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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19980818APPROVED 1114198 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING August 18, 1998 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 18, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Southern Human Services Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Margaret W. Brown, and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., William L. Crowther, Alice M. Gordon, and Stephen Halkiotis COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Assistant County Managers Rod Visser and Albert Kittrell and Clerk of 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 FIVE YEARS. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Commissioner Carey asked about the loan pool and John Link said that the draft will be shared with the Economic Development Commission next week and presented to the County Commissioners in September. 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 Cherie Rosemond, Chair of the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee, expressed concerns about adult care in Orange County. She said that several homes have closed in recent months because of additional documentation required by the State and because the amount paid by the State is insufficient for the care they provide. over half the adult care homes have been closed within the last four years. She feels that these operators work hard with little recognition and hopes that the County Commissioners recognize and appreciate the operators who have been in the business of providing this kind of service and their efforts to keep going. In answer to a question from Commissioner Carey, Ms. Rosemond said that the homes need volunteers who can help with various tasks. The operators also could use some instruction in electronic filing. They also need more members on the Adult-Care Committee. Commissioner Carey said that he feels the County needs to look at what they can do to help. issues. Chair Brown said that she would followup with staff to see what they can do to address these PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Margaret W. Brown dispensed with the reading of the Public Charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Halkiotis said that he read about Chapel Hill Town Council member Joe Capowski's comments about the major developments right across the County line in Durham County. He would like to see this presentation done for the Orange County Board of Commissioners. He is concerned about the impacts this growth could have on Orange County. Commissioner Halkiotis expressed concerns about burning in residential areas by contractors. He asked for information on when burning is allowed. He would like for us to find a way to dispose of debris besides burning. He suggested referring this to the Commission for the Environment. Geoffrey Gledhill explained that the County Commissioners included in their legislative request a local bill which would allow Orange County to adopt emission control regulations. Towns have this authority but Counties do not. This bill has not gone anywhere and he won't know anything until the end of the session. In response to Commissioner Halkiotis' comment about development in Durham County, Commissioner Gordon said that some of the development is on 1-40 between 751 and Fayetteville Road. She made reference to the Transportation Improvement Plan and said that the widening of Mount Carmel Church Road is off the plan for now. Regarding the Commission for the Environment, they have three groups of which one is air quality and transportation issues. They would be glad to address the air quality issue of burning debris when appropriate. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link reported on the School and Land Use Council meeting last evening and made reference to a memo dated August 11 from Neil Pedersen. The University has offered a school site on a lease basis and the original Meadowmont site is also available. Both sites could be used for the fourth middle school. He suggested that the County Commissioners let him know if they have any questions or comments about the pros and cons of these sites. He recognized Extension Director Fletcher Barber for receiving his doctorate from NC State University He made reference to the new Chapel Hill transit guide which includes the bus schedule for the Southern Human Services Center. A thank you note will be sent to the Chapel Hill Council for their support of this additional route on their transit system. 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS a. Proclamation for August 26, 1998 as Women's Equality Day 8th The Board considered proclaiming August 26, 1998, as the 7 anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, giving women the right to vote. Jacky Philips, member of the Commission for Women, represented the Women's Commission. Commissioner Gordon read the resolution. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, August 26, 1998 commemorates the Seventy-eighth anniversary of women's victorious struggle to obtain the right to vote in this country, a right automatically bestowed upon white males at the birth of this nation; and WHEREAS, the contributions made by women to the political process have made significant differences in the pursuit of justice for all people, regardless of gender, and a positive change in the compositions of the White House, state houses, courthouses, and local assembly halls throughout the country; and WHEREAS, the courage, commitment and political accomplishments of women serve as a testament to all other previously disenfranchised citizens of the value in exercising one's right and duty to vote; NOW THEREFORE, THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS hereby proclaims Wednesday, August 26th as women's Equality Day in commemoration of the suffrage victory won by women, and hereby urges women and all citizens to exercise their right to vote, and commends the Commission for Women for its continuing efforts towards one day gaining full equality for women. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. ADA Celebration Month Proclamation The Board considered proclaiming July as Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration Month. This was presented and read by Commissioner Crowther. A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION A D A CELEBRATION MONTH 1998 BY THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, there are 49 million citizens with physical and mental disabilities in the United States of America, and more than a million in North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the congress passed and the President signed into law on July 26, 1990, a major civil rights law for citizens with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act; and WHEREAS, the ADA advocates the full participation of people with disabilities, to the best of their abilities and interests, in our society, the workplace, and other aspects of our culture and government; and WHEREAS, there will be 10 or more events and programs across our State to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the law, from July 10 to July 30. NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim July, 1998 as "ADA CELEBRATION MONTH" in North Carolina, and commend these observances and full compliance with the law to all our citizens. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - NONE 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Crowther to approve those items as stated below: a. Appointments The Board made the following appointments: Economic Development Commission Rollie Tillman for a term ending June 30, 2001 Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Florence Soltys for a term ending June 30, 2000 Carol Nelson for a term ending August 30, 2000 Hattie VanHook for a term ending August 30, 1999 Human Services Advisory Commission Dee Gamble for a term ending March 31, 1999 Marvin Block for a term ending March 31, 2000 Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Barbara Ording for a term ending August 31, 2000 Deborah Linn Kinert for a term ending August 31, 2000 Triangle J EMS Advisory Council Neil Batson for a term ending June 30, 2000 Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitor Bureau Glenn O'Neill for a term ending December 31, 1999 Orange County Board of Adjustment Janice Owen for a term ending June 30, 2001 Renee Price for a term ending June 30, 2001 Youth Services Advisory Commission Mercedes Pelletier for a term ending September 30, 2001 Gretchen Aylsworth for a term ending September 30, 2001 Carol Oldham for a term ending September 30, 2001 b. Minutes The Board approved the minutes for December 6 and December 16, 1997. c Jail Inspection Report The Board received a report on the July 9, 1998 inspection by the North Carolina Department of Human Resources. d. Hyconeechee Regional Library Contact Agreement Renewal The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract with Caswell and Person counties for joint operation of the Hyconeechee Regional Library e. Contract Continuation with the Town of Chapel Hill for Senior Recreation Services The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract with the Town of Chapel Hill to provide funding in the amount of $45,337 to Orange County for the New Generations senior recreation program in the towns Parks and Recreation Department. f. Orange Public Transportation Agreement Renewals with Participating Agencies The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the annual Orange County Public Transportation agreements for vehicle leases and driver assignments with OPC Mental Health, Orange Enterprises, Wake Opportunities and Head Start, Orange County schools, Cedar Grove Day Care and the Triangle Sportsplex. _q. Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Grant Program This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. h. Property Tax Refunds, The County Commissioners approved 14 requests for tax refunds per the resolution, a copy of which is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's Office. These are listed below: NAME ACCOUNT# AMOUNT Pamela Sue Fields A51581 $ 24.60 Pamela Sue Fields B43702 24.67 Pamela Sue Fields C3585 22.76 Pamela Sue Fields D9310 19.93 McGraw, Patrick Scott E93301 38.97 Plummer, Edith Wrenn E13248 66.91 Gary Ray Lloyd E105296 173.45 Volkswagen Credit Inc. E107550 265.72 Chase Manhattan Auto Finance Corp. E90868 649.41 Lisa Anne Katz E98855 146.02 Betty & Gregg Webb 184892 824.92 Emily Ford, etal 202914 1,491.27 McKay, Malcolm C. E12275 129.00 McKay, Cecilia Smith E5888 88.93 L Classification Plan Amendment - Visitors Bureau Director The Board approved amending the Orange County classification and pay plan to establish the class of Visitors Bureau Director at salary grade 75 ($ 42, 257 - $ 67, 192 L Lease Renewal for Graham Building The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the renewal of a lease for the Graham Building, located at 118 N. Churton Street, Hillsborough through June 30, 2001. k. Work First Job Development and Placement Contract The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract for job development and placement with the Employment Security Commission. 1. Petition for Addition - Preston Loop in Cheeks Township The Board considered and approved a petition by the North Carolina Department of Transportation to add Preston loop in Cheeks Township to the state-maintained secondary road system. m. Proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment -Z-1-98 Wesley G. McAdams The Board approved amending the zoning atlas to rezone a 2.03-acre lot near the intersection of Holly Ridge and Oak Grove Church roads in Bingham Township from AR Agricultural Residential to AS Agricultural Service. n. Proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment -Z-2-98 Barney Pittman The Board approved amending the zoning atlas to rezone a 10-acre tract off 86N near Lake Orange in Cedar Grove Township from AR Agricultural Residential to AS Agricultural Service. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA g: Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Grant Program The Board considered an application for state funds to continue transportation services for seniors and persons with disabilities and entering into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for funding in the amount of $52,883 for fiscal year 1998-99. Chair Margaret Brown asked for additional information on the kind of transportation this provides to citizens in Orange County. Department of Aging Director Jerry Passmore said that the Transportation Board reviews the needs for transportation and prioritizes these needs. They provide medical transportation first. He said that approximately 300 people participate for a total of 6,000 trips. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve this application and authorize the Chair to sign. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA a. Efland-Cheeks Community School Park-- Plan Approval The Board considered proposed plans for the Efland-Cheeks Community School Park. John Link gave background information as written in the agenda abstract. Phase I is being presented tonight. Recreation and Parks Director Bob presented the plan for comments and suggestions which will be incorporated into the final plan. The total tract is 24 acres. The consultant explained the specifics as indicated in the abstract. They are on schedule and will ask for another County review in October and hopefully will be ready to go to bid in December. Chair Margaret Brown asked about lighting on the basketball courts during the evening and Bob Jones said that they didn't include lighting because of the costs and nearby homes. Commissioner Halkiotis asked that they reconsider lights for the basketball courts. Commissioner Carey suggested adding this as an alternative when the project is bid. Bob Jones said that they will look at this and bring back a recommendation with associated costs. The consultant suggested proceeding with the design adding the lighting and buffers which would be necessary and bid this out as an alternate when the project is bid out. A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the design including the comments made above. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. 1998-99 Information Technology Plan Implementation - PC Replacements Second Phase The Board considered approving funding in the amount of $214,000 for PC replacement called for in the next phase of the Orange County Information Technology Plan. Rod Visser gave an overview of what was included in the IT plan last year. He will demonstrate the air photography at a later meeting. This phase includes the purchase of 120 PC's. A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Gordon, to approve PC replacement plans as outlined. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. Tax Collector's Annual Settlement The Board received the tax collector's annual settlement on current and delinquent taxes. That report is incorporated into these minutes by reference. John Link commended Tax Collector Ginger Rolfe for a tax collection rate of 98.38% which is the third highest in the state. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the tax collector's annual settlement on current and delinquent taxes. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Senior Center Planning for a possible Aging Resource Center John Link gave a report on collaborative planning efforts to establish a new Chapel Hill Senior Center as part of a community-university partnership and as part of an Aging Resource Center. At their last meeting the Planning Committee designated the Homestead property as a proposed site for a center campus. They are asking the County Commissioners' endorsement of using the Southern Human Services Center as a site for the Senior Center. Commissioner Gordon asked about additional information from the University. John Link said that the University does not have funding in place and they do not know when or if it will be in place. Commissioner Gordon expressed a concern about dedicating space from the Southern Human Services Center site for this purpose. This site was intended to be used for future needs of the County which may include a justice facility. Her vision was that we would locate County facilities here. She would like to keep this property available to consolidate County facilities in the southern part of the County. Also, she would like for the partners to bring some assets to the table. She asked for further clarification on what the University could provide. Also, they need to look at the Northern Community Park area, the Horace Williams tract and also the Chapel Hill Community Center property. She suggested that the University offer some property in the Horace Williams tract adjacent to the Southern Human Services Center property right across the line with access through the County property. Commissioner Carey would like to see priority given to one of the University sites and not the County site. Commissioner Halkiotis feels that this should be done on University land with the County building the facility. Chair Margaret Brown feels that the two park sites in Chapel Hill -southern and northern park sites should be considered as possible sites for the future senior center. This will come back to the County Commissioners with additional information. A letter will be written to the other partners cting the County Commissioners interest in continuing the senior center beyond July 1, 2001. He will cite the County's concerns about using this site and bring it back September 15th. 10. REPORTS-NONE 11. APPOINTMENTS The Board considered an appointment to the Orange County Arts Commission. Lynette Jeffries and Glena Batson were nominated to serve on the Orange County Arts Commission for terms ending March 31, 2000. 12. MINUTES-- NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION - NONE 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to come before the Board, a motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Crowther to adjourn this meeting. The next regular meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on September 1, 1998 at the Judge F. Gordon Battle Courtroom, Hillsborough, North Carolina. Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk Margaret W. Brown, Chair