated. VOTE: UNANIMOUS XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION - NONE XIV. ADJOURNMENT With no other items to come before the Board of Commissioners, 289 Chair Moses Carey, Jr. adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 11 in Superior Courtroom in Hillsborough. Moses Carey, Jr., Chair" Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk