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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19920922T5 Approved -- 10-20-92 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 22, 1992 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on September 22, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. in the OWASA Operation Center's meeting room, in Carrboro, North Carolina. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Moses Carey, Jr., and Commissioners Stephen Halkiotis, Verla Insko, and Alice Gordon. BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Don Willhoit. ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill. STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John Link, Assistant County Managers Albert Kittrell and Rod Visser, Purchasing Director Pam Jones, Budget Director Sally Kost, Tax Assessor Kermit Lloyd, Planners Don Powell and Emily Cameron, Chief.Appraiser John Smith, Systems Analyst Jane Sparks, Director of Land Records Roscoe Reeves, and Public Works Director Wilbert McAdoo. NOTE: Copies of all documents referred to in these minutes are in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's Office. Chairman Carey called the meeting to order. A motion was made by ')mmissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Insko, to appoint Kathy Baker ..s Acting Clerk for this meeting. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A. BOARD AND MANAGER COMMENTS None. B. AUDIENCE COMMENTS 1. Matters on the printed agenda- None. 2. Matters riot on the printed agenda. None. PUBLIC CHARGE: The Public Charg,- was read by Chair Moses Carey, Jr. C. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Gordon, to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as listed below: 1. SCRAP TIRE DISPOSAL FEE This item was presented to approve a reduction, in the scrap tire disposal fee at the Orange County Landfill from $100.00 per ton or $1 per tire, to $'50.00 per ton or g.50 per tire. At its August 27, 1992 meeting. 'ie Landfill owners' Group approved a recommendation to the three governing )dies that jointly own the landfill that the scrap tire disposal fee be. reduced from the current fee of $10; per ton or, $1.per tire, to $50 per ton or $.50 per tire. The Landfill Owners' Group Agreement requires that al': three governing boards approve each ee on the landfill schedule. Oranc_e County receives approximately $5V,OVV in revenue each year from a 10 state 76 offset the costs of the scrap tire disposal program,-in the County. North Carolina General Statutes require that scrap tire disposal fees at a landfill be set at a level no higher than what is required to match revenues and expenditures-for the scrap tire disposal program, taking into consideration the proceeds of the .1% state tax. An analysis prepared by the LOG staff indicates that a charge of $50 per ton crr 50 cents per tire is appropriate 'to balance projected revenues and expenditures for the scrap tire program in FY 1992-93. The new fee would take effect the day after it has been approved by all three governing boards. ?. MIPIIhtI}M FARM SIZE - VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS This item was presented to consider a proposed amendment which would change the minimum farm size required for participation in the voluntary agricultural districts program from 155 acres to 80 acres. When the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance was enacted in March, the minimum size of an agricultural district was set at: 1. At least 155 contiguous acres of certified qualifying farmland;- or 2. At lease two or more certified qualifying farms, contiguous to each other, which will create a district of not less than 155 acres. The rationale for using the 155-acre threshold was that it represented the average farm size in orange County according to the-1987 Census of Agriculture. Since the adoption of the ordinance, 13 applications have been received by the Planning Department. Of these, all may be certified as qualifying farmland, but only three applications contain sufficient acreage (at least 155 acres) to be designated as a voluntary agricultural district. A fourth application may be eligible for designation, but questions exist regarding ownership and size of the farm. A fifth application involves 150.5 acres and is only 4.5 acres short of qualifying for designation. The enabling legislation [(G.S. 106-738 (1)] requires that an ordinance must provide for the creation of districts consisting initially of at least a number of contiguous acres of qualifying farmland or a number of qualifying farms deemed appropriate by the Board of Commissioners. While the 155-acre threshold was adopted, suggestions were made during the public hearing process to set the threshold at a minimum to recognize farm operations such as those which raise specialized produce (squash, green beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, cantaloupe, tomatoes, strawberries, and pumpkin), livestock (sheep, goats, and horses) and flowers. More recently, the use of the "median" (half above/half below) as opposed to the "average" has been recommended by a citizen. Based on 1987 Census data, this would place the median farm size, in terms of number of farms' at approximately 80 acres. If this standard were adopted, this would mean that half of all farms (eight-of 13 applications - 62%) would qualify for district designation. Based on the current threshold of 155 acres, only 30 percent of all farms (four of 13 applications - 31%) could qualify. At its September 2, 1992 meeting, the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board unanimously approved the proposed amendment. 3. @UDGET ORDINANCE _At ENDMEN__#3 This item was presented to approve proposed budget ordinance amendments. 1. On September 8, the Board of Commissioners approved an agreeri-:ent between Wake Opportunities, Inc. Head Start program and Orange County's CAT program for transportation services. The attached budget amendment (block #1, page 2) will budget the driver/lease fees anticipated from this agreement. 2. The Economic Development Commission has received miscellaneous private 77 donations which will be.used to purchase computer. equipment. This amendment (block #2, page 2) will recognize the receipt of these funds. The Orange County Health Department has received additional State funds for its communicable disease efforts. The attached budget amendment (block #3,,page 2) will appropriate these funds, totalling $3,800, to the Health Department's Epidemiology program budget. No county match is required. 4. Funds have been awarded to the Orange County Department of Social Services for its AFDC Transitional Day Care program. This amendment (block #4, page 2) will budget these funds, totalling $49,262, to the Income Maintenance program budget. No additional County match is required for this amendment. 4. REMAPPING GRANT This item was presented to accept a $2,500 Land Records Management Grant.from the State of North Carolina. At the June 29, 1992 meeting, the Board of Commissioners authorized the submission of a Land Records Grant Management proposal to the Secretary of State's office. Orange County applied for $37,000 in state funds. The County received notice that a grant amounting to $2,500 in state funds has been awarded. Only $410,000 was available for distribution against grant applications totaling over $3.8 million. The grant funds are to be applied to the County's remapping project, and are matched by County funds already included in the project budget. The attached capital project ordinance incorporates this grant award and raises the remapping project budget from $825,143 to $827,643. The County must sign and return the attached State and County Agreement by October 15, 1992 in order to accept this grant. -)TE: UNANIMOUS RESOLUTIONS PROCLAMATIONS None. E. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 1. NCACC AWARDS PRESENTATION Chairman Carey presented Planner Emily Cameron, and the Planning Department, with this award from the N.C. Association of County Commissioners for her work on.the Guidelines for DeveloQment in the University Lake.Watershed_ He also presented a similar award for the In Touch with _Orange Coun_ty_ project to Assistant County Manger Albert Kittrell. Albert Kittrell accepted this award and acknowledged the work of Planner Don Powell and Systems Analyst Jane Sparks. ?. PUBLIC HEARING 1. 1993 REVALUATION - SCHEDULE-OF VALUES This item was presented by Rod Visser for the purpose of conducting a Public Hearing on the schedule of values for the 1993 real property revaluation. The schedule of values, standards and rules will be used to appraise all real property in Orange County for the January 1, 1993 revaluation, and throughout the period until a subsequent revaluation (scheduled for January 1, 1997) is conducted. The schedule of values covers all components of improvement to that land. The NC General Statues ?quire that the Board of Commissioners conduct a public hearing on the hedule of values at least 7 days before formal adoption of the schedule f values. Adoption is scheduled for the October 5, 1992 regular ;Heeling of the Board of Commissioners. Copies of the schedule of values have been available for review in the County Assessor's office, at the Chapel Hill and Hyconeechee libraries, and in the municipal clerk's offices in Chapel T$ Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough. QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OR CITIZENS Frank Church, a citizen from Cedar Hills, requested an explanation of why the increase was so high, Rod Visser stated that the increase was actually 3.5%; if a higher increase was charged it was due to other changes in Mr. Church's tax situation. Ms.. Cowdrick, a resident of Chapel Hill, stated that she believes her property is highly overvalued by Orange-County. The assessed value is $27,000 more than she paid for it last May. Chair Carey indicated that the General Statues require that taxes be based on the last revaluation which occurred in 1987. The value of many condominiums has decreased since 1987. The current revaluation could very well be more-in line with the recent purchase price. Kermit Lloyd.indicated that the value'rof property does"'change. For that reason the law requires that each county revalue property every 8 years. The Board of Commissioners have chosen to revalue property next year because they realize that property values have changed since-the last revaluation in 1987. He also indicated that the law does not provide for changes in tax billing other than through the revaluation. Commissioner Insko stated that she has visited the Tax Assessor's office and studied their operation. She found them to be thorough, objective and professional. They have checks and double-checks to avoid errors. Ms. Cowdrick was encouraged to call and/or visit the Tax Assessor's office to discuss her concerns about the tax billing and to assure that there were no errors in her account, She was also encouraged to discuss the upcoming revaluation with Mr. Lloyd. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED G. ORANGE COUNTY FACILITIES USE POLICY AND PROPOSED FEES This item was presented by Budget Director Sally Kos- for the purpose of receiving a report on proposed policy and fees for the use of orange County facilities. This is the second in a series of several reports on Orange County fees. Last month, the Board was presented an informational report on proposed,Environmental Health fees. As indicated at that time, Environmental Health fees, Fire Safety fees, Planning and Inspection fees, and Facility Use fees would be presented to the Board of County Commissioners in report format. Once initial comments were received, the reports would be forwarded to the appropriate advisory Board for input. Sally Kost indicated that the report is intentionally broad and that the local market, as well as recommendations from the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council, were taken into account in preparing this report. Commissioner Gordon questioned the effectiveness of having a $50.00 damage deposit. She suggested increasing that amount and holding the check until the key is returned and the building is checked for damage. In response to a question from Commissioner Halkiotis, John Link indicated that his proposal is not to charge, or be charged, for facility use by the schools. There has not yet. been a response from either school district to that proposal. He also indicated that the issue of inspection 79 In response to a question from Commissioner Halk-iotis, Mr. Collins indicated that the County will receive one original copy of the report. This will be a summary of what the consultants have discovered. Each site 1 be listed in historical context. The consultants will also deliver ..n survey form and all photographs to the Planning Department. Copies of L:ie Original will be given to members of the Historic. Preservation Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Collins also indicated that a special meeting for all those whose property might be affected will be held on October 8th. All members of the Rural Character Study Group and the Board of County Commissioners will also be invited to attend. A motion was made by Commissioner Insko, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis, that Todd Peck and Jody Carter be employed as the consultants to conduct the Phase II Historic Inventory. The consultants will be reimbursed for their services in an amount not to exceed $32,000. The amount includes $27,500 for salaries; $2,000 for film and development, and $2,500 for travel/mileage expenses. Funding is to be provided by a $17,000 State grant and $15,000 match from the County. The Chair is authorized to execute a contract, contingent upon staff and attorney review, that, incorporates the terms of the approved.proposal. VOTE: UNANIMOUS I. ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER OPERATION STUDY COMMITTEE This item was presented by Moses Carey, Jr., for the purpose of discussing the formation of a group to study the structure, organization a". operation of the County Animal. Control program and Animal Shelter ,ation. This committee will present a report to the County ::imissioners by March 1, 1992 which will include recommendations for improvements. Specific issues to be studied include: 1. Is there evidence that our current animal control program is working to achieve its objectives? If not, why? 2. Is the current form of contract management and operation of the Animal Shelter the most cost efficient and effective for Orange County? If not, why? If so, should the APS continue to be the contractor? 3. Should the county consider operating and managing the animal shelter with county staff? 4. Should the shelter operations continue to be related to the Health Department? If not, why? 5. Should the Animal Control Program continue to be organizationally managed by the Health Department or should this program be transferred to the Sheriff's Department or the County Manager's Office? 5. What policy or procedural changes are necessary to improve efficiency, effectiveness and enhance service to the public in the animal control program and shelter operations? The Committee composition: 1 member of the Board of Health 1 member of the APS Board 1 member of the Board of Commissioner's 1 member of the Sheriff's Department 5 members of the public Staff Support - County Manager's Office A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Insko, to approve the purpose, issues to be studied and the composition of this study group with the addition of a representative from the Towns of Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. . 80 fees is being handled separately from other fees. The. Countv is not considering waiving inspection fees. Commissioner Halkiotis addressed the issue.of having paid County sta available to open and close facilities, as well as being present while the facility is being used. He suggested that the county use caution and plan fora "worst case scenario" when renting these facilities. He encouraged, staff to study adopt-ing as part of the policy, a requirement that a staff person be available and paid-for-by the citizen/group using the facility. The initial report was accepted. The issues of security, cost recovery for staff people to supervise the facility, and amount of deposit for rental will be reviewed. Another report on this issue will be presented within the next 6 weeks. H. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA I. PHASE I.I HISTORIC INVENTORY --CON-SULTANT SELECTION This item was presented by Planning Director Marvin Collins for the purpose of reconsidering the selection of a consultant to conduct the Phase II Historic inventory. On August 18, 1992.the Board of Commissioners approved the Administration recommendation to employ Dan Pezzoni and Rhonda LaFever to conduct the inventory of historic sites and structures in the remaining unincorporated portions of Orange county. The Board also authorized the Chair to execute a contract, contingent upon staff and attorney review that incorporated the terms of the approved proposal. In their 7/20/92 proposal, Pezzoni and LeFever suggested a team approach which recognized Pezzoni's extensive experience in conducting historic inventories and LaFever's skills. This proposal took into account LaFever's limited experience by requiring extensive supervision by Pezzoni. On August 31, 1992, Catherine Bishir of SHPO called the Planning Director to indicated that Dan Pezzoni had contacted her indicating that he wished to change the proposal. On September 1, 1992, Ms. Bishir sent a copy of the revised proposal to the Planning Director. On the following day, in a telephone conversation, both Ms. Bishir and Mr. Collins concluded that the proposal was no longer acceptable due to the fact that insufficient supervision was to be given,.to Ms. LaFever. On September 3, 1992 both ms. Bishir and the Planning.Director wrote to Pezzoni and LaFever that the proposal was no longer acceptable and that it would be necessary to proceed with interviewing additional candidates. To expedite the consultant selection process, the SHPO suggested that two of the three consultants originally considered for the project be considered again. They included David Bergstone and Scott Brown. In addition, the consultant team of Todd Peck and Jody Carter was also recommended for consideration. The Peck/Carter team has been suggested and extensive efforts were made to schedule a local interview and a copy of the RFP were sent to them. Although very interested in the project, prior commitments and associated travel plans prevented them from responding to either request. Sheets summarizing the consultant proposals were provided in lieu of complete copies. These summaries provided the following information: Consultant/Firm -Experience _ -Performance Notes -Project Schedule -Qualifications -Budget Proposal The consultant(s) must satisfy minimum education and experience requirements to perform identification, evaluation, registration and treatment activities. These requirements are listed in Part V: 36CFR61 of the Federal Register and are included for information purposes. Mr. Collins indicated that Peck/Carter,have presented a proposal. 81 VOTE: UNANIMOUS - J. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner?Halkiotis requested that the minutes reflect that Orange Runty has lost a fine young man. Mr. Don Snipes was a young black man, with an outgoing and upbeat personality. He played the game of life well and was loved by everyone. The measure of a person can be gauged by who comes out to say goodby to them. The auditorium at Orange High was filled to capacity and evenly split between white and black, and young and old. That is significant. We lost a good kid. He knew that he had a heart condition. He was playing at the Efland Center when he suffered a massive heart attack. He may have only been twenty but he put more into it than many 80 years old. His legacy was his people skills. Those skills with people were documented by the 1000 people who came out to say goodby. He will be missed! K. COUNTY MANAGERS REPORT None. L APPOINTMENTS The following appointments were approved by the Board. ORANGE COUNTY VISITORS Patti Trapodi, Clifton Metcalf, CENTER: Julie Andresen, Ted Kyle, Tom Roberts, Margaret Skinner DOMICILIARY HOME COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Michele Gray, Anne Jacobs, Robin Lee and Florence Soltys YOUTH SERVICES NEEDS TASK FORCE: TRIANGLE FIXED GUIDE- WAY ADIVSORY GROUP: HUMAN SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION: ADVISORY BOARD ON AGING: NEW HOPE CREEK COMMITTEE: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION: REGIO14AL LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES: M EXECUTIVE SESSION None. Jesse Cooke, Brenda Crowder-Gaines and David Whitted Postponed until October 20th David Whitted Mary Bacon James Gray Carl B. Lloyd Bonnie Davis There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. The next regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners will be held on Monday, October 5, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. at the Old County Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina. verly Blythe, Clerk Moses Carey, Jr., Chair