HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09-09-2010Mebane City Council Members present: Patty Philipps, Tim Bradley, Ed Hooks, Jill Auditori
Mebane City Council Member absent: Everette Greene
Mebane Mayor present: Glendel Stephenson
Mebane City Staff present: City Manager Robert Wilson, Asst. City Manager David Cheek, City
Clerk Stephanie Shaw, City Engineer Darrell Russell, Planning Director Montrena Hadley, Public
Works Director Jimmy Jobe, WWTP Director Dennis Hodge
Orange County Commissioners present: Valerie Foushee, Chair, Bernadette Pelissier, Alice
Gordan, Pam Hemminger, Barry Jacobs, Steve Yuhasz
Orange County Commissioner absent: Mike Nelson
Orange County Staff present: County Manager Frank Clifton, Clerk to the Board Donna Baker,
County Planner Craig Benedict, City Attorney John Roberts
The joint meeting was held at 6:30 p.m. at the Mebane Municipal Building. Dinner was served
with casual conversation taking place between those present.
Following the dinner, Mayor Glendel Stephenson called Mebane City Council to order. Chair
Valerie Foushee called the Orange County Commissioners to order. Mayor Stephenson requested
that each Councilmember and Commissioner introduce themselves.
Mebane City Manager Robert Wilson introduced City of Mebane staffs that were present and
welcomed all that were in attendance. Chair Foushee thanked the City of Mebane staff and
Council for hosting the meeting.
Mebane City Manager Robert Wilson briefly discussed several items including the Tanger Outlet
Development.
Orange County Planner Craig Benedict gave an update concerning the Orange and Alamance
County line. Mr. Benedict stated that Alamance and Orange County staffs have been actively
working on resolving the county line uncertainties. A local bill was passed by the General
Assembly in July 2010 enabling the transition of affected properties and giving the counties one
(1) year to finalize the county line. While allowing everyone to view a rendering of the map, he
explained that County staffs developed a property owner petition process whereby lots within
150-feet of the North Carolina Geodetic Survey (NCGS) line and meeting certain criteria have the
right to petition to have their house and/or property remain in the current jurisdiction, those
petitions being due by September 20, 2010. He stated that a joint meeting of Alamance and
Orange Board of County Commissioners will be held on November 29, 2010 for the purpose of
reviewing those petitions and making certain decisions. Mr. Benedict went onto explain a joint
resolution of the reconciled line is scheduled to be voted on and adopted by December 15, 2010.
That information will be sent to the NCGS for a proposed county line review prior to the May 15,
2011 deadline. The new line is to become effective in January 1, 2012.
Orange County Manager Frank Clifton spoke briefly concerning the efforts to promote economic
development within Orange County. He stated that Orange County is taking a more
collaborative approach with all towns/cities in Orange County in regards to economic
development, particularly in Mebane because of all the vacant developable land along the
interstate.
City of Mebane Planning Director Montrena Hadley gave a brief overview of development
activity within Mebane specifically the activity in Orange County. She highlighted the status of
residential developments along with commercial developments.
City of Mebane Engineer Darrell Russell discussed infrastructure items that benefit Orange
County directly and indirectly. He spoke of the newest item that has been built since the
city/county utility agreement in 2004, the southeast regional pump station. He stated the new
Tanger Outlet development will be served by this station. He spoke of minor water extensions.
Orange County Planner Craig Benedict spoke concerning water and sewer needs that were
needed for Gravely Hill Middle School which led to a utility service area agreement between
Orange County and Mebane in 2004. He stated that potential plans for future needs in that area
led both parties to collaborate further by putting together anEfland-Mebane small area plan. He
spoke of a Buckhorn area utility design study that is currently underway. He stated affected
property owners would be notified of the proposed plans. Mr. Benedict stated that the present
service area agreement between the City of Mebane and Orange County covers approximately
800 acres but the county may possibly want to modify that agreement to include more property
that Mebane could annex in the future. Mebane would then take on the responsibility of
maintaining those utilities.
Mebane Council members discussed the need to open up the interchange on Mattress Factory
Road. Orange County staff stated they would look into this further and pursue discussions with
their board.
Orange County Manager Frank Clifton stated that at some point, based on all the new residential
construction, discussions would need to take place concerning the impact on schools and the
potential need for an elementary school or a middle school.
Orange County Manager Frank Clifton stated Orange County staff are exploring the concept of
creating several utility service districts as defined by the North Carolina General Statutes. He
also spoke of expanding Orange County's Jordan Lake water allocation of one (1) million gallons
a day (MGD) to two (2) MGD to accommodate future development partnership with service
providers such as Mebane.
Mr. Clifton went onto speak of the Efland sewer system which is currently maintained by the
Orange Water and Sewer Authority, with the wastewater being treated by the Town of
Hillsborough. He stated discussions have taken place with City & County staff and with Efland
citizens concerning a potential future contract between Mebane and Orange County for
maintenance/operation of that sewer system for approximately 400 customers. He said the Efland
citizens have shared some concerns with the cost of utility rates. He stated the Town of
Hillsborough has no desire to service the area moving forward.
Chairman Foushee stated as important as it is to have the utility agreement to provide for
economic development, it is crucial and important to the board that they provide some relief to
the Efland residents living in that area.
After more discussion, Mebane City Manager Robert Wilson opened the floor to Efland residents
in attendance to voice any comments concerning this issue. No one from the public spoke
concerning this issue.
Orange County Planner Craig Benedict spoke briefly concerning Regional Transit and
Transportation Planning items. The Triangle Regional Transit Plan includes short-term bus plans
and long-term fixed guideway plans.
Mebane and Orange County Officials agreed that a meeting should take place on an annual basis.
No formal action was taken at the meeting. The meeting was adjourned.
Glendel Stephenson, Mayor
ATTEST:
Stephanie W. Shaw, City Clerk