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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19970820APPROVED 12/16/97 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 20, 1997 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, August 20, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel Hill Town Council Chambers 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 u YEARS. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Commissioner Carey asked about the status of the small business loan program and was told it would be an item on the next agenda. The Board added as item 5b a proclamation for voluntary water conservation restrictions applicable to users of water from the public water system supplied by the Orange Alamance Water System, Inc. and the Town of Hillsborough. They added after the public hearing on the Bond Referendum a resolution of intent to create a bond education committee. A special presentation was added to item six. 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 at this time. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Halkiotis congratulated Moses Carey, Jr. for being honored by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners as the County Commissioner of the year for North Carolina. Commissioner Halkiotis was disappointed to read that the citizens of Orange County do not have a license tag office at University Mall or at another location in the County. He hopes that this situation improves soon. He made reference to a letter from Ann Joyner about the carcass of an animal that may be rabid and asked that the County review its policy in this regard. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he has received calls from citizens who live in Cornwallis Hills expressing concerns about the burning of brush from that development. He feels that we need to show people how they can be environmentally sensitive. Commissioner Halkiotis distributed a job description for a facility project manager and said that he hopes the County will look at this as a possibility. The Raleigh-Durham area has been highlighted as a hot spot for growth which has increased the need for additional schools. He suggested looking at how more of this growth can help pay for schools and the furnishings for those schools. Commissioner Gordon noted that the Board of Transportation (BOT) voted to add to the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) a project that no one knew about. At the Durham-Chapel Hill- Carrboro metropolitan Planning Organization meeting last week, they passed a unanimous motion to send a letter to the Board of Transportation asking them for an explanation concerning the Mt. Carmel Church Road feasibility study. They have many other projects which have higher priority than the item the Board of Transportation added. Commissioner Brown asked that the County Commissioners continue to be involved in the process for the small area plan for the transition area north of Carrboro.' The process is complete and a preliminary plan was given to the Carrboro Board of Aldermen last evening. She volunteered to serve on any further committees that Carrboro may suggest so we can continue our involvement in that area. Chair Crowther noted that an application for bus service to the new Southern Human Services Building needs to be sent to Chapel Hill . 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT - NONE 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS A. PROCLAMATION FOR WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve the proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, August 26, 1997 commemorates women winning the right to vote in 1920 and recognizes the continuing efforts toward full equality for women; and WHEREAS, the Orange County Commission for Women, which advocates to improve the lives and promote the status of women in Orange County, has just celebrated a successful year of programming around women's issues; and WHEREAS, that status continues to be unequal; NOW THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims Monday, August 26 as Women's Equality Day in commemoration of the suffrage victory, and hereby urges women and all citizens to exercise their right to vote, and commends the Commission for Women for its continuing efforts towards full equality for all women. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ADDED ITEM B. WATER CONSERVATION FOR ORANGE-ALAMANCE AND TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the proclamation as stated below: PUBLIC PROCLAMATION REGARDING USE OF WATER OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM SUPPLIED BY THE ORANGE-ALAMANCE WATER SYSTEM, INC. AND THE TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH AND FROM ANY RAW WATER SUPPLY WITHIN ORANGE COUNTY USED BY THE ORANGE-ALAMANCE WATER SYSTEM, INC. AND THE TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH Pursuant to the provisions of the ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CONSERVATION OF WATER DURING A WATER SHORTAGE, RESTRICTING THE USE OF WATER AND WATER WITHDRAWALS, AND ALLOCATING AUGMENTED STREAMFLOW FROM RESERVOIRS, I, William Crowther., Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, having been provided with information that the water level of Lake Orange is more than two feet, below full, do hereby issue this PUBLIC PROCLAMATION declaring to all persons that a stage II water shortage ALERT is now in effect applicable to users of water from the public water system supplied by the Orange Alamance Water System, Inc. and Town of Hillsborough and from any raw water supply within Orange County used by the Orange-Alamance Water System, Inc. and the Town of Hillsborough. The following voluntary water conservation restrictions are now applicable: 1. Use shower for bathing rather than bathtub and limit shower to no more than four (4) minutes. 2. Limit flushing of toilets by multiple usage. 3. Do not leave faucets running while shaving or rinsing dishes. 4. Limit use of clothes washers and dishwashers and when used, operate fully loaded. 5. Limit lawn watering to that which is necessary for plants to survive. 6. Water shrubbery the minimum required, reusing household water when possible. 7. Limit car washing to the minimum. 8. Do not wash down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, etc. 9. Install water flow restrictive devices in shower heads. 10. Use disposable and biodegradable dishes. 11. Install water saving devices such as bricks, plastic bottles or commercial units in toilet tanks. 12. Limit hours of operation of water-cooled air conditioners. This proclamation, and the voluntary conservation restrictions imposed pursuant to it, shall be in effect until the Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CONSERVATION OF WATER DURING A WATER SHORTAGE, RESTRICTING THE USE OF WATER WITHDRAWALS, AND ALLOCATING AUGMENTED STREAMFLOW FROM RESERVOIRS" is amended or repealed or until the Chair by Public Proclamation, declares that the Stage II Water Shortage ALERT is over. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS SPECIAL PRESENTATION TO COMMISSIONER MOSES CAREY, JR. Chair Crowther presented to Commissioner Carey a certificate from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners in honor of him being selected as the County Commissioner of the year. Clerk Beverly Blythe presented a plaque to Commissioner Carey from the County employees in honor of his recognition as the North Carolina County Commissioner of the year. A. PRESENTATION - CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING The County Commissioners recognized Finance Director Ken Chavious and his staff for again being honored by the Government Finance Officers' Association Certificate of Achievement. Orange County has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement each year since 1982. B. AGE AND OTHER COMPARATIVE INFORMATION ON SCHOOL FACILITIES Commissioner Gordon presented information for both school districts on school facilities and the age of each facility. She noted that the charts she presented showed that the age range for schools appears comparable in the two systems, with a similar number of buildings constructed in each decade. Thus there is no apparent discrepancy in the average age of the facilities in the two systems. She also pointed out that there is a great range in the age of existing schools within each school system. She feels we need to focus on the needs in both school systems by looking at the existing facilities and working to upgrade all the schools. The charts she presented are attached to these minutes on pages Commissioner Carey noted that there were no new middle or secondary schools built for two decades and no new schools built in the 1980's. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. PUBLIC HEARING -NOVEMBER 4 ,1997 BOND REFERENDUM The County Commissioners conducted a public hearing to receive citizen comments on the planned November 4, 1997 bond referendum. The five bond orders were presented at the August 4, 1997 Board of County Commissioners meeting. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR CITIZEN COMMENTS David Hunt spoke in support of the school bond issue. He asked that the renovation money be allocated as recommended by the Task Force. Peggy Politzer spoke in support of the low income housing bond. She said that a lot of people come to the Interfaith Council for help with rent. The average cost for a 2-bedroom apartment is $747 which is a major hardship for most people. She feels that there is an urgent need for more units with subsidies to make them affordable. There is a desperate need to build new units and renovate old units so as to make it affordable for anyone who wants to live here. She encouraged the Board of County Commissioners to include the proposed $1.8 m in the bond issue to start addressing the needs of low and moderate income families. She asked all those who support this to stand and 22 people stood in support of the housing bond issue. Linda Mews questioned why the County is faced with a $60.6 million bond issue. She noted that there was a statewide school bond referendum which passed last November which is supposed to help with school needs. She feels that the County Commissioners are relying on the recommendation from a Capital Needs Task Force which will ultimately determine what thousands of people will pay for in future years. She said that pouring more money into East Chapel Hill High School is disgraceful with the building being more important than the learning. She feels that a senior center needs to be centrally located and she favors renting over buying. She asked that the County Commissioners please reduce the bond amount and stop dumping on the taxpayers. Patrick Mulkey, resident of Bingham Township and Vice-chair of the Capital Needs Task Force, spoke in support of the parks and recreation bond. He has reviewed the master recreation plan and notice that the County has only spent a small amount of money on recreation and park facilities. He noted that there is land owned by OWASA that could be used for schools and also for parks and recreation. He feels that all recreation departments need to work together for parks and recreation. Passage of this bond will make these dreams become a reality. As chairman of the recreation and Parks Council, he asked that members of the board stand and he noted that they stand ready to promote this bond. Benny Cecil, representing the people of Efland, noted that there is a great need for sewage disposal for many homes in the Efland area. He noted that people have sewage standing in their yards because of poor soils. Any amount of money will be appreciated and used to expand the Efland system. Tommy Gardner, Chairman of Tax Watch, noted that last September the County Commissioners voted unanimously to put a $40 million bond before the people with no increase in taxes. Many people voted for the state bond issue with the belief that it was being matched with this $40 million bond issue. Orange County is now being asked to support a $60.6 million bond issue. All this follows a major property revaluation. He feels that spending $36 million for East Chapel Hill High School is too much. He feels that people need to learn to live within their needs and that special interest groups should not dominate the spending. Joe Capowski, member of the Chapel Hill Town Council speaking as a citizen, said that he is concerned because of the questions of equity between the south and the north in the amount of the bond package with more money per capita being spent in the northern part of Orange County. Also, he asked what is being sacrificed so that these projects can be funded if the County is not increasing the tax rate. He knows of other situations where people have sewer problems that need to be corrected. Rita Gray, President of the InterFaith Council, presented a letter from her Board supporting the $1.8 million designated for affordable housing. She listed in her letter some of the projects in which they have been involved in an effort to provide subsidized housing and housing for the elderly and handicapped. They also operate the Community House shelter for homeless individuals and families and supply rent and utility assistance through their loan and grant program. Leo Allison spoke in support of the entire bond issue. In particular, he supports the parks and recreation facilities and the bond for the Efland sewer system. Roy McAdoo spoke in support of the sewer system for Efland. He feels that people need to know what this bond issue will provide so they can understand how many people it will help throughout the County. David Laudicina said that he feels that the bond issue is based on needs. Continued growth means that services must be provided. He feels that this bond issue reflects a balance and encourages the County Commissioners to maintain this balance as they make final decisions. Ann DiGiano spoke on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. She said that they plan to build 50 homes over the next five years. They are now building their 51 st home. She thanked Orange County for their past support. As a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity for five years, she has become increasingly aware of the need for affordable housing. There are 8,600 households who earn half of the median income who are living in substandard housing. The average price of a home is $200,000 which is out of reach for most people. She emphasized the need to have decent safe homes in the reach of all our citizens. They actually need $4 million over the next five years to meet the needs. Since the amount for the bond cannot be increased, they ask that the County allocate from their Capital Improvement Plan $2.2 million over the next four years for affordable housing. Chrishawn Fuller said that he supports the park for the Efland Cheeks School and community for senior citizens and for the children. He said that there are also other programs for which they could use the park. Alice McAdoo spoke in support of the sewer system bond issue for extension of the Efland sewer system. Mark Marcoplos who lives in Western Orange County made reference to an energy efficiency report from a County committee in 1976 and noted that the goals have not been followed. The County has not built schools which are energy efficient. He said that energy efficient buildings would more than offset the additional cost because the materials used would be better. He will not support these bonds unless a performance system is put in place to guarantee that these buildings will be energy efficient. Alison Weiner, member of the Orange Community Housing Corporation, noted that the $1.8 million could be used to purchase land, secure second mortgages and build rental housing developments. She asked that the County amend their current budget to allow an additional $2.2 million for these projects and that the County Commissioners hold affordable housing as a high priority for the County. Marty Mandell said that this bond has something for everyone in it. She feels the bond for parks is very important. The plan that has been developed by the Efland Cheeks community is something to be proud of and she supports the bond so that land can be purchased for future parks. She feels that bonds are a good thing. It allows the public to decide on what they want. Passage of these bonds does not mean an instant tax increase because the bonds will be sold over the next few years. She said that the County has a triple bond rating and a solid financial picture. She congratulated the County Commissioners on presenting a solid plan. John Prysock spoke in support of the bond issue for the Efland sewer. He feels that this will help clean the water that flows into the Neuse Basin. He asked that the County Commissioners allow those properties that have lines running in front of their property to tie onto the line. David Thaden spoke in support of the school bonds. He spoke specifically about phase 2 of East Chapel Hill High School and the $3 million allocated for that project. He said that this money would help finish the auditorium as well as the athletic fields. He invited the County Commissioners to walk East Chapel Hill High with him to see the facility. Tim Williams urged support for the entire bond package. He feels that having safe and affordable housing is a definite need for those with mental illnesses. There are many citizens with mental illness who need affordable housing. Kevin Foy spoke in favor of the proposed bond package for Orange County. He feels that with these bonds, the County Commissioners are showing true leadership. Everyone he talks with is concerned with the growth taking place in this community. He feels that the County Commissioners' leadership in proposing these bonds is critical and that everyone needs to take a strong role in shaping the County's future. The affordable housing bond will provide leverage for more money and hope and impetus for creativity among the affordable housing providers. He feels that parks are important and that this money will buy significant portions of land for future parks. Robert Hayes from the Knolls Development Association told about their program of buying dilapidated housing and renovating it to sell to people who cannot afford housing. They support the bond issue for affordable housing and also for schools. Judy Barbee spoke in support of the $1.8 million for affordable housing. She has seen firsthand what can be done in a community. Ann Blanchard, parent of children at East Chapel Hill High School, mentioned that the $3 million in the bond issue will not finish phase 2 at that facility. She said that the cultural arts wing will probably cost that much by itself. She encouraged the County Commissioners to go with the recommendation from the Capital Needs Task Force which includes $3 million for East Chapel Hill High School. Mark Anderson supports the entire bond package because he feels it provides for the County a good vision and provides for balance among all the needs in the County. Pearson Stewart supports all the bond issues. He emphasized that the needs are there. He welcomes the opportunity of those coming after him to join in the payment of the bonds. Orange County is growing and will continue to grow. No one has mentioned stopping that growth. He mentioned Joe Cowposki and feels that Chapel Hill should support the bond issue because it is the right thing to do and it will help their own housing problems. He supports the parks and recreation bond. Runyon Woods, candidate for Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools, strongly supports the bond for affordable housing and the school bonds. There is overcrowding at some of the schools. He hopes the County Commissioners will spend the money as efficiently as possible. Jeff Schmidt spoke in support of the $6 million bond for recreation and parks. He is with the Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association. Although they have been able to include all kids who want to participate in youth activities, they do need additional facilities. Harvey Goldstein said that the school board is in support of the bond issue. Because they have had to spend most of their CIP money on new schools, renovation needs have not been met. He made reference to the $3 million for East Chapel Hill High School. He said that their first estimate was based on $98 per square foot which they quickly realized was low. Because of all the construction going on in this area, the costs are $120 to $141 per square foot. He asked that this funding be included in the bond as well as the other funding that will serve this community well for the next 60 years. Maxine Mitchell and Harvey Reed spoke representing the group called EmPowerment. Ms. Mitchell said that she supports the $1.8 million for affordable housing. These bond monies will provide opportunity for many of their friends and neighbors. Harvey Reid said that he feels that allowing people to own a home is actually an investment for Orange County. John Pringle, resident of Efland, teacher and parent, spoke in support of the bond for the Efland Cheeks Community Park. Rick Kennedy, Orange County School Board member, speaking as one board member and a parent said that we have momentum and direction and are coming of age. Growth is going to happen no matter what. He feels that the best decision is one for now and the future and that the opportunity is now. The Orange County school board voted 7 - 0 for the bond. Jennifer Miller and husband Bob Hall have lived in Orange County for twenty years. She supports the bond issue and said that parks make a community a better place to live. She thanked the County Commissioners for providing the citizens with a vision through the parks budget. If the County Commissioners make growth management a priority they will not have to build new schools. Kendall Abernathy, resident of Hillsborough, said that she fully supports the school bond issue and asked that the County Commissioners listen to the task force recommendation. She emphasized that the renovation needs of Orange County schools are real. She asked that the County Commissioners please support the bond package. Joe Saponaro is a board member with Habitat for Humanity. He shared some personal experiences with the process of selecting families for a habitat home and asked that the County Commissioners fully support the affordable housing bond package. Carol dePaul said that she just moved back to the area last week. She supports all the bonds and in particular the recreation and parks bond. Livy Ludington spoke in support of the bond package and everything on it. She spoke specifically about schools and parks. It has become painfully clear that growth does not pay for itself. We are growing so quickly that residential houses become expensive and schools become overcrowded. Parks do create a sense of community. The concrete is balanced out with more open space. Lee Rafalow lives in central Orange County. He said that he generally supports the bond. He has some concerns about the cost effectiveness of the money. He feels that the bond should not be subsidizing growth. END OF CITIZEN COMMENT DESIGNATION OF BOND EDUCATION COMMITTEE A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve a resolution of intent to create a bond education committee as stated below: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO CREATE A BOND EDUCATION COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has appointed a Bond Education Committee in connection with both the November 1988 and November 1992 bond referenda, and WHEREAS, these committees proved extremely useful in providing voters with relevant, factual information about the capital needs that led to each bond referendum, and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners has scheduled a $60.6 million bond referendum in conjunction with the November 4, 1997 elections; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby indicate its intent to create a Bond Education Committee to assist in public information efforts related to the November 1997 bond referendum, with the structure, formal charge, and chair or co-chair appointments to be approved at the Board's regular meeting on September 2, 1997. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: A. APPOINTMENTS The following appointments were approved: Emergency Management Services Advisory Council Doug Noell and Ray DeFriess were reappointed for a term ending June 30, 1999. Workplace Development Board Lynn P. Moody was appointed for an unexpired term ending June 30, 1998. Advisory Board on Aging Virginia s. Copparella was appointed for a term ending June 30, 2000. Board of Health Barry Lynn Adler, Richard Marinshaw and Brenda Crowder-Gaines were reappointed for a term ending June 30, 2000. Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Carol Nelson and Vivian Sutphin were appointed for a term ending August 31, 1998. Human Services Advisory Commission Herschel H. Slater was appointed for an unexpired term ending March 31, 2000 Nursinq Home Community Advisory Committee Barbara S. Ording and Deborah Linn Kinert were appointed for a term ending August 31, 1998. Julian H. Raney was appointed for an unexpired term ending October 15, 1997. Triangle J EMS Advisory Council Victor Germino and Derek Chrisco were reappointed for a term ending June 30, 1999. Youth Services Needs Task Force C. Mercedes Hernandez-Pelletier was appointed for an unexpired term ending September 30, 1998. Joyce Holmes and Angenette McAdoo were appointed for unexpired terms ending September 30, 1997. Orange County Board of Adiustment Tony Whitaker and Lynn Cox were reappointed for a term ending June 30, 2000. Monroe Freeman was appointed as an alternate for a term ending June 30, 2000. Chapel Hill Library Board of Trustees Barbara Dewey was appointed to represent the Hyconeechee Regional Library Board of Trustees. B. ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT - EDD DESIGN MANUAL -WATER SUPPLY AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL The Board approved an amendment to update information related to water supply and sewage disposal in the 1-40/Old North Carolina 86 Economic Development District (EDD). C. TRIANGLE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATION SHAPING ORANGE COUNTY'S FUTURE This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. D. CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE - EAST CHAPEL HILL HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION The County Commissioners approved a capital project ordinance for the East Chapel Hill High School addition project as stated below: Revenue State of North Carolina School bonds $ 10,995,840 Impact Fees 804,160 Appropriation East Chapel Hill High School Addition $ 11,800,000 E. ORANGE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT RENEWAL This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. F. ELDERLY AND DISABLED TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the Certified Statement of participation in the NCDOT Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program. The allocation for Orange County is $32,861. G. PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS Name Account Nbr. Amount Refunded Randall Ames Brown B59420 $ 14.80 Wachovia Auto Leasing Co. of NC E8187 450.89 Mitsubishi Motors Credit of America B67263 279.77 Mitsubishi Motors Credit of America C74387 255.16 Cuddington William Henry E407 75.00 John William Spitzer C30608 53.68 John William Spitzer D24422 5440 Gulnara Trauco D75159 339.42 H. PROPERTY TAX RELEASES The County Commissioners approved the releases as presented and as attached to these minutes on pages ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA C. TRIANGLE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATION SHAPING ORANGE COUNTY'S FUTURE The County Commissioners considered a grant application to the Triangle Community Foundation for the Shaping Orange County's Future project. Planner David Stancil said that the work would be done by the Planning Staff including himself and the person funded by all three jurisdictions. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the submission of the grant application on behalf of the Shaping Orange County's Future project. VOTE: UNANIMOUS E. Orange PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT RENEWAL Commissioner Gordon asked if the Triangle Transit Authority could help provide transportation funding or passenger vans. John Link said that he will meet with the TTA Director and pursue this effort. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the FY97-98 OPT Agreements for Vehicle Lease, Driver Assignments, and Taxi providers with the human service agencies and taxi firms. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA A. COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION LOAN FUND A community Revitalization Loan Fund was created in the 1997-98 Orange County HOME Consortium program designed to provide funds to assist low/moderate income families purchase existing housing. This was done in direct response to citizen comments received during the development stage of the program design. Funds can be used for acquiring property, rehabilitating the property, and/or obtaining second mortgage assistance. A total of $60,000 has been allocated for this program this year. This item was postponed until the August 25, 1997 meeting. B. MILL POINTE SUBDIVISION, PHASES 3-7 PRELIMINARY PLAN The property is located on the east side of Mill Creek road at the Cedar Grove-Cheeks Township line between High Rock Road and Charlie's Dead End Road. The tract is 119.68 acres with 59 lot proposed. This item was postponed until the August 25, 1997 meeting. C. NC DOT'S PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO HOMESTEAD ROAD The County Commissioners were to consider information that may change the design and construction schedule of planned improvements to Homestead Road. This item was postponed until the August 25, 1997 meeting. D. SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY POLICY FOR SCHOOL FACILITY FUNDING Commissioner Gordon was to present information on establishing a school funding policy that would state that all schools in Orange County, whether new or existing, should meet the basic standards established for new schools or be substantially equivalent. This item was postponed until the August 25, 1997 meeting. 10. REPORTS -NONE 11. APPOINTMENTS A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the following appointments to the Strategic Automation Committee: Russ Goff - Wake County MIS Director Joel Dunn - UNC-CH director of Administrative Information Systems Charles Antle - UNC-CH Administration Information Systems Rebecca Troutmann - North Carolina Association of County Commissioners John Gullo - Institute of Government David Taylor - Orange County Schools Bill Boyarsky Tony Rail John Smith Nancy Feder, Systems Librarian, NIEHS Lee Rafalow, IBM Senior Systems Architect Lisa Bartles, Director of Instructional Technology, Chapel Hill -Carrboro Schools VOTE: UNANIMOUS 12. MINUTES - NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION - NONE 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the County Commissioners to consider, Chair Crowther adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on August 25, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. in Superior Courtroom in Hillsborough, North Carolina. William L. Crowther, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk