HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 199701213
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APPROVED FEBRUARY 18, 1997
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY. JANUARY 21. 1997
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 21, 1997
at 7:30 p.m. in the OWASA community meeting room in Carrboro, North Carolina.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair William L. Crowther and Commissioners Margaret
W. Brown, Moses Carey, Jr., Alice M. Gordon and Stephen H. Halkiotis.
COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Manager Rod
Visser and Albert Kittrell and Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe (All other staff members will be identified
appropriately below)
NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT
AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE. ALL RECORDING TAPES OF THE
MEETING WILL BE KEPT FOR FIVE u YEARS.
1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Chair Crowther added to the agenda under Regular Appointments #11, additional appointments to the
Capital Needs Task Force. An item was added between #11 and #12 to discuss replacing the monument
that was destroyed at the southeast corner of Churton and King Sts.
2. AUDIENCE COMMENTS
a. Matters on the Printed Agenda
Chair Crowther said that people who have
appropriate time.
indicated a desire to speak will be recognized at the
b. Matters not on the Printed Agenda - NONE
PUBLIC CHARGE
Chair Crowther dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
3. BOARD COMMENTS
Chair Crowther announced that Bob Seymour has agreed to chair the Capital Needs Task Force.
4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
John Link reminded the County Commissioners of an invitation from OWASA inviting them to a meeting
scheduled for February 12 at 6:30 with a light supper at 6:00. OWASA plans to provide a special
presentation on the study that was done for Cane Creek and options to protect that reservoir. All elected
officials have been invited.
5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
a. Resolution Approving Cable TV Rate Increases
This item was presented for Board consideration of adopting an orderfresolution approving rate
increases for Time Warner Cable and to receive public comments.
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Albert Kittrell summarized the information in the agenda. Michael Patrick, member of the Cable
TV Advisory Council, explained the process they followed in reviewing this request. The consultant has
determined that the rate has been correctly determined.
Commissioner Halkiotis clarified that this will go into effect even if the County Commissioners don't
approve it.
John Link suggested inviting the cable company to an upcoming meeting to answer questions the
County Commissioners may have about their rates and the services they provide.
The public hearing was open for citizen comments. No comments were received.
A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to ask the
cable people to a meeting to answer questions.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Chair Crowther to adopt the
order/resolution approving Cable TV rate increases for Time Warner as stated in the resolution attached to
these minutes on pages
VOTE: AYES, 3; NOS, 2 (Commissioners Brown and Halkiotis)
b. Resolution - Extension of Time Warner Cable TV Franchise
The County Commissioners discussed the fact that they have no jurisdiction over the cable
companies
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to write
Congressman David Price and our two senators and let them know of their concerns and the situation
experienced by the County in dealing with the Cable companies.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Chair Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt the resolution
extending Time Warner's Cable TV Franchise until February 24, 1998 as stated below:
A RESOLUTION GRANTING A FRANCHISE EXTENSION OF 12 MONTHS TO TIME WARNER CABLE
TO
PROVIDE CABLE SERVICE TO UNINCORPORATED AREAS
OF
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, North Carolina-0276
BY ORANGE COUNTY:
WHEREAS, Orange County adopted an ordinance granting a non-exclusive franchise to Village Cable
in November 1980, to provide cable television service to citizens in unincorporated areas of the county, and
the franchise was subsequently transferred to Carolina Cable (Prime Venture 1) July 8, 1986; Cablevision
(ATC) April 6, 1992; and most recently to Time Warner Cable;
WHEREAS, the current franchise ordinance was set to expire on February 24, 1996, and extended on
February 5, 1996 by 12 months.
WHEREAS, Orange County recognizes that the
franchise to enable Time Warner Cable an additional
public interest is served by extending the term of the
12 months to allow the County and cable operator to
conduct comprehensive franchise renewal activities;
WHEREAS, the County recognizes that the public interest is served by extending the term of the
franchise to enable Time Warner Cable to prepare and submit to the County a detailed technology upgrade
plan for the County, in preparation for refranchising; and,
WHEREAS, it is understood that the resolution to extend the term of the franchise to February 24, 1998,
does not in any way serve to prejudice any franchise renewal rights of Time Warner Cable, nor require the
refilling of any notice of intent to renew the franchise, granted pursuant to the County's cable franchise
ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That, the county hereby approves a 12-month extension of the County's cable franchise ordinance with
Time Warner Cable, North Carolina-0276, to expire on February 24, 1998 and,
That, this action shall be entered into the Minute Book of the Board of Commissioners.
VOTE: AYES, 3; NOS, 2 (Commissioners Brown and Halkiotis)
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C. A_ resolution Recommending the Creation of a State Task Force and Education Program to
Address the Implementation of the Direct Deposit Mandate
Director of Department on Aging, Jerry Passmore summarized the proposal.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adopt
the resolution as stated below and to send letters, as amended, to Gov. James Hunt, Sec. Robin Britt, and Sec.
Harlan Boyle with copies to: Ms. Bonnie Cramer, Director, Division of Aging; Ms. Doris Dick, Speaker, Tar Heel
Legislature; Ms. Ann Johnson, President, North Carolina Coalition on Aging; Mr. John Denning, Chair,
Governor's Advisory Council on Aging, Mr. David Moser, Director, Triangle J; U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, and U.S.
Sen. Lauch Faircloth; U.S. Rep. Elect David Price; State Sen. Elect Howard Lee, State Sen. Elect Eleanor
Kinnaird; Sate Rep. Elect Verla Insko; and representatives of the Social Security Administration: Mr. R.C.
Tysinger, Area Director and Mr. John Pereza, District Manager.
The letter should recommend that: (1) representatives of the elderly and handicapped communities be on any
task force(s) addressing the issue of implementing the direct deposit mandate, (2) a state wide volunteer
organization, similar to the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)*, be established to educate
people, and (3) the education of people should emphasize a choice of banks as well as how to manage an
account.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A RESOLUTION ENDORSING
A STATEWIDE TASK FORCE AND EQUATION PROGRAM
FOR IMPLEMENTING DIRECT DEPOSIT MANDATE
WHEREAS, all recipients of checks from the federal treasury, such as social security checks, will be required
to participate in direct deposit payments as of January 1, 1999.
WHEREAS, this will dramatically impact current and future individual recipients of social security and other
federal payments.
34 WHEREAS, the majority of the people most likely to be negatively impacted by this change will be the elderly,
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poor, and disabled.
WHEREAS, the elderly population is growing at an ever increasing rate.
WHEREAS, many people in Orange County may encounter a great deal of difficulty with the implementation
of direct deposit due to many factors: no bank accounts, cost, lack of knowledge, insufficient money
management skills; or personal inaccessibility due to infirmities or lack of transportation.
WHEREAS, banks will be one of the major direct deposit beneficiaries of this new mandate receiving millions
of dollars monthly in direct deposit funds just in Orange County.
WHEREAS, very few plans have been made to consider the ramifications for affected individual recipients,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby
endorse the need for a statewide task force that would include elderly and disabled representatives, as well
as representatives from the banking industry, to address the issue of implementing the direct deposit
mandate; and
The Orange County Board of Commissioners advises that a state wide volunteer organization similar to the
Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) be established to educate people about direct
deposit, especially with regard to choosing a bank and managing an account.
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NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that William Crowther, Chair of the Orange County Board of
Commissioners is hereby authorized to submit this resolution.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
a. Orange County Arts Commission Presentation of Orange County Grant Awards
Checks totaling $12,750 were distributed to 21 grant recipients.
b. Housing North Carolina Award
Keith Cook, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Orange Community Housing Corporation,
presented to Director of Housing and Community Development Tara Fikes a 1996 Housing North Carolina
Award for Magnolia Place. Magnolia Place is a subdivision developed for first time homebuyers by the
Orange Community Housing Corporation in partnership with Orange County.
Commissioner Halkiotis commended Tara Fikes for her commitment to affordable housing and
thanked her for getting the funds necessary for Orange County to continue to provide affordable housing.
Commissioner Carey commended Tara and all the citizens who have helped in this effort.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE
8. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA
a. Appointments
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the
appointments as listed below:
Orange County Arts Commission
Susan K. George, new appointment for a term ending March 30, 2000.
Cable TV Advisory Committee
John H. Gilbert, new appointment for a term ending December 31, 1999
EMS Advisory Council
Linda Connolly, unexpired term ending June 30, 1998
Human Relations Commission
Pat Callair, Ron Callerani, Warren Jones, Eileen Kugler, Vickie Mattison, Mariah
and Rev. Robert Seymour reappointed for terms ending December 30, 1999.
OPC Mental Health Board
Lucien Sellet, new appointment for a term ending December 31, 2000.
Commission for Women
Jennifer Starr Tennant and Jacqueline Phillips for unexpired terms ending June
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Cherie Rosemond reappointed for a term ending December 31, 1999
McPherson
30, 1999.
The appointments to the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitor's Bureau and the Hyconeechee
Regional Library were moved to item #11.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Housing Rehabilitation Contract Award
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to award one
housing rehabilitation contract for the HOME Program to Taylor Home Improvements for $10,850 for
rehabilitation to the Horton dwelling unit.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
C. Restructuring Clerk's Office Position
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A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Brown to
approve the restructuring of the vacant permanent part-time 20 hour Assistant to the Clerk position within the
Clerk's Office to a communications support position as described in the agenda.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
d. Verification of Secondary Road Names in Orange County
After several corrections to the list, a motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by
Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the proposed road name corrections in the County's planning jurisdiction
and forward to the DCHC MPO for transmittal to NCDOT.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
e. Personnel Ordinance Revision - Administrative Leave
A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the
revisions to the Administrative Leave section of the Orange County Personnel Ordinance as presented in the
agenda and as will be included in the Personnel Ordinance.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
f. N.C. Department of Transportation State Funds to Support rural General Public
Transportation
The County Commissioners expressed several concerns about the scope of service and also the
role of the Triangle Transit Authority in providing transportation for several of the County initiatives. It was
decided that John Link and Jerry Passmore will communicate these concerns to the TTA.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve
applying for $15,111 in special state funds to promote rural public transportation and to enter into an
agreement with the N.C. Department of Transportation for FY1996-97.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
g_ Approval of funding Applications for In-Home volunteer Assistance to the Elderly Project
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve
the funding proposals by the Eldercare Program of the Department on Aging to the Triangle Community
Foundation ($4,800) and to the Chapel Hill Newcomers' Club ($1,000) for a volunteer-in-home assistance
project.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
h. Resolution to Apply and Enter Into Agreement with N.C. Department of Transportation for
Federal Transit Act F? TA) Section 5311 Capital and Administrative Funds
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Chair Crowther to authorize the annual
resolution to apply for Federal Transit Act, Section 5311 (formerly Section 18) capital and administrative
funding as well as enter into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for FY 97-
98.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
1. Additional Medicaid Caseworker for UNC Hospitals
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and
authorize the Chair to sign the addendum to the current Contract with UNC Hospitals to provide for an
additional Medicaid Caseworker.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA
a. Composition of Skill Development Center Advisory Board
Albert Kittrell said that the lead person for the Skill Development Center is social worker Gwen
Price who will coordinate all the activities at this center.
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John Link noted that the County Manager's office will be responsible for staff support for this
Advisory Board. He said that the composition of this Board did not include members of the management
team (representative from each agency occupying the building). The management team will meet regularly
and bring concerns to the Advisory Board.
Commissioner Gordon expressed a strong desire that Pam Jones and Ken Chavious be on the
management team as a resource until the center is fully operational. Social Services Director Marti Pryor-
Cook said that the team leader will be responsible for bringing in other county employees as needed until
they are operational. This may include the Public Works Director and the County Engineer.
Commissioner Brown asked about the renovation costs. Albert Kittrell said that the estimated costs
of renovations is $216,000 which is $80,000 more than the original estimate.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve the
composition of the Skill Development/JobLink Career Center Advisory Committee as listed below:
County Commissioner (or commissioner representative)
School Board
Major Employers
Community at-large
Workforce Development Board Member
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. 1997 Historic Preservation Fund Grant Application
Don Belk explained that this grant application requests funding to complete a nomination of the St.
Mary's Road/Trading Path Historic Corridor to the National Register of Historic Places.
A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to authorize
the County Manager to apply for up to $18,000 from the Historic Preservation Fund Grant Program. If the
grant proposal is accepted by the State Historic Preservation Office, the Planning Department will request
$8,000 in the FY1997-98 Budget as a cash match. The grant and matching funds would be used to
complete a National Register nomination for the St. Mary's Road/Trading Path Historic Corridor.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
10. REPORTS
a. Wild Life Corridor Study _ Triangle Land ConservancV
The Board received a status report for information purposes only. In summary, in September 1995,
the Board of Commissioners approved funding of a Wildlife Corridor Study to be conducted by the Triangle
Land Conservancy. The Corridor Study is a follow-up phase of the 1988 Inventory of the Natural Areas and
Wildlife Habitats of Orange County. The study is scheduled for completion in March, 1997.
11. APPOINTMENTS
Chapel Hill -Orange County Visitor's Bureau
The Board decided to ask the Economic Development Commission to recommend someone from
their Board who resides in the northern part of the County as their representative on this Bureau.
Hyconeeche Regional LibrarV
A motion was made by Chair Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to appoint Sherry
Gray Dorsett to the unexpired term of William Crowther and Barbara Dewy to the unexpired term of Bonnie
Davis.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Capital Facility Needs Advisory Task Force
A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appoint
Keith Cook, Gretchen Aylsworth, Jaki Shelton Green, Robert Wiggins and Rutha Brooks to this Task Force.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
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AUTHORIZATION TO RELOCATE THE MONUMENT AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
CHURTON AND KING STREETS
A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Chair Crowther to give permission to
the Town of Hillsborough to relocate this momument from the present location (between street and sidewalk)
to a location at this same corner east or inside of the sidewalk on County property.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12. MINUTES -NONE
13. CLOSED SESSION - NONE
14. ADJOURNMENT
With no further items to discuss, Chair Crowther adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting will
be held on Monday, February 3, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. in the courtroom of the Old Courthouse in Hillsborough,
North Carolina.
Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk
Chair Crowther. Chair