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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19970602APPROVED 9116197 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 2, 1997 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in special session on June 2, 1997 at 4:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Government Services Center, Hillsborough, for the following purposes: ? Closed Session - Personnel Matter by authority of G.S. Section 143-318.11(a)(6) ? Discussion on Goals and Objectives 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. AGENDA 1. Closed Session -Personnel Matter by authority of G.S. Section 143-318.1 1(a)(6) A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to go into closed session by authority of G.S. Section 143-318.11(a)(6). VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Chair Crowther to reconvene into special session at 5:45 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 2. Discussion of Goals and Objectives Reference was made to the small area plan for Bingham Township. It was decided that this should be a Planning Department goal but should not be a high priority. The public hearing date could be May, 1998. With reference to the Minority/Female Business Development, it was decided to leave this on the list but to retitle it "Minority and Female Business Development". The County loan pool will be addressed during budget work sessions or at the Board's June 30 regular meeting. With reference to the goal for Equitable and Effective School Funding, it was decided that this should be reworded to promote "Fair, Equitable and Effective" and should include standards for building a high school facility and information on the Schools and Land Use Council including the staffing for that Council. The County Commissioners want to revisit the building standards and the tiers that have been approved. They want to be sure they have flexibility in terms of costs for school construction. The Board asked to have something in the goals about the rabies epidemic. They want to be more proactive in notifying the public. With regard to Youth Programs, the Board made reference to the fourth paragraph pertaining to a Council which can advise the community on wholesome and constructive leisure activities (social, cultural, educational, and recreational) for youth and decided to place this goal under Parks and Recreation. This would mean that Human Services would have four goals instead of actual milestones as indicated in the document. Commissioner Gordon asked about the efficiency improvements as noted in the Innovation and Efficiency Report. She asked for an update on the disposition of these items -- especially the incentive programs. Chair Crowther deleted the goal for reorganizing the Boards and Commissions. A report on the Strategic Automation Plan will be given at the June 19 budget work session. Commissioner Brown requested adding a goal for 10 to 15 acre truck gardening. Planning Director Marvin Collins noted that this was included under the Farmland Preservation goal. Commissioner Brown asked that this be moved forward. With regard to the Joint Planning Agreement with Hillsborough, the County Commissioners decided to leave it as a goal even though Hillsborough withdrew. With regard to the Economic Development District at 1-85 and North Carolina 86, Commissioner Carey asked for an update or status report on cost and staff time for setting up a work group and working with Hillsborough on this goal. Commissioner Gordon asked about fiscal impact analysis, including the templates for integrating planning information with GIS information. Mr. Collins said that he hopes to have a report for the County Commissioners in August or September. Commissioner Gordon asked that this be written up in the goal abstract. Commissioner Brown asked that the County look at park site acquisition and set a timeframe for moving ahead. John Link said that this needs to be part of the new master park plan which is being updated at this time. With regard to Rural Character, a report will be forthcoming in August on flexible development. Commissioner Brown asked to revisit the village option and see how this would play out with a development like Meadowmont. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the goal for transportation planning and asked that briefing the Transportation Advisory Committee JAC) Chair be added to objectives 2, 3, 4 and 5. She made other changes which were given to the staff to incorporate. Commissioner Brown asked that staff develop some way to start connecting subdivisions by pedestrian/bike corridors. Under the Resource Protection and Development goal, Commissioner Gordon made reference to the Commission for the Environment and it was decided to add this topic to a work session in June. Commissioner Gordon asked that this be added as part of our goals and objectives. Chair Crowther asked for an analysis of where timber is being cut in the area and what areas are hardest hit. He would like this for each of the last five years for comparison purposes. It was decided that the goals and objectives for solid waste and water and sewer development would be added to the Commissioners' budget work session next Thursday, June 5. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to discuss, Chair Crowther adjourned this special meeting at 7:00 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held this same evening, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Old County Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk William L. Crowther, Chair MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING JUNE 2, 1997 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, June 2, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. in the courtroom of the Old County Courthouse in Hillsborough, 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 (5) YEARS. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA A correction on the appointments that were added to the Consent Agenda was distributed. An appointment was added for the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board and the appointment for the Chapel Hill Planning Board was deleted. 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 - NONE PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Crowther dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Gordon said that citizens in the eastern part of Chapel Hill have expressed a concern about rabies being identified in that area. She is concerned that we be more proactive in combating this. This could include canvassing neighborhoods and offering free vaccinations. She asked that the Health Department take this initiative and provide the County Commissioners with a plan of action. Health Director Dan Reimer distributed an update on the situation from the Animal Protection Society Rabies Advisory Committee. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to an article in the newspaper which indicated that the County Manager's budget did not include funds for an alternative school. He clarified that the County does not line item the schools budget. He does not personally endorse the concept of charter schools but the state has given no freedom of choice for funding charter schools. He asked for a list of funding resources and amounts that the schools receive and where it is spent. The decision on how the schools spend their money is entirely up to the school board. Commissioner Brown made reference to the joint effort of the governing boards on small area planning for the Carrboro Northern Transition area and said that the session went extremely well. They were able to identify the problems and come up with solutions for most concerns stated. She will present architectural drawings for the Skills Development Center at the next regular meeting. Mr. Reimer made comments about the rabies epidemic. He outlined the recommendations from the advisory committee. He noted that both Chapel Hill and Carrboro have their own ordinances. Commissioner Gordon asked that people be notified if some rabies-related incident happens in their neighborhood. Mr. Reimer summarized the reporting process and protocol they follow. The County Commissioners agreed that free vaccinations should be available. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT - NONE 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS A. PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP WEEK A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve this proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP WEEK WHEREAS, homeownership strengthens families, builds communities and promotes personal well- being; and WHEREAS, Orange County is actively engaged in increasing homeownership opportunities for its citizens; and WHEREAS, Orange County has used its federal HOME and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) resources, as well as local government resources, to further these efforts to provide new affordable homeownership opportunities; and WHEREAS, non-profit organizations throughout Orange County, including Orange Community Housing Corporation, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, Inc. EmPOWERment, Inc., Knolls Neighborhood Development Association, and Joint Orange Chatham Community Action Agency, are actively engaged in increasing homeownership opportunities; and WHEREAS, the partnership between local government and non-profit organizations has provided opportunities for homeownership who otherwise could not afford to own a home in Orange County; and WHEREAS, President Clinton and the National partners in Homeownership, spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Housing and urban Development, seeking to increase the national homeownership rate to 67.5% by the year 2000, has declared the week of June 7-14, 1997 as "National Homeownership Week." NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County does hereby proclaim June 7-14, 1997, to be "Homeownership Week", and call upon the people of Orange County to recognize this special week. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION FOR ANNE C. BARNES A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the Resolution of Commendation for Anne C. Barnes as corrected and stated below: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION For Anne C. Barnes WHEREAS, the Honorable Anne C. Barnes was elected by the citizens of Orange County to serve as a county conrunissioner in November, 1978 and served until December 15, 1981 at which time she was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives where she served with distinction from 1981 until 1996, and WHEREAS, while an Orange County Commissioner, she gave freely of her time and energy with her service to the board, the Council on Aging, the Agricultural Task Force, the CETA Advisory Council and the Board of Social Services; and WHEREAS, in December, 1980, she was elected by her fellow commissioners to serve as chair of the board, the first woman to serve the Orange County Board of Commissioners in this capacity, and WHEREAS, throughout her 15-year career in the North Carolina. House of Representatives, Anne Barnes earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and constituents, serving as chair of the Education Committee and Education Oversight Committee; and WHEREAS, during her 27 years of service to Orange County and the State of North Carolina, Anne Barnes has demonstrated selfless devotion to, patient understanding of, and a unique insight into the concerns of the citizens she serves, and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners, acting on behalf of the citizens of Orange County, hereby expresses to Anne C. Barnes its sincere gratitude and deep appreciation for nearly three decades of public service; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be presented to Representative Barnes, to the press, and that the resolution shall become a part of the minutes of this meeting, this second day of June, 1997. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. RESOLUTION - TASK FORCE REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF A_ SOLID WASTE RECYCLING, REUSING, AND MARKET-BASED ECONOMY A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the resolution as stated below and to appoint Commissioner Brown and Commissioner Halkiotis to serve on this Task Force. ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS A JOINT RESOLUTION REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF A CITIZENS7ELECTED OFFICIALS' TASK FORCE TO RESEARCH AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF A SOLID WASTE RECYCLING, REUSING AND REPAIRING MARKET-BASED ECONOMY BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners endorses the establishment of a citizens'/elected officials' task force to research and make recommendations regarding development of a solid waste recycling, reusing, repairing market-based economy. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners further endorses approaching the City of Durham and Durham County to join Orange County governments in this effort. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby appoints Commissioners Brown and Halkiotis to a small committee of elected officials, which shall meet as a public body to further develop a proposed charge and process for such a task force. The Chair of the Landfill owners' Group is authorized to convene the latter committee's first meeting. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS -NONE 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: A. APPOINTMENTS This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. B. MINUTES The Board approved the minutes for April 17, 1997 as presented. C. APPOINTMENT OF TAX ASSESSOR This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. D. APPOINTMENT OF TAX COLLECTOR This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. E. LEASE RENEWAL - DICKSON HOUSE The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a lease with the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce for space located at the Dickson House, at a rate of $8 per square foot of occupied space through June 30, 1999. F. BUDGET AMENDMENT #9 The Board approved the follow budget amendment: EMERGENCY TELEPHONE FUND Source - Fund Balance $ 125,590 Source - Subscriber Fees 316,200 Source - Interest on Investments 7,500 Appropriation - Public Safety $ 449,290 G. CLASSIFICATION PLAN AMENDMENT - GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) MAPPING This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. H. COMMUNITY BASED PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVE C{ BPHI) PHASE II GRANT This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. 1. HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE BLOCK GRANT This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. J. RENEWAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN OCHD AND JOCCA The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a Renewal Agreement between the Orange County Health Department and the Joint Orange-Chatham Community Action Agency for the purpose of supporting the goals of the Kellogg Foundation Community Based Public Health Initiative project in Orange County. K. EFLAND ESTATES DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. L. RENEWAL OF INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT ON HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the renewal of an interlocal agreement for the disposal of household hazardous waste between Orange County and Triangle J Council of Governments, the administrators of the program. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA C. APPOINTMENT OF TAX ASSESSOR D. APPOINTMENT OF TAX COLLECTOR John Smith and Ginger Rolfe were commended for a job well done. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to reappoint John Smith, Jr. as Orange County tax Assessor and to reappoint Ginger Rolfe as Orange County Tax Collector for a period of two years, effective July 1, 1997. VOTE: UNANIMOUS G. CLASSIFICATION PLAN AMENDMENT _ GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) MAPPING Personnel Director Elaine Holmes explained this amendment. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to (1) establish the new class of GIS Mapper II at Salary Grade 66 ($25,928 - $41,226) and (2) establish the new class of GIS Assistant at Salary Grade 63 ($22,398 - $35,615) VOTE: UNANIMOUS H. COMMUNITY BASED PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVE CBPHI PHASE II GRANT A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign an agreement between the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the Orange County Health Department to fund the Community Based Public Health Initiative for a fifth year from October 1, 1996 through September 30, 1997. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 1. HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE BLOCK GRANT A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the 1997-98 Home and Community Care Block Grant Funding Plan. VOTE: UNANIMOUS K. EFLAND ESTATES DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT Tara Fikes, Director of Housing and Community Development said that this project is located off of Richmond Road north of the Efland Cheeks Community Center. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the Development Agreement with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, North Carolina and authorize the Chair to sign the document on behalf of the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS APPOINTMENTS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA A. APPOINTMENTS A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the appointments as stated below: Agricultural District Advisory Board Elizabeth Walters for a term ending June 30, 2000 Chris Hogan for a term ending June 30, 2000. Robert Strayhorn for a term ending June 30, 2000 Historic Preservation Commission Patricia Samford for a term ending June 30, 2000 Orange County Arts Commission Tom Waldrop for a term ending March 31, 2000 Carolyn Leith for a term ending March 31, 2000 Human Relations Commission James Spivey for a term ending December 31, 1997 Patricia Casper for a term ending December 31, 1998 Robin Smith for a term ending December 31, 1997 Rosalyn Gurnell for a term ending December 31, 1997 Linda Brooks for a term ending December 31, 1999 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA A. STONEY CREEK BASIN SMALL AREA PLAN IMPLEMENTATION The Board considered adopting proposed amendments to the Land use Element of the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Atlas, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations for implementation of the Stoney Creek Basin Small Area Plan. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the proposed amendments as presented at public hearing on February 24, 1997. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. 1996-97 AUDIT PROPOSAL AND CONTRACT A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to award the audit contract for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1997 to Deloitte & Touche, LLP, in an amount not to exceed $56,300 and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. RECOGNIZING HEROISM POLICY The County Commissioners considered a revised policy for recognizing heroism. They decided to maintain the language in the present policy and incorporate it into the new policy. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the revised policy including incorporating the language from the present policy in the revised policy. VOTE: UNANIMOUS D. MEMBERSHIP TO THE GREATER TRIANGLE REGIONAL COUNCIL The Board considered whether or not to continue their membership to the Greater Triangle Regional Council. A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve a contribution of $1,000 to this Council. VOTE: AYES, 2; NOS, 3 (Commissioners Brown, Gordon and Halkiotis) E. BID AWARD - PUBLIC WORKS PAVING PROJECT A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to award a bid and approve a contract, contingent upon Attorney and Staff review, to Blythe Construction, Inc. for paving pursuant to Alternate #3 in the bid submitted April 29, 1997, in an amount not to exceed $176,800 and to authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS F. RIVER PARK As a member of the work group associated with this River Park, Chair Crowther made this presentation, utilizing the map of the park site. He said that they have worked with many groups in developing this proposal. The concept plan addresses previous concerns about the amount of acreage for the park and the appraised value of this area which the County will continue to own. The agenda abstract addresses the concern about additional parking for County use. On June 14, the Occoneechee Tribe plans to do aground blessing. The tribe will provide all funding for the Indian Village. He asked that this be made a part of the County's master park plan. John Link said that the lower part of the parking lot floods once every two years. He indicated this on the map of the park site. Commissioner Halkiotis expressed a concern about the pavilion being under water. John Link said that the 100 foot flood should not approach the area where the pavilion will be located. A motion was made by Chair Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the use of County land located south and east of the new County Courthouse as shown on the map, as a park site. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Their was a consensus of the Board to request that the working group pursue negotiating with the Town of Hillsborough an agreement that, as the County allows this County property to be developed as a park, Hillsborough commits to some reasonable requirements for parking, particularly in the event that the County may need to expand the courthouse on the eastern footprint on Margaret Lane. Specifically, the County does not want to have to build a parking deck or cut trees to meet the parking requirements if future expansion of the Courthouse becomes necessary. G. LEASE RENEWAL -STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA TOWER SITE ON ENO MOUNTAIN Since 1947 the County has leased the property at the top of Eno Mountain to the State of North Carolina as the location for a communications tower as well as a forestry fire tower. The State has expressed a desire to renew the lease for forty (40) years for the communications tower site only, effective July 1, 1997. Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to find out if there is space on this tower for additional communications that would be used by the Triangle Transit Authority or if the TTA has any other interest in this proposal. She will ask their executive director to let her know if the TTA has a use for space on this tower or other requests. Purchasing Director Pam Jones will contact the state about this possibility. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to table this item and bring it back to a meeting later this month. VOTE: UNANIMOUS H. VOTING DELEGATE FOR THE 1997 NACo ANNUAL CONFERENCE A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to nominate Commissioner Carey as the voting delegate for the 1997 NACo Annual Conference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 10. REPORTS A. EFLAND CHEEKS COMMUNITY SCHOOL PARK On June 3, 1996 the Board adopted a resolution establishing the Efland-Cheeks Community School Park Task Force and authorizing this group to develop a comprehensive plan for design for a park. On February 3, 1997, the Board approved an agreement with Woolpert, a park planning firm, to design the proposed park. Although the firm has designed a comprehensive plan for the park, implementation can be completed in phases as funds are available. The first phase would cost $600,000 and phase II would cost $1.7 million. This report was presented by members of the work group with comments from the planning firm who designed the proposed park. The Task Force presented a check for $2,000 to the Recreation and Parks Director Bob Jones which was donated by the Efland Cheeks PTO and citizens in that area to be used for this park. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to commend the members of this task force for all their hard work and initiative and to receive this report as information. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 11. APPOINTMENTS A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to appoint Bill Strom to the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors for a term ending June 30, 2000. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 12. MINUTES - NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE. AUTHORITY: G.S. SECTIONS 143-318.11(A)(3) (10:20-) A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to go into Closed Session by authority of G.S. Sections 143-318(A)(3). VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Chair Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reconvene into regular session. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to consider, Chair Crowther adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on June 3, 1997 for a public hearing on the 1997-98 Manager's proposed budget. This meeting will be held at the OWASA community meeting room, 400 Jones Ferry Road in Carrboro, North Carolina beginning at 7:30 p.m. William L. Crowther, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk