HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 199706162
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APPROVED MARCH 4, 1998
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BUDGET WORK SESSION
JUNE 16, 1997
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, June 16, 1997 at
5:30 p.m. at the Homestead Community Center in Chapel Hill , 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 (5) YEARS.
PLANNED NOVEMBER 1997 BOND REFERENDUM
The County Commissioners discussed and provided direction to staff on the elements, size and scope
of the planned November 1997 bond referendum. The members of the Capital Needs Task Force were
commended for giving their time and effort to this project.
Commissioner Carey presented a plan for the bond package in which he tried to incorporate as much
of the recommendation as he could and reduce the size of the bond package. Totals for each category are
listed below:
Chapel Hill/Carrboro Schools $ 24,737,720
Orange County Schools $ 12,262,280
Parks $ 3,900,000
Senior Centers $ 2,112,500
Efland Sewer Expansion $ 1,200,000
Renovations - Whitted Human Services Center $ 1,000,000
Renovations - Northern Human Services Center $ 1,000,000
TOTAL BOND PACKAGE $ 46,212,500
Commissioner Carey summarized the differences between his recommendation and the
recommendation from the Task Force.
Commissioner Halkiotis said that as a member of the Task Force, he respects all the work put into
their recommendation and therefore endorses the $61 million amount for the bond issue. He feels this
clearly will meet the needs of both school systems and other identified County needs.
Commissioner Carey asked for additional information on what would be included in the renovations to
48 the Whitted Human Services Center and the Northern Center.
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50 The County Commissioners discussed capacity figures for East Chapel Hill High School. The
51 capacity at the present time is 1,020 and the enrollment is 629 this year with an expected enrollment for
52 1997-98 of 816.
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54 It was noted that the developers of Meadowmont have agreed to give to the school system an
55 additional six acres for a middle school. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board members indicated they
56 plan to meet with the developers next Thursday to finalize that offer.
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Commissioner Halkiotis emphasized his desire to not set an amount for building each school but to
set a range to work within -- like $16 - $22 million for a middle school.
John Link made reference to his June 3 memo. He noted that the board needs to establish a notice
of intent which is the broadest referendum they could pursue using the maximum amount of money they will
consider in November. After doing that, the Commissioners cannot expand the scope of the programs or the
amount. On August 4 they need to adopt the bond order and have a public hearing on Aug. 20. After that
public hearing on the 20th they can revise the numbers and narrow the functions they want on the
referendum.
Commissioner Gordon asked about the site development cost for Meadowmont. Assistant
Superintendent Chet Pryor said that on the original plan the projected cost was $1.1 million. On the second
plan, costs were $1,150,000 and the third plan which includes the relocation of the ball fields to the west and
filling a pond would cost $1,250,000. The cost of the land being given to the school system would be
between $1 and $2 million.
Commissioner Gordon asked for additional information on all the projects which would be included in
the bond package.
Commissioner Brown said that the members of the task force have an advantage because all the
projects were reviewed in detail and the recommendation gone over many times. She supports the
recommendation made by the Task Force. Chair Crowther expressed agreement with the Task Force's
recommendation.
Commissioner Brown asked about East Chapel Hill High School and the 3 million dollars that was
added to the Task Force proposal. She was told that this will be used for the increased cost of building that
school.
Commissioner Carey clarified that we need to move ahead with coordinated recreational opportunities
to be developed jointly by the towns and the county.
John Link listed the information he would provide to the County Commissioners which will help them
with their decision on the amount of the bond referendum.
There was a consensus that the size of the bond referendum would not exceed $62 million.
COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon. seconded by Commissioner Brown to establish a
Commission for the Environment to advise the Board of County Commissioners on matters affecting the
environment, with particular emphasis on environmental protection, as outlined in the agenda.
VOTE: AYES, 4; NOS, 1 (Chair Crowther)
Chair Crowther said that he is still convinced that the number of boards and commissions are
46 excessive and feels that most of the items listed in the charge are covered by other boards and commissions
47 except for air quality which could be covered by the EPA.
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50 MEADOWMONT SCHOOL SITE
51 Commissioner Gordon said that the Chapel Hill Town Council will consider the conditions for the
52 Special Use Permit on June 23 with a vote on July 2.
53 Chair Crowther suggested that the County Commissioners send a letter stating their position on the
54 site for the school.
55 Commissioner Carey said that, based on what he saw in the newspaper with the developer agreeing
56 to give additional acreage and move the ball fields to higher grounds, he feels we need to support the site so
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that the schools can begin to work specifically on plans and the town will know we support moving
ahead on this site. The letter will emphasize the Board's desire to have the school building itself located in
Orange County.
Commissioner Brown said she does have a concern about the Resource Conservation District. She
is reluctant to encourage more development in the RCD. She asked that as little as possible be disturbed.
Commissioner Gordon said that it is important to remember that the school board has the
responsibility to choose the site and it is the Board of County Commissioners responsibility to fund the
schools. We all want the best for the citizens of Orange County.
Mark Royster, Chair of the Chapel Hill Carrboro School Board said they will be focusing on designing
the school so it can all be in Orange County.
There was a consensus to move forward.
EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION
Personnel Director Elaine Holmes outlined the present plan and the proposed plan.
Commissioner Carey presented a different payplan changing the career growth and the performance
award. Discussion ensued with questions being answered by staff about the number of employees receiving
performance awards. During the past year 75% of staff (who were eligible for awards) received performance
awards.
Commissioner Halkiotis asked to see before next week an example of what an actual employee would
receive at the upper end and at the lower end -- what their total package will look like at the end of the year.
Ms. Holmes said that the turnover rate is 13%. This contributes to the high morale problems and low
productivity in many areas. She feels the career growth is important in an effort to raise morale and
productivity.
John Link said that this has been presented as a package to address several issues. Most
employees want to know that they are appreciated and moving up the ladder in a permanent way. With this
new system, there will be fewer people getting bonuses.
Commissioner Carey feels the career growth shows the appreciation for a commitment to the county.
Commissioner Gordon said that she feels that what you are rewarding is longevity rather than directly
rewarding performance.
This will be further discussed at the next budget work session.
Director Pam Jones summarized the information in the agenda. The County is obligated
to pay the lease at the Galleria until 2001.
Commissioner Gordon asked about building a senior citizen center on land at the Chapel Hill
Community Center. She suggested talking about this possibility with the seniors and the town of Chapel Hill.
Commissioner Halkiotis said that the SportsPlex has had discussions about locating a senior citizen
center at that facility or adjacent to that facility.
John Link will followup on the two suggestions stated above.
Public Works Director Wilbert McAdoo explained that the electrical position he is requesting will be
wiring computers and installing lines and equipment. The County has no licensed electrician on its staff.
John Link explained that they plan to contract out the mowing of the grass.
Commissioner Halkiotis asked about the custodian in the jail and Mr. McAdoo said that this would be
a Sheriff's employee.
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Social Services Director Marti Pryor Cook explained her request for four new positions. Two of these
positions will be funded with lapsed salaries. She is requesting funds for the other two positions with the
understanding that they will be subsidized with state and federal funds that may be available through
reimbursements. Ms. Cook said that they have seen a tremendous growth in the number of children who
need child protection services for child abuse and neglect. She feels this will increase in the next five to six
years. She answered various questions from the County Commissioners.
The Board will discuss the Information Systems request for one additional position on Thursday
evening. There are presently 6.6 positions in that department.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further items to be considered, Chair Crowther adjourned the meeting. The next budget work
session will be held on Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Homestead Community Center in Chapel Hill,
North Carolina.
William L. Crowther, Chair
Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk