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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19980506APPROVED 10/20/98 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING May 6, 1998 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, May 6, 1998 in the Judge F. Gordon Battle Courtroom, new County Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Margaret W. Brown, and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., William L. Crowther, 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 RECORDINGS OF THE MEETING WILL BE KEPT FOR 5 YEARS. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA The Board agreed to delete item 9-i "Lease renewal for 103 Laurel Avenue, Carrboro". The Board added to the agenda a discussion on the request from the Carrboro Board of Aldermen to form a task force to develop a plan for library services in Carrboro. John Link will do a report on what has been provided to date for library services in Carrboro, how it is working and public utilization. The Board added a proclamation for Disability Awareness Week as item 5-e. 2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters on the Printed Agenda Chair Brown stated that citizens who have indicated a desire to speak on an item that appears on the printed agenda will be recognized at the appropriate time. b. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Donna Miller who lives at 4310 Old Chapel Hill-Hillsborough Road, which is part of the three mile stretch of highway that was given this name, spoke in support of changing the name of this road back to Old Hwy 86. She told about the problems they have in getting their mail because of the long name of their road. They also have a problem with 911 calls. She said it is very confusing and she asked that it be changed back to Old Hwy 86. Commissioner Halkiotis presented a petition with 54 signatures representing the residents of Old Chapel Hill- Hillsborough Road in their desire to change the name of the road to Old Hwy 86. The reasons are as follows: 1. The address as it is currently written has too many characters to be held by many modern computers. 2. Attempts to abbreviate the address are not standard and cause mail to be lost. 3. There is extreme difficulty in giving the address verbally over the phone to companies which need to send information. 4. Only the residents of a 2 mile stretch of the road are impacted by the address, the remainder of the road is called Old Hwy 86. It would seem more logical to continue the name to the city limits of Hillsborough to facilitate emergency as well as personal visitors to our homes. Commissioner Halkiotis asked that staff bring back a recommendation on what can be done. Mitchell Lloyd and Don Collins both spoke in support of this request to return the name of this stretch of road to Old Hwy 86. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Brown dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Gordon called attention to the first item on the decision agenda and noted that for a number of years people in Northern Orange have expressed an interest in additional parkland. She is pleased that the County is going to purchase approximately 40 acres of property adjacent to the Northern Human Services Center. Chair Margaret Brown made reference to a letter sent to the Town of Chapel Hill about the annexation of the Horace Williams tract and said that she does have a reply from Chancellor Hooker and Mayor Waldorf. However, a meeting could not be arranged before the Council's meeting Monday night. She is letting the Board of County Commissioners know that there is continuing discussion on that issue. Chair Margaret Brown and Commissioner Halkiotis will attend that meeting. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link distributed some written materials. He made reference to a memo dated May 6 to Town of Hillsborough Manager Eric Peterson which responds to a number of concerns regarding zoning ordinance issues. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to a lot located on the southwest corner of Churton and Corbin Streets. He read in the paper that the County gave the owner an additional two months to get it cleaned up and it is still a mess. He asked why Hillsborough has not used enforcement procedures to get this lot cleaned up. John Link said that the actually legal responsibility is with Hillsborough. Commissioner Halkiotis noted that there is jagged glass on this property and something needs to be done. John Link distributed information on what it cost the County for Hog Day. Most of the cost relates to time spent by the Recreation and Parks staff and deputies who patrol the area. Commissioner Halkiotis feels that if the Chamber is making money on this event that reimbursement needs to be returned to the County for services provided. John Link will provide a report on the proceeds from this event. John Link made reference to some information from Jerry Passmore on alternatives to replace the Chapel Hill Senior Center. They have a group looking at potential public and private alternatives for space. No decisions have been made. They are working with the University, Carol Woods, the Chapel Hill Senior Center, etc. on this search for a site. They have two years to find and build a facility. The lease runs out in June, 2001. 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS a. Retired Senior Volunteer Program Day Proclamation The Board considered designating May 18, 1998 as RSVP Day. Kathy Porter thanked the Board of County Commissioners for their support and read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the proclamation as stated below: RSVP VOLUNTEER DAY IN ORANGE COUNTY 1998 PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Governor James B. Hunt has declared 1998 as the year of the volunteer to connect North Carolina communities through the spirit and power of the volunteer; and WHEREAS, The Orange County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program celebrates its twenty fifth year as a leader in helping others through the caring efforts of over 1,800 volunteers who have contributed over a million and a half hours of the time; and WHEREAS, The Program has currently over 600 volunteers who are assisting, approximately, 95 Orange County non-profit agencies and who play a vital role in the success of the schools, libraries, senior centers, English As A Second Language and other programs; and WHEREAS, the estimated value of their contribution, calculated at a minimum wage, exceeds six million dollars, sa-ving millions in tax dollars. NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim May 18, 1998 RSVP VOLUNTEER DAY IN ORANGE COUNTY AND, FURTHER, urge all our citizens to recognize the Program volunteers' contributions to our County and to extend appreciation to those who make this tremendous effort. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Older American Month and Senior Center Week Proclamations The Board considered proclaiming May as Older Americans Month and May 10-16 as Senior Center Week. Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore made comments and introduced Ruth Page who serves on their Advisory Board on Aging. He read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the proclamation for Older Americans Month as stated below: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, According to the latest population figures, there are more than 13,000 persons over 60 years of age in Orange County; and, WHEREAS, The President of the United States has declared May as Older Americans Month; and, WHEREAS, Orange County is proud of the older adults who live here and wishes to show appreciation for what they contributed to their County, State and Nation; and, WHEREAS, All Orange County citizens enjoy the fruits of older persons and their labors and are inspired to continue to make Orange County a good place in which to live; and, WHEREAS, Orange County also wishes to set aside a special month for recognition of the older segment of its citizenry; NOW, THEREFO RE, We, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, join the Governor of North Carolina and the President of the United States in PROCLAIMING May, 1998 OLDER AMERICANS' MONTH AND, further, do encourage all citizens to join us in honoring our older Americans. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the proclamtion as stated below: PRO MAIM TION SENIOR CENTER WEEK WHEREAS, Local communities support over 10,000 Senior Centers in the United States, and, WHEREAS, Orange County has recognized the importance of Senior Centers and has provided leadership in the development and operations of such facilities in the County, and, WHEREAS, Senior Centers affirm the dignity, self-worth and independence of older persons by facilitating their decisions and knowledge, and enabling their continued contribution to the community, and, WHEREAS, Encouraged and supported by the Older Americans Act, Senior Centers function as service delivery focal points, help older persons to help themselves and each other, and offer opportunities to become physically active mentally challenged, emotionally supported and socially involved, and, WHEREAS, The month of May has historically been proclaimed Older Americans Month, and communities across the country are giving special recognition to older persons and the role of Senior Centers in serving them, NOW, THEREFORE, We, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby PROCLAIM the week of May 10 through May 16, 1998 SENIOR CENTER WEEK AND, further, do call upon the people of our community to honor older Americans and the Senior Centers that bring together activities and services to their benefit. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. Emergency Medical Services Week Proclamation The Board considered proclaiming May 17-23 as Emergency Medical Services Week. EMS Administrative Assistant Jeanette Smith read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve this proclamation as stated below: EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK MAY 17 through MAY 23, 1998 WHEREAS, Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. has proclaimed the week of May 17 through May 23, 1998 as Emergency Medical Services Week in North Carolina, and WHEREAS, The Emergency Medical Service in Orange County is a complex system involving Telecommunicators, First Responders, Law Enforcement Officers, Paramedics, Nurses, Doctors, County staff and Volunteers from Orange County and South Orange Rescue Squads, and WHEREAS, The citizens of Orange County benefit daily from the dedicated efforts, knowledge, and skills of this team of emergency services personnel, and WHEREAS, The citizens of Orange County support the emergency services and their efforts to improve the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury, and WHEREAS, The Orange County Board of Commissioners publicly acknowledge their support and appreciation to all the members of the Orange County Emergency Medical Services system, NOW, THEREFORE, The Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaim the week of May 17 through May 23, 1998, as EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK and encourage all citizens of Orange County to continue to support their EMS system. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. National Historic Preservation Week The Board considered proclaiming May 10-16 as National Historic Preservation Week. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve this proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION OF THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NATIONAL, HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEEK WHEREAS, historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability; and WHEREAS, historic preservation is relevant for communities across the nation, both urban and rural, and for Americans of all ages, all walks of life and all ethnic backgrounds; and WHEREAS, it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals in helping to preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped us as a people; and WHEREAS, "Preservation Begins at Home" is the theme for National Historic Preservation Week 1998, cosponsored by the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission and the National Trust for Historic Preservation: NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim May 10-16,1998, as National Historic Preservation Week and calls upon the people of Orange County to join their fellow citizens across the United States in recognizing and participating in this special observance. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ADDED PROCLAMATION e. Orange County Disability Awareness Week Marty Ravellette with the Orange County Disability Awareness Council introduced his daughter who read the letter about the Council being one of the recipients of the 1997 JCPenny Golden Rule Award. She read the proclamation as stated below. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve this proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION Whereas, the Orange County Disability Awareness council is a non-profit, volunteer citizens' action group dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities in Orange County; and Whereas, the Orange County Disability Awareness Council seeks to promote opportunities for disabled citizens to work and live in an environment free of barriers imposed by architecture, attitude, and/or lack of opportunity; and Whereas, the Orange County Disability awareness Council conducts annual recognition ceremonies to recognize individuals, organizations, or groups who actively include in their services and programs people with disabilities; and Whereas, while Orange County and the State of North Carolina offer many opportunities for individuals with disabilities, much of our citizenry remains unaware of the capabilities and aspirations of persons with disabilities; and Whereas, Orange County recognizes that persons with disabilities are a resource we cannot afford to overlook or not use to their highest potential; and Whereas, the Orange County Disability Awareness Council received the 1997 JCPenny Golden Rule Award and facilitated the recognition and receipt of State level awards for Orange County citizens assisting persons with disabilities. NOW, THEREFORE, in recognition of the Orange County Disability Awareness Council receiving the prestigious JCPenny Golden Rule Award as the most outstanding volunteer group and previous awards of prominence for the past three years, we the governing bodies of Orange County do hereby proclaim May 3-10, 1998 as Disability Awareness Week and urge all citizens to become more aware of the needs and capabilities of persons with disabilities. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - NONE 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Proposed N.C. DOT 1998-99 Secondary Road Improvement Program The Board held a public hearing to receive public input on the proposed N.C. Department of Transportation 1998-99 Secondary Road Improvement Program. Mr. Doug Galyon made some opening remarks. He said that he represents Division 7 on the North Carolina Board of Transportation. They are pleased to present their 1998-99 Secondary Road Improvement Program for the Board's consideration of approval. The anticipated allocation for secondary roads is $1,895,269. This represents a 5.75% decrease from 1997-98. Division Engineer John Watkins summarized the program for 1998-99. He recognized Tommy Dyer, District Engineer and the County Maintenance Engineer Chuck Edwards. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to the increase in gas taxes which were suppose to go for paving all the unpaved roads in North Carolina. John Watkins clarified that they were to pave every unpaved road with 50 vehicles and all roads within 15 years and that they are pretty well on schedule. Mr. Wakins said that they do have a chance of getting additional money for repair. He will keep the Board informed of any additional funds that may be available. Mr. Galyon said that there is a bill before Congress at this time which is in conference that could provide $140 or $150 million additional dollars which they will use for highway maintenance. Commissioner Gordon asked that Transportation Planner Slade McCalip address the right of way issue on Highrock Road. A group of citizens on Highrock Road has asked that their road be moved back up on the list for consideration. John Watkins said that since the right of way just became available last week, they could wait until next year and add this project to that program. However, if the County Commissioners want to make a recommendation, they could delete the last road listed for this years program and add High Rock Road or if they have right of way problems, they could add this road at that time. Commissioner Gordon said that they don't want to change the list, but asked that DOT keep this as a priority in case money becomes available or in case there is a right-of-way problem creating an opening. John Watkins said that they are using the same priority list they used last year. The public hearing was open but no citizens spoke on this item. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the N.C. DOT 1998-99 Secondary Road Improvement Program as presented. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. 1998 Orange County Legislative Agenda The Board held a public hearing to receive public input on the County Commissioners' legislative agenda for the 1998 Short Session of the N.C. General Assembly, and considered a resolution outlining interests and proposed legislative initiatives that the Board wishes to present to the Orange County Delegation for consideration. County Attorney Geoffrey Gledhill summarized this information. No citizens spoke on this item. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt the resolution as presented and as incorporated in these minutes by reference and direct the County Attorney to transmit the resolution to the Orange County legislative delegation before the deadlines established by the General Assembly for consideration of legislation in 1998. VOTES UNANIMOUS 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: a. Appointments The Board appointed Lee Pavao to the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau representing the Chapel Hill Town Council. b. Petition for Addition - Poplar Drive, Cheeks Township; Crescent Drive, Chapel Hill Township The Board approved a petition from the N.C. DOT for the addition of Poplar Drive in the Wagon Farm Trail Farm subdivision, Cheeks Township; and Crescent Drive in the Crescent Ridge Subdivision, Chapel Hill Township, to the state-maintained Secondary Road System. C. Lease Renewal - 501 W. Franklin St., Suite 105 The Board approved the renewal of a two-year lease with Rental Resources of Durham/Chapel Hill at 501 W. Franklin St., Suite 105. d. Housing Rehabilitation Contract Award The Board awarded housing rehabilitation contracts in conjunction with the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program in the amount of $10,350 for improvements to the Hardcastle property on Frazier Road, and $26,025 for the Holeman property on Gaines Chapel Road, to Taylor Home Improvements. e. Budget Ordinance Amendment #9 The Board approved a proposed budget ordinance and capital project ordinance, incorporated here by reference and authorized the Purchasing Director to sign the purchase order and any other documents associated with the acquistion of the 85 new Pcs. f. Franchise Amendment - Johnston Ambulance Service Rate Increase Request (Second reading) The Board held a second reading on a request by Johnston Ambulance Service to increase its base rate for non-emergency transports from $85 to $125, and initiate a per-trip charge of $15 for oxygen and approved this franchise amendment. g Franchise Application - Orange County Dive Team (Second Reading The Board held a second reading of a proposal to franchise a dive team for search, rescue and recovery operations within the County and approved the franchise application as presented. h. 1998-99 Contract Between N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services and Orange County Health Department The Board approved an annual contract between the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services and the Orange County Health Department to provide state and federal funds in the amount of $562,014 to the County to help support mandated services. i. Subordination Agreement - HOME Program The Board approved executing a loan subordination agreement under the HOME Program. j_ Dedication and Deed of Easement to OWASA - Water Lines for Project Homestart The Board granted an easement to OWASA for water lines associated with Project Homestart. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA a. Land Purchase - Kennedy Propert y The Board considered entering into an offer to purchase 40 acres adjacent to the Northern Human Services Center for $110,000. Geof Gledhill made reference to the offer to purchase which has been authorized by the Kennedys. He described this acreage and the agreement. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve purchasing the Kennedy property per the terms and conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase and Contract and to authorize the Chair to sign the Offer to Purchase and Contract on behalf of Orange County. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Consolidated Housing Plan Annual Update/1998 HOME Program Design The Board considered the 1998 Consolidated Housing Plan Annual Update and approving proposed HOME Program activities for 1998-99. Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes summarized this annual report. She said that each year local communities are required to submit an Annual Update to the Consolidated Plan to the State HUD Office by May 15. A comment period has been established to receive citizen comments. David Brown, member of the Carr Court Community in Carrboro said that they are requesting funds for their community to help them improve their neighborhood. They have people in this community who cannot afford to improve their houses. They are requesting funds through Empowerment, Inc. Tara Fikes said that Carr Court Community will be given priority through their preferred loan program A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt the resolution approving the 1998 Consolidated Plan Annual Update and approve the proposed HOME Program activities for 1998-99 as presented and as incorporated here by reference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. Revised Capital project Ordinances - CHCCS Elementary School #8 and ECHHS Addition The Board considered a revised capital project ordinance for the new elementary school at Southern Village and the addition to East Chapel Hill High School. John Link said that each project came in under budget. The Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools have submitted revised project ordinances on how they plan to spend the saving. Budget Director Donna Dean summarized the information in the project ordinances. Chet Pryor from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools answered various questions about the proposed renovations. Commissioner Halkiotis suggested that the County Commissioners conduct a tour of all the schools in the two districts so that they know the situation at each school. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the revised capital project ordinances for Elementary School #8 and for the East Chapel Hill High School addition which are incorporated in these minutes by reference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. 1998 Certified Local Government Grant Award - St. Marv's Road Corridor Plannina Stud The Board considered accepting a $4,000 CLG Grant from the state Historic Preservation Office. Planner Don Belk summarized the information in the agenda. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Grant Agreement and provide certification of matching shares. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. Advertisement for May 26, 1998 Quarterly public Hearing The Board considered the items as listed in the advertisement of the scheduled May 26, 1998 quarterly public hearing. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the advertisement for the May 26, 1998 quarterly public hearing as presented. VOTE: UNANIMOUS f. Debt Management Policy The Board considered adoption of a debt management policy. John Link explained the policy which includes previous comments and suggestions from the County Commissioners. A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt the debt management policy as presented. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ,g, txrension or ueveiopmeni ivioraionum Tor c:arrporo Nortnern stuay Area The Board considered extending an existing moratorium on the processing of special use and conditional use permits by the Town of Carrboro in the Northern Study Area. Interim Planning Director Gene Bell said that this request from Carrboro would extend this moratorium for Carrboro's Northern Study Area until September 30, 1998. If the County Commissioners do not object to this, no further action will be required. If the County Commissioners do object, they need to respond in writing by May 12 for Carrboro's public hearing. The Board agreed to take no action on this item. h. Lease Renewal - Space Reallocation for Court Offices at Carr Mill Mall and Moodv Buildin The Board considered renewing its lease at Carr Mill Mall and reallocating approximately 2,700 square feet of space for the Public Defender's office. Purchasing and Central Services Director Pam Jones explained this item. Commissioner Gordon asked for an inventory of facilities leased by Orange County and Pam Jones indicated she will include this list as part of the budget. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign a lease with Carr Mill Mall reallocating approximately 2,700 square feet of space for the Public Defender's office. VOTE: UNANIMOUS i. Lease Renewal - 103 Laurel Ave.. Carrboro The Board deleted this item from the agenda. 10. REPORTS a. OWASA Assessment Policy The Board heard a presentation on OWASA's assessment policy and the process by which the OWASA Board would like to receive feedback from the Board of Commissioners. Alan Reimer, member of the OWASA Board of Directors presented this report. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to the list of septic tank problems and asked if they know if septic tank maintenance was done and Ed Kerwin said that this was not one of the questions in the assessment. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the groundwater study and said that they are in phase two of this study doing groundwater quality studies. Alan Reimer said that the University knows we are having these discussions and have not closed the door on further discussion. Ed Kerwin clarified that the assessment did include a question on maintenance and the response was that 66% had their septic tanks pumped within the last twenty years. They had a 19% response rate on the survey. Chair Margaret Brown asked if the towns have a 1/2 cent sales tax that they can use for infrastructure that can include water, sewer, streets, etc. John Link said that he understands that Chapel Hill has a waiver from the State for putting money into water and sewer. Alan Reimer said that both towns have been trying to find money to help with problems stemming from water and sewer. It was decided that this item will be added to a work session for further discussion. b. Agricultural Land Preservation Proposal The Board considered allocating $200,000 in the Capital Investment Program for the Purchase of Agricultural Easements (PACE) program. Commissioner Crowther said that information had been previously presented on this proposal. This would preserve some of our agricultural land through an investment process. There are only a few agricultural districts identified at this point but this would be an incentive to move this program forward. His proposal is for $200,000. This would be funded in future years from the deferred taxes received each year. Don Belk explained the PACE program which is described in the agenda. Commissioner Halkiotis asked for an assessment of the impact of this $200,000 on the CIP. Commissioner Carey spoke in support of this program. He would like this placed on an upcoming agenda as a decision item. Chair Margaret Brown is not sure that this is the appropriate program. She would like additional information on other programs available for the purchase of farmland. Commissioner Halkiotis asked for additional information from Forsyth County about their program. C. User Fee Review The Board received a staff report on development-related user fees. This report focuses on planning and environmental health fees. Finance Director Ken Chavious summarized this information. The Health Board recently approved new fees for Environmental Health. These are included in the report. Chair Margaret Brown made reference to the erosion control fees and asked if staff knows why the costs are higher. The County is subsidizing this program by some $96,000. John Link said that the towns would like to have a higher level of service which is not possible with the limited number of personnel in that department. Chair Margaret Brown would like to hear from Mr. Faircloth about increasing urban fees since some projects are time intensive. Right now the fee is a flat fee per acre without regard to time spent in the field. Chair Margaret Brown asked for a report on what it would take for Warren Faircloth to cover all the County as necessary. She also requested a list of fees from surrounding areas. d. 1998-99 Commissioners' Goals This item was delayed until the next meeting. 11. APPOINTMENTS - NONE 12. MINUTES- NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION- NONE 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the Board to consider, a motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adjourn the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 1998 at 1:30 p.m. in the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Margaret W. Brown, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk