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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19960624APPROVED 11!4196 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AND ALAMANCE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 24, 1996 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in a joint session with the Alamance County Commissioners on Monday, June 24, 1996 at 6:00 p.m. at Olivers Restaurant in Hillsborough, North Carolina. ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr. and Commissioners William L. Crowther, Alice M. Gordon, Stephen H. Halkiotis and Don Willhoit. ORANGE COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Manager Rod Visser, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Tax Assessor Kermit Lloyd and Land Records Manager Roscoe Reeve ORANGE COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill ALAMANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Larry Sharpe, Timothy D. Sutton, Rickey Moorefield and John Patterson ALAMANCE COUNTY COMMISSIONER ABSENT: W. B. Teague, Jr. ALAMANCE COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Robert C. Smith ALAMANCE COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Chuck Kitchen MEETING CALLED TO ORDER This joint meeting between the Orange County Board of Commissioners and the Alamance Board of Commissioners was called to order at 6:25 p.m. by Chair Carey. Introductions were made around the table. It was decided that the following three items would be discussed: 1. Boundaryline between Orange County and Alamance County 2. Interest in Joint Planning 3. Enrollment in County Schools DISCUSSION ABOUT THE LOCATION OF THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN ORANGE COUNTY AND ALAMANCE COUNTY John Link explained that the problem seems to be for the citizens in that some do not know which county they live in and sometimes call the wrong EMS or Sheriff's office. Also for those purchasing homes in this area, they don't know in which jurisdiction they will live. The boundary they are using is from the early 1800's and since that time, the two tax offices have generally agreed in whose jurisdiction property is located. Robert Smith indicated that he has not experienced many problems with the location of the line. However, as more and more property is developed, there will be more questions about the countyline. There are some property owners who are concerned about the location of this line. Rickey Moorefield said that there are a couple of roads that run from one county to another that will always give them concern. Chair Carey asked that Land Records Manager Roscoe Reeve explain the maps he had placed at the far end of the room and to describe the process to deal with the issue of the countyline. Roscoe Reeve said that the maps show the two lines they are presently using and the gaps that appear at both ends. And that these lines are the USGS lines which are not established boundary lines. Robert Smith noted that there are three transportation markers and one USGS marker on this boundary line. He feels that these markers mark the original line. Roscoe Reeve explained in detail how the line is established. The State deals with longitudes and latitudes while the Federal governments deals with meters. Chair Carey noted that the State does allow counties to close the gap when they are shown on the boundary line between two counties. Chuck Kitchen said that the line was marked in 1849 and recognized by the courts. This was disputed in court but the line has been established. John Link suggested that the two counties work together to establish this line. He suggested they use orthotypography which will require local legislation. This would be in lieu of the survey process which can be done from the state monuments after the line is agreed upon. Chair Carey suggested that the counties start with large orthophotographs and agree to the location of the line before they seek local legislation. Rod Visser suggested that the staffs of Orange and Alamance counties sit down and locate the line as close as they can to the 1849 line and bring that back as a proposal for the two boards to consider. Tax Assessor Kermit Lloyd explained that the problem is with subdivisions where the lots are in both Orange and Alamance counties. Chuck Kitchen said he sees no need for a line. He suggested establishing the original line and proceeding from there. Geoffrey Gledhill said that he understands the original line cannot be located on the ground. If it can be located on the ground, then it needs to be agreed upon and assumptions need to be eliminated. Robert Smith said that he feels the 1849 line can be substantiated because the monuments are there. He feels that should be the starting point. Rod Visser repeated his suggested that they start with the 1849 line and look at the description and go from there. He feels that the key point is that the staffs work together to resolve this issue. This was endorsed by the Orange County Board of Commissioners and supported by the Alamance County Board of Commissioners. Geoffrey Gledhill said that the policy issues that need to be resolved deal with planning jurisdictions, tax jurisdiction, election and school district lines. It was agreed that Orange County would assume any expenses that arise from this process. JOINT PLANNING It was agreed that the two counties would share information at the staff level for developments that occur near the countyline. The respective managers will informed their Boards as needed. ENROLLMENT IN COUNTY SCHOOLS In answer to a question from Commissioner Crowther, John Patterson informed the Board that Mebane has adopted a policy that they will not allow any new transfers from Orange County, but that those who are presently attending may continue in the system as long as they pay the tuition. This involves a total of 200 students. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the two boards to discuss, Chair Carey adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting of the Board will be held on June 26, 1996 at 7:30 p.m. in the OWASA meeting room in Carrboro, North Carolina. Moses Carey, Jr., Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk