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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19970318APPROVED MAY 21, 1997 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING March 18. 1997 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 18, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. at the OWASA Operations Center 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 Managers 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 The minutes for March 5 were deleted from the agenda. 2. AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters on the Printed Agenda Chair Crowther stated that citizens who have indicated a desire to speak on an item on the printed agenda will be recognized at the appropriate time. b. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Jack Davis spoke about the vehicle fee which is levied by the Town of Hillsborough and collected by the County for Hillsborough. He feels this fee is unfair and that the County should not be collecting it for the Town. Nick Didow, member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board, presented a petition to the Orange County Commissioners to reconsider, approve, and fund a community gym at the Southern Village Elementary School site. This petition is hereby made a part of these minutes by reference. Commissioner Carey noted that the County Commissioners took action at their last meeting encouraging Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools to proceed as they have planned. While he supports joint planning, they still have not worked out the details of joint recreational facilities to the level necessary to approve this request. Commissioner Brown said that she supports this effort because she is interested in joint recreational facilities. Her concern is that changing the plans at this point may put the project in jeopardy of not being finished as scheduled. John Link noted that a report from the School/Park Committee will be presented in May. In order for this to be successful, it is important for the various parties to be involved at the beginning of the planning period and not at the end. Funding for such an addition would need to be discussed in detail. Commissioner Halkiotis was told that the Town will annex this area in 2 to 3 years. Commissioner Gordon said that the County Commissioners were told that the March 31 deadline for making a decision on the gymnasium was inflexible. She feels that it is not possible to commit this amount of money to this project at this time because of competing projects. If the school can extend the deadline and the Town is willing to help with the funding and/or the commitment of additional land, then there might be a possibility that something can be worked out. Chair Crowther acknowledged receipt of this petition. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Crowther dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Carey made reference to correspondence received from Judge Buckner about the need for additional telephone lines for the Courthouse and also the need for security. Pam Jones, Director of Purchasing and Central Services assured Commissioner Carey that she is working with Judge Buckner on their needs for better telephone service and the security measures that are necessary for them to feel safe in the courthouse. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link updated the County Commissioners on the responses he received with regard to the Land Use Council. Additional information and appointments will be on a future agenda. 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS A. MODIFICATION OF INSTALLMENT PURCHASE AGREEMENT -SOUTHERN VILLAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The County Commissioners considered a resolution and modification to the Installment Purchase Agreement for the Financing of the Southern Village Elementary School. The Board approved the Installment Purchase Agreement for the first $5 million on December 17, 1996. In order to take advantage of the favorable rates proposed by BB&T, the County is required to close on the remaining $9 million of the financing plan by March 20, 1997. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to adopt the resolution as presented, approve the Installment Purchase Agreement modification and authorize the Chair to execute the documents. A copy of these documents are in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's Office. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. CHANGE IN AREA THOROUGHFARE PLAN The County Commissioners considered a resolution requesting deletion of the North Carolina 751 connector between US 70 and 1-85 in the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro (DCHC) urban Area Thoroughfare Plan. The current area thoroughfare plan shows the connection of US 70 and 1-85 via the extension of North Carolina 751 north. However, the Board of County Commissioners is on record opposing this connector. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the resolution as stated below: A RESOLUTION REQUESTING DELETION OF THE NC 751 CONNECTOR FROM THE DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO URBAN AREA THOROUGHFARE PLAN WHEREAS, the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan depicts the northward extension of NC 751 to connect US 70 with 1-85; and WHEREAS, the State-Municipal Thoroughfare Plan mutually adopted by the City of Durham on November 18, 1991, and by the North Carolina Board of Transportation on January 10, 1992, for the Durham Thoroughfare Planning Area as required by North Carolina General Statute 136-66.2 likewise depicts the northward extension of NC 751 to connect US 70 with 1-85; and WHEREAS, a proposal to construct an extension of NC 751 to connect US 70 and 1-85, as well as an 1-85 interchange, was discussed by NCDOT in early 1995 in conjunction with the discussions concerning the closure of 1-85 exit 172; and WHEREAS, on January 16, 1995, the New Hope Creek Advisory Committee discussed the proposed 1-85 interchange and connector road at NC 751 and identified as concerns the possible impacts on: 1) The NC 751 Scenic Road; 2) The Duke Forest research lands west of NC 751; 3) The New Hope Creek Corridor and tributaries including Mud Creek and Sandy Creek; and WHEREAS, on February 1, 1995, the Orange County Board of Commissioners in correspondence to Mr. H. Franklin Vick, North Carolina Department of Transportation, indicated that the Board would not support the extension of NC 751 and related projects until concerns regarding adverse environmental impacts on the New Hope Creek Corridor and the surrounding area were addressed to the Board's satisfaction; and WHEREAS, the Board continues to share the concerns articulated by the New Hope Creek Advisory Committee and others concerning adverse impacts to the environment if the NC 751 connector were to be constructed; and WHEREAS, the Board is responsible for developing both general and specific plans to promote the orderly growth and development of the area within Orange County; and WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Board, when overseeing the implementation of these plans and the expenditure of taxpayer dollars, to do so with foresight, thoughtfulness and sensitivity to the long-term quality of life of all of the citizens of Orange County; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: 1. The Orange County Board of Commissioners requests the removal of the NC 751 connector between US 70 and 1-85 from the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan that was adopted on October 2, 1991 by the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Transportation Advisory Committee. 2. The Orange County Board of Commissioners requests the removal of the NC 751 connector between US 70 and 1-85 from the State-Municipal Thoroughfare Plan mutually adopted by the City of Durham on November 18, 1991 and by the North Carolina Board of Transportation on January 10, 1992. 3. The Orange County Board of Commissioners requests that the NC 751 connector between US 70 and 1-85 be eliminated from consideration for any new or updated thoroughfare plans for the City of Durham or Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization. 4. The Orange County Board of Commissioners will forward a copy of this resolution to the Honorable James Hunt, Governor of the State of North Carolina, the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the members of the Orange Legislative Delegation, the Mayor of the City of Durham, and the Chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee for the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS -NONE 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as listed below: A. APPOINTMENTS This item was considered separate from the other items. The appointment for the Carrboro Planning Board will be considered at the next meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the appointments as listed below: Recreation and Parks Advisory Council Marie Tate, At-Large position for a term ending 3/31/2000 Historic Preservation Commission Robert Rich, At-Large position for a term ending 3/31/2000 VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. MINUTES The County Commissioners approved the minutes for February 3 and February 18 as presented. The minutes for March 5, 1997 will be considered at the next meeting. C. ELECTIONS DIRECTOR CONFIRMATION The Board confirmed the appointment of Carolyn Thomas as Director of Elections for Orange County at a salary of $45,451 annually, effective April 1, 1997. D. ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING ON DISSOLUTION OF DOGWOOD ACRES SANITARY DISTRICT The County Commissioners set a public hearing for the dissolution of the Dogwood Acres Sanitary District for April 16, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chapel Hill Town Hall. E. REQUEST FOR IMPACT FEE REIMBURSEMENT - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY The Board approved the impact fee reimbursement request from Habitat for Humanity in the amount of $3,000. F. GIS PARCEL MAINTENANCE TECHNICAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. G. RFP AWARD -MARKETING, ADVERTISING AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE CHAPEL 1LLIORANGE COUNTY VISITOR'S BUREAU This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA F. GIS PARCEL MAINTENANCE TECHNICAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT Roscoe Reeve, Land Records Manager, explained that this agreement will cover December, 1996 to June 30, 1997. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the agreement with New World Mapping, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $14,000 and to authorize the Chair to sign, subject to final review by the County Attorney. VOTE: UNANIMOUS G. RFP AWARD -MARKETING, ADVERTISING AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE CHAPEL HILLIORANGE COUNTY VISITOR'S BUREAU Chair Crowther noted that he is pleased that the designing of the interstate welcome signs is included in this proposal. A motion was made by Chair Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to award the proposal to Sheer Associates, Chapel Hill , and to authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board, contingent upon Attorney and staff review. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA A. ADOPTION OF 1997 ORANGE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE GOALS A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to close the public hearing and to receive as part of the formal record of the public hearing any written comments submitted by citizens since the opening of the March 5 public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS John Link summarized the information in the agenda. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt the "resolution Regarding Legislative Matters" as attached on pages of these minutes. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the four additional legislative issues as listed on page two of the abstract and send these forward as appropriate. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. MEMBERSHIP TO THE GREATER TRIANGLE REGIONAL COUNCIL The County Commissioners discussed whether or not they would continued membership to this Council. A motion was made by Chair Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to pay dues in the amount of $2,000 for membership to the Greater Triangle Regional Council. VOTE: Ayes, 2; Nos, 3 (Commissioners Brown, Gordon and Halkiotis) A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to table this item for future consideration. VOTE: Ayes, 4; Nos, 1 (Commissioner Carey) C. SEWER TAP-ON REQUEST BY BOONE MOBILE HOME PARK Jahn Link summarized the information in the agenda. The County Manager recommends that the Board: 1) reconfirm and reiterate its policy of discouraging and denying sewer taps on force mains; b) deny permission for Boone mobile home park to receive sewer service by tapping onto the Hancor force main. County Engineer Paul Thames explained that they believe the Hancor system has a blockage somewhere in the force main because the pumps run longer than necessary. Ernie McBroom, representing Boone Mobile Home Park and the people who live in this mobile home park, said that he was aware of the sewer problems when he purchased this property several months ago. He was also aware of how easy it would be to fix this line and he is willing to fix the problem. Eleven of the septic tanks and lines need to be replaced. Commissioner Halkiotis asked for a commitment from the County Commissioners for helping Mr. McBroom. He hopes the County staff will find a way to help Mr. McBroom correct this situation. Commissioner Gordon feels that tapping onto the force main is not a long term solution and that whatever strategy is used that it be considered in a larger context. Paul Thames said that it may be possible to put in another force main - low pressure system. It is not the option that Mr. McBroom has chosen because it would be costly. It would be parallel and be a system designed to have taps. This would be a 4" line for 7,000 feet with an estimated cost of $49,000. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis to allow a temporary tapon to the Hancor line as soon as they clear the blockage. The temporary status would mean until the Economic Development District is provided with water and sewer. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Brown. Commissioner Gordon said that this action would set a precedent and she feels it is a very bad precedent to set. This would nullify the policy on force mains that the Board of County Commissioners has approved. VOTE: Ayes, 2; Nos, 3 (Commissioners Carey, Crowther and Gordon) A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to ask staff to look at this situation and try to come up with an alternative to remedy this problem and a strategy for addressing similar problems. VOTE: UNANIMOUS D. INFORMATION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL SUPPORT AGREEMENTS Information Systems Director Dick Taylor answered various questions from the County Commissioners. He explained the problems being experienced in data processing and explained how outsourcing would help solve some of these problems. He said that a strategic automation plan will be presented during the budget session. John Link assured the Board that he will report back to them the results of outsourcing and if it is a good strategy for future needs. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the agreement with Computer Network Solutions for an amount not to exceed $30,000 and to approve the agreement with Good Pickin' for an amount not to exceed $6,500, and to authorize the Chair to sign, subject to final review by the County Attorney. VOTE: Ayes, 4; Nos, 1 (Commissioner Halkiotis) E. AGREEMENT RENEWALISTATUS REPORT -AUTOMATED INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SYSTEM Tom Dugard, President, Triangle United Way, explained the services that this automated system will provide. In August 1995, the County entered into an agreement with the United Way of Greater Orange County to develop a county-wide automated I & R system for human services agencies and provide ongoing administration. The Partnership for Young Children (Smart Start) awarded $50,000 and the County contributed $40,000 for start-up and ongoing administration through June 30, 1996. He explained that the project had been delayed because of staff turnover and problems with the system. The system is up and operating at this time. Commissioner Gordon asked about the outcomes derived from this system and was told that this information will be provided. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Chair Crowther to approve the agreement with the Triangle United Way for the administration of the Orange Resource Connection for Fiscal year 1996-97. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 10. REPORTS A. REQUEST FOR IMPACT FEE REIMBURSEMENT - COVENANT PLACE Director of Housing and Community Development Tara Fikes explained that UCC Living Centers, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization is planning to build 40 rental units for elderly citizens with very low incomes through the HUD sponsored Section 202 Program. The project is scheduled for completion in June, 1998. When the application was submitted, they did not request funds for impact fees because it is unclear whether or not HUD will provide funding for these fees. The school impact fees total $120,000. John Link explained that funds are not in the budget. The County Commissioners will consider the reimbursement policy at a future meeting. Chair Crowther stated that this request will be considered when the 1997-98 budget is discussed. The County Commissioners received the report as information. B. TRIANGLE TRANSIT AUTHORITY REPORT Jim Ritchey, General Manager of the Triangle Transit Authority, gave a verbal report concerning progress in implementing the Regional Transit Plan. He also discussed the TTA's 1996 financial report. Commissioner Gordon, member of the TTA Board explained the van pool and bus pool programs. The County Commissioners received the report as information. 11. APPOINTMENTS The Board considered appointments to the Board of Equalization and Review. The three individuals receiving three or more votes who were appointed as the three members of this board were John Horner, Thomas Heffner and Kevin Foy. Those appointed as first alternates, to be called first in the event of an absence by a member, were Reginald Morgan and Don Willhoit. Those appointed as second alternates were Vic Knight, Lee Butzin, Tim Kepley and Howard McAdams. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the appointments to the Board of Equalization and Review as listed above. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 12. MINUTES - NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION - NONE 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to be considered, Chair Crowther adjourned the meeting. The next meeting listed on the meeting calendar will be April 1, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. in the courtroom of the Old County Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina. William L. Crowther, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk