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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19980210APPROVED 10120198 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BI-MONTHLY WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 10, 1998 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. in the Judge F. Gordon Battle Courtroom, new County Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Margaret W. Brown and Commissioners William L. Crowther, Alice M. Gordon and Stephen H. Halkiotis. COUNTY COMMISSIONER ABSENT: Moses Carey, Jr. 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. AGENDA 1. REPORTS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS - ORAL PRESENTATIONS A. Agricultural Districts Advisory Board Dolly Hunter, Chair of the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board, made the presentation. She stated that "Our Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program will combine private landowner initiative with financial incentives to preserve greater areas of farmland at far less cost than previously thought possible". For the fiscal year 1998-99, the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board asked the County Commissioners to consider the following recommendations that will help preserve Orange County farms: Recommendation #1: Orange County should allocate $200,000 for a Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements or PACE program. Recommendation #2: Orange County should revise its Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program to create more incentives for farmers to participate in the Voluntary Agricultural Districts program. Recommendation #3: Additional tax relief measures should be adopted that can help improve the financial position of farmers. Recommendation #4: The County should fund Family Land Planning seminars twice annually to inform and educate rural landowners on the potential benefits of conservation easements in estate planning. Recommendation #5: Orange County should establish a Transfer of Development Rights {TDR} program based on a market-driven svstem that is equitable for rural landowners. Chris Hogan, member of the Agricultural Districts Advisory Board, talked about the history of preservation. He feels there has to be an equitable way of initiating programs like TDR, PDR, conservation easements, etc. He hopes that the County moves in this direction, which seems to be the natural way to go. He feels people are willing to pay more in taxes to preserve open space. While there are many issues that still need to be addressed, he feels that the most cost effective way to keep our farmland is to keep the farmers farming. B. Historic Preservation Commission Tom Allison, Chair of the Historic Preservation Program, listed their accomplishments and stated that during the 1998-99 fiscal year, the Historic Preservation Commission will continue recommending historic sites for local landmark designation. To help ensure the program's success, the Commission requests that the County continue its allocation of $10,000 for a Historic Preservation Program Fund during FY 1998-99. They also asked that the County Commissioners support the following two initiatives for FY 1998-99: Develop a National Register nomination for the St. Mary's Road/Indian Trading Path Heritage Corridor. They have applied for a grant which if awarded would require a commitment of $8,000 in matching funds to initiate the project. ? Publish the manuscript of History and Architecture of Orange County. This would require an allocation of $5,000 to be combined with a $5,000 loan from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources and private donation, to publish 1,500 copies of the manuscript. The County's allocation and the loan could be repaid from manuscript sales, and additional proceeds could be reinvested into the Historic Preservation Program. C. Nursing Home Advisory Committee Brian Schulten, co-chair of the Orange County Nursing Home Advisory Committee summarized the responsibilities of this committee. He made reference to the new legislation and asked the County Commissioners to consider an amendment passed by the State's General Assembly last year which allows for the expansion of the number of committee members. They would like to expand their services and therefore ask that the County Commissioners consider adding five members to their Committee. D. Recreation and Parks Advisory Council Patrick Mulkey. Chair of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council made this presentation. He made reference to their goals as outlined in the agenda and listed below: ? to identify possible park sites and prepare for land acquisition ? continue efforts to develop the Efland-Cheeks Community School Park ? to continue and improve cooperation/coordination with the school systems for planning and use of future and existing facilities ? to include in future park site developments and master plan designs bike trails, equestrian trails and pedestrian trails ? to explore the possibility of using land owned by OWASA for parkland ? to reconsider the use of Fairview Park E. Human Relations Commission Quinton Baker, Chair of the Human Relations Commission, said that they deal with many difficult issues. Their work is very important because their efforts try to create an atmosphere of inclusion, fairness, and nondiscrimination. They also want to be in the business of preventing discrimination. These tasks require a lot of effort on the volunteer staff and County staff. They have received 51 complaints about employment discrimination. They also provide assistance to be sure people have adequate housing. Their plan is to develop a review process for next year to evaluate how groups are working together. They would like to be able to reduce the time it takes to resolve an issue, however, their workload continues to increase. They would also like to work with environment where all people can live together. F. Commission for Women businesses to prevent discrimination - to create an Deborah VanDyken, Chair of the Orange County Commission for Women, distributed their final report on the Status of Women in Orange County. She outlined their goals as written in the abstract. She said that they will focus on issues related to welfare reform to help ensure that Orange County women and children have their basic needs met and to support women making transition from welfare to work. Their recommendations are listed below: ? to consider providing funding for Orange County's Work First mentoring program ? to consider dedicated funding for child care subsidies for Work First recipients and families meeting DSS requirements, and support development for evening and night child care programs ? to help provide transportation for Work First recipients ? to help ensure health care coverage for Work First recipients ? to consider additional staff for Child Support Enforcement and Child Support Clerk of Court and more child support "round-ups" ? to consider a policy where child victim of abuse or neglect gets appointed a Guardian Ad Litem ? to consider additional funding for additional staff for KidScope G. Orange County Youth Services Advisory Commission Donnie Phillips, member of the Youth Services Advisory Commission, gave this report. He told about the history of this advisory commission and how their services have expanded into areas beyond the general "at risk" youth and family and has indeed enhanced their ability to address the broader needs of children and families in the community. He asked that the County Commissioners consider the following requests: ? to consider making available 5 to 10 hours per month of staff time from the County Manager's office ? to consider funding emergency care services at Sheaffer house at approximately $80,000 per year to consider funding additional long term and therapeutic group homes for children and adolescents in the County H. Arts Commission Carolyn Leith, Chair of the Orange County Arts Commission, summarized their report. William Neville, member of the Arts Commission said that they have created a data base of 1500 artists and art organizations. They want to expand their web site and look into the possibility of having an on-line catalog of our county artists' work where they would get maybe 5% of the sales price, therefore supporting this activity. He asked that the County Commissioners consider allocating additional funds to promote their presence and increase their effectiveness as the arts information source. They also asked for additional funds so they can give awards more than $1,000. NOTE: The following reports are in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's Office. REPORTS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS -WRITTEN PRESENTATIONS A. Economic Development Commission B. Planning Board C. Arts Commission D. ABC Board E. EMS Advisory Council F. Human Services Transportation Advisory Board G. Advisory Board on Aging H. Adult Care Advisory Commission 1. Natural and Cultural Resources J. Water Resources Committee 2. FOLLOWUP ITEMS FROM DECEMBER 97 GOAL SETTING RETREAT A. Fees/Fines The Board asked that the County examine all fees which have not been increased within the last five years. John Link stated that they intend to look at all fees and in particular the Planning Department fees and bring back a recommendation. Commissioner Halkiotis asked that County staff do a survey of the fees assessed by other counties. Also, he does not feel that there should be a flat fee, no matter how large the project. He suggested that the County charge according to the size of the project, similar to the way they charge for fire inspections. B. Boone Mobile Home Park - Alternative Courses of Action - Deleted 3. SOLID WASTE MATTERS A. Continuation of discussion on January 20, 1998 Staff Report "Solid Waste Disposal and Landfill Community Benefits Issues" 1. Status Report on 14 Community Benefits a. Letter to DOT on Rogers Road Traffic Signs b. Sheriff's Report on Enforcement of Covered Loads Traveling to the Landfill B. New/Additional Information 1. Review of Landfill Reserve Funds - Projected Accumulations and Expenditures 2. Potential Impacts of Blasting for Landfill Cell Construction on Wells and Groundwater 2. Materials Recovery Facility Operations - Cost per Ton 4. Well Water Treatment Systems 5. Joyce Engineering Report on Solid Waste Management Options for the Greene Tract 6. Landfill Closure Costs C. Next Steps 1. Outstanding Questions to be Answered for Board of County Commissioners to Resolve Recommendations for Future Management of Solid Waste (to be developed) a. Draft Interlocal Agreement - Points of Consensus b. Review of Alternative Structures for Solid Waste Management c. Review of Administrative Tasks Associated with Potential Transition from Town to County Solid Waste Oversight d. Disposal Options - Location and Cost (1) New Landfill Site Search? (2) Materials Recovery Facility? (3) Transfer Station? 2. Decisions on Content/Formal of Communication to Municipal Governing Boards (including specific questions to be posed) #14 Recommendations Regarding Mailing of Information The Board agreed that a system needs to be developed for delivering landfill related documents to the neighborhood group and others who have requested this information. #13 Recommendations Regarding Expansion of Landfill The Board clarified that the governing bodies agreed to not place solid waste operations at the Neville Tract. With regards to the Greene Tract, the County Commissioners have never agreed to not locate a landfill operation at this site. Chair Margaret Brown feels they need to look at all areas and the Board agreed to leave their options open on this item. #12 Post-Closure Use of Landfill The Board agreed that locating a park on top of a landfill is not a good idea. Commissioner Gordon stated that she would like to see a park provided closer to where the people are, or development of a northern Chapel Hill park for the region. Gail Wilson did indicate that the outer portion of the landfill could be used as a walking trail and Commissioner Crowther asked to leave that option open. Geoffrey Gledhill noted that the Landfill Owners Group interlocal agreement does not make a commitment to use the landfill as a park, but only suggests that it may be used as a future park site. The Board agreed to add to the Recreation and Parks goals a goal for a small park in this area. #11 Activities Related to Planning Boundaries Commissioner Gordon stated that she feels this is an issue between Chapel Hill and Carrboro. She has no problem if Chapel Hill and Carrboro want to change this boundary. Geoffrey Gledhill noted that this would need to be presented for public hearing at a Joint Planning Area meeting and go through this process. The Board agreed to let this issue go through the Joint Planning Area process and said that they stand ready to do whatever needs to be done to facilitate this process. #10 Re-Routing of Bus Lines Chapel Hill Town Manager Cal Horton said that the funding for this project could be significant. Their Council will need to discuss this issue. #9 Placement of "Children Playing" and School Bus Stop„ Signs Chair Margaret Brown wrote a letter to Mr. Gaylon requesting DOT to address this issue as soon as possible. She will write one more letter and if there is no response will ask him to attend our next regular meeting. #8 Installation of Perimeter Fencing Gail Wilson stated that the funding for this perimeter fencing will be placed in the budget over the next two years. This will be discussed as part of their budget deliberations next month. This will be a chain link fence. Commissioner Gordon suggested increasing the tipping fees to do this project in one year. She feels this is important to the community. The total cost of the project will be $150,000. #7 Action Relating Lo Illegal Dumping Chair Margaret Brown will add to her letter to Mr. Gaylon a request for more illegal dumping signs. Geoffrey Gledhill said that the amount of the fee and the penalty is up to the judge and it becomes a question of judicial priorities. Commissioner Halkiotis suggested writing a letter to all the judges and the district attorney indicating that the County Commissioners have made a commitment and asking them to help in this effort. Also, to invite the governing boards from Chapel Hill and Carrboro to joint us in this effort. #6 Policy Governing Construction at Landfill Gail Wilson said that signs are being made and will be installed per the recommendation. #5 Policy Regarding Litter Collection Surrounding the Landfill Gail Wilson said that they have increased their schedule for collecting litter from the roadside and will continue to revise that schedule as needed. #4 Policy Regarding the Covering of Loads Leaving Landfill Mulch Chair Margaret Brown made reference to the letter from Sheriff Pendergrass. Major Don Truelove said that they are trying to patrol this area 2 hours a day. They have given out 18 citations and 28 warnings. They are looking for loads not covered or something falling off of a truck. #3 Policy Regarding the covering of Incoming Loads to Landfill The tarps have been ordered. When a truck comes onto the scales with a load that is not covered, they will have a choice to buy a tarp or leave. The same is true if someone wants to buy a load of mulch. #2 Provide Financial Assistance to Low-Income Residents for Water and Sewer Connections Chair Margaret Brown clarified that the County Commissioners cannot support running sewer lines into the landfill area. With regards to water lines, the agenda listed several ways for financing these extensions. John Link said that from the information they have received, there does not seem to be a direct connection between the landfill and the problems the neighbors are experiencing with their wells. Comparison of wells around the landfill and around the county are similar. He said that the County is not saying that there are not problems. What is not clear is if the landfill is causing these problems. Commissioner Crowther noted that the reports indicate that the blasting was not of the scale that would affect the wells. Paul Thames said that generally blasting will affect wells and foundations a certain distance from the impact. The blasting materials they use at the landfill have a very limited impact at a distance. For the blasting project they just completed in January, the seismic reading was 1/4 of what it would take to damage sheetwork which is a weak rating. The purpose of the blast monitoring was to make sure they did not do any damage to the landfill liner. #1 Extension of Sewer and Water Mains in Landfill Area County Engineer Paul Thames made reference to the map which shows the entire landfill area and lists all the neighborhoods. Chair Margaret Brown said she would like to support financial assistance to low income residents. John Link said that there was a question from the last work session on other ways to treat water besides running new water lines. Ron Holway demonstrated two systems available which would correct water problems including bacteria, hardness and iron. One system was called Biolite, an advanced germicidal UV System and another was called MacClean. The cost would be approximately $1500 per system. Chair Margaret Brown feels we need to look at the problems citizens are experiencing with their wells on a countywide level since it is a countywide problem. There is also the issue of providing financial assistance for low income residents. Commissioner Halkiotis reiterated that for the record Paul Thames said that plumping hookup fees would be $1500 per household. He formally requests that for any plan that goes forward, that OWASA be asked to waive their connection fees. That would be an overall savings of $580,000. Chair Margaret Brown made reference to the OWASA report about the cost of providing water and sewer to the neighborhood. Paul Thames said that there was an assessment done by Hazel and Sawyer to determine the total cost. He noted that most of the 227 houses located in the areas included in the report were constructed a long time after the landfill was built. Chair Margaret Brown asked why the houses in the newer developments on the west side of Rogers Road were approved using wells and septic tanks. Paul Thames said that at the time they were approved, Carrboro's development rules and regulations required water and sewer extensions and hookups only if it were feasible, financially and otherwise. Chair Margaret Brown and the Board agreed that the benefits will be paid from the Landfill fees. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the areas that were there when the landfill was built and noted that there were 70 units in the historical Rogers Road neighborhood. She feels they should be included in the project to receive water because these are homes that were there when the landfill was built. Paul Thames said that his assumption is that if we are going to provide water to the Nunn House, we would come west along Eubanks Road to serve it. Chair Margaret Brown suggested that the area in the rural buffer not be presented as part of the area to be served by water and sewer lines at this time. She would recommend that the LOG use tipping fees to set up a fund that could be used to extend any water lines at any time if well testing results showed leachate contamination. John Link indicated he would get an estimated cost for doing this. The Board was told that the Eubanks Road waterline would be a 16" line. They will look at getting grant funds for this project. Geoffrey Gledhill said that if you serve the historic Rogers Road project, you will need to serve all houses regardless of when they were constructed. The county cannot pick and choose. It would have to be a community project. Once a community is created, you would need to serve the entire community. Commissioner Halkiotis feels there needs to be an educational piece to this. Chair Margaret Brown agreed that information needs to be distributed to the neighborhood. Chair Margaret Brown suggested that it might be reasonable to survey the neighborhood to determine which wells in the area could take advantage of systems like those demonstrated by Ron Holdway. Considerations Affecting Decisions/Timetable on Future Solid Waste Management in Orange County John distributed information on assumptions and a timetable for future solid waste management based on these assumptions. The Board agreed to extend their adjournment time by 20 minutes With regards to the landfill site search and if this would be continued, the Board decided to write a letter to Chapel Hill and Carrboro for their comments on whether or not they want to continue with searching for a landfill site. Commissioner Halkiotis proposed that the County Commissioners ask the Chapel Hill Town Council to provide them with information on how much it cost to operate the landfill. John Link indicated he would work with Chapel Hill on determining what resources are necessary to operate the present landfill and what resources will be needed in the future. Another question is whether or not to use the Greene Tract for a transfer station or for C & D. The County Commissioners decided to continue this discussion at their next regular meeting ADJOURNMENT With no further items to consider this evening, the County Commissioners adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the OWASA Community meeting room in Carrboro, North Carolina. Margaret W. Brown, Chairwoman Board of Commissioners Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk