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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19980901APPROVED 1114198 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Regular Meeting September 1, 1998 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 1, 1998 at 7:39 p.m. in the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom, Hillsborough, N.C. 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 A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to add to the agenda the following two items: Consent Agenda as item "I" an appointment to the Economic Development Commission as recommended by Mebane Town Council Item #5 as item "B" a resolution entitled "Legislative Request: to Update Annexation Laws in North Carolina" VOTE: UNANIMOUS 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 Aaenda - NONE PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Brown dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Halkiotis said that he took to the Partnership for Small Children meeting the information about the living wage. He has a letter from them requesting that a joint work group study childcare salary issues. Sue Russell and Michelle Rivist have volunteered to serve on this committee which would be a joint work group. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to the presentation on the proposed expansion to the Efland Park a couple of weeks ago and said that there seems to be some hesitation to provide lights for night basketball. He suggested that a Sheriff's substation could be located adjacent to the community park to provide security. He would like to see a group study this with representatives from the Board of County Commissioners, Recreation and Parks, community policing program and the Sheriff's Department. He will do a memorandum outlining the process. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Chair Brown to endorse the suggestion received from the Partnership for Young Children to have a joint work group study childcare salary issues. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link recognized a group of employees from the Department of Social Services. He told how they have processed the applications for services from perspective clients with 100 compliance with all federal, state and local requirements. Social Services Director Marti Pryor-Cook said that this group represents all facets of the services her department provides. They have assisted 459 residents of this County with Work First. She told about the children's insurance program. The County Commissioners commended this group of employees and thanked them for the job they do and for their dedication. A. September 10, 1998 Public Forum on Construction and Demolition Waste Disposal Options John Link told about the public hearing that the Orange Regional Landfill Owners Group will hold on construction and demolition waste management including proposed locations for siting a C&D facility. It will be held on September 10, 1998 at 7;30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS A. Habitat for Humanity Month Proclamation The Board considered proclaiming October as Habitat for Humanity Month. Chair Brown read the resolution. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MONTH IN ORANGE COUNT' Whereas, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is a not-for-profit affordable homebuilder having served Orange County and its municipalities since 1985, and Whereas, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County works with volunteers, churches, civic organizations, governments and individuals from all walks of life to build decent, basic housing for people in need, and Whereas , Habitat for Humanity of Orange County aggressively seeks to eliminate substandard, poverty housing and, toward that end, has completed the construction and sale of more than fifty five homes for low income residents of our community, and Whereas, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County brings all people together, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, class, physical or mental disability or marital status, and Whereas, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is a vehicle by which all individuals can support the cause of affordable housing, NOW, THEREFORE, WE the Orange County Board of Commissioners do hereby declare the month of October as: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MONTH in Orange County, urging all citizens to recognize the importance of bringing families and communities together by helping to make the dream of owning a home a reality. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ADDED ITEM B. LEGISLATIVE REQUEST TO UPDATE ANNEXATION LAWS IN NORTH CAROLINA A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution as stated below: RESOLUTION LEGISLATI?,T REQUEST: TO UPDATE ANNEXATION LAWS IN NORTH CAROLINA WIMREAS, currently, under North Carolina law, municipalities may annex areas deemed appropriate without any input from the residents of the areas proposed for annexation; and, 'ATHEREAS, annexation often has a tremendous impact on the residents in newly annexed areas; and, WHEREAS, the practice of involuntary annexation violates and limits the basic freedoms upon which this country was founded and is diametrically opposed to the premise of participatory government for all citizens. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners respectfully requests that the local Legislative Delegates to the North Carolina General Assembly work with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and the North Carolina League of 1Vlunicipalities in crafting legislation to: • Update North Carolina's annexation law to reflect the changing nature of county and municipal responsibilities • Ensure equitable arrangements between counties and cities as well as fair treatment for citizens affected by urban growth • Require enforcement of statutes regarding delivery of municipal services to newly annexed area • Direct the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners to forward this resolution to the local Legislative Delegation, to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and to the other 99 counties in North Carolina. 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 Carey to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: A. RFP Award--Printing of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Guide This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. B. 1998-99 Small Business and TechnologV Development Center (SBTDC) This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. C. Budget Ordinance Amendment #1 The Board approved ordinance amendments and grant project amendments for the Department of Social Services, Health Department and miscellaneous functions which are incorporated into these minutes by reference. D. Professional Services Contract between the University of North Carolina and the Orange County Health Department The Board accepted funding in the amount of $14,166.66 for screening services for families of newborns to be provided by the UNC Hospitals Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology through the Orange County Health Department's Families in Focus Intensive Home Visiting Program. E. Program Funding from the Orange County Partnership for Young Children (Smart Start) to the Orange County Health Department The Board accepted grants from the Orange County partnership for Young Children (Smart Start) in the amount of $45,432 for enhancement of the Child Service Coordination Program (CSC) service delivery system; $45,612 for the Families in Focus Intensive Home Visiting Program; and, $34,900 for preschool dental screening. F. EMS Medical Director Contract The Board appropriated $30,000 to renew an agreement between Orange County and UNC Hospitals to provide medical director services for the County's EMS program and authorized the Chair to sign. G. Carrboro Fire Department First Responder and Rescue Extrication Franchise The Board approved a franchise request from the Carrboro Fire Department to provide first responder and rescue extrication services. H. Orange Rural Fire Department 1st Responder Franchise Application The Board approved a franchise request from the Orange Rural Fire Department to provide first responder services. 1. Carolina Air Care Paramedic Transportation Franchise Application The Board approved a franchise request from the Carolina Air Care ground transport division to provide transportation services J. Renewal of Sheriffs Department-UNC Special Events Coverage Agreement The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the contract between the Orange County Sheriff's Department and UNC-Chapel Hill for security and law enforcement at major university events. K. In-home Breastfeedinci Support Program Grant Application The Board approved submitting a grant application to the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to fund an in- home breastfeeding program in partnership with the Health Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Piedmont Health Services Inc., and UNC Hospitals. ADDED ITEM L. APPOINTMENTS This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA A. RFP Award--Printing of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Guide Chair Brown noted that the guide did not talk about Orange County and was assured by the Visitors Center that Orange County will be included in the guide. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to award a contract to R.L. Bryan Company of Columbia, S.C., in the amount of $33,393, to print 50,000 copies of the Orange County Visitors Guide. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. 1998-99 Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) Commissioner Gordon noted that she has some questions about this contract and asked that someone from the SBTDC give her a call at a later date. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign a contract in the amount of $10,000 with the Small Business and Technology Development Center, payable in two installments, in accordance with the Economic Development Department's Strategic Plan. VOTES UNANIMOUS ADDED ITEM L. APPOINTMENTS The County Commissioners delayed this appointment to the Economic Development Commission pending further information on residency of candidate. 9. The Board considered awarding a contract to Central Carolina Bank (CCB) to provide banking services. In summary John Link said that in May 1998, staff informed the Board of Commissioners of plans to pursue a request for proposal process for the provision of banking and depository services. The Finance Director circulated an RFP to all banks located within the boundaries of Orange County. Responses were received from five banks and a team was formed to review the proposals. He said that although cost was not the most important factor, estimated service charges for CCB were slightly lower than those calculated based on rates proposed by BB&T and substantially lower than those calculated based on rates proposed by NationsBank. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to award the contract for banking services to CCB for a monthly cost of $2,148.24, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney, and authorize the Chair to sign the master and associated service agreements on behalf of the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS NOTE: The bid received from BB&T was $2,181.52 monthly and from NationsBank was $2,153.19. B. Retiree Health Insurance for ABC Board Employees The Board heard a report from the Personnel Department on retiree health insurance provided by the Orange County ABC Board and considered whether to recommend that the Board change its policy. In summary, prior to January 1, 1998, the ABC Board provided retiree health insurance coverage to retiring employees with 15 years ABC service. For such employees the ABC Board paid the full cost of the individual retiree's health insurance coverage. Effective January 1, 1998, the ABC Board changed its policy to provide retiree health insurance coverage to retiring employees with 25 years ABC service and to require the retiree pay the full cost of the coverage. With this change, the ABC Board adopted a grandfather provision. Under this ABC employees who already had 15 years ABC service as of January 1, 1998 continued to be covered by the retiree health insurance policy in effect prior to January 1, 1998. Employees as of that date who did not have 15 years service were covered under the new policy. A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the Manager's recommendation to encourage the ABC Board to extend the application of the grandfather provision it enacted when it changed its retiree health insurance coverage effective January 1, 1998 so that it covers all employees of the ABC Board as of January 1, 1998; to schedule a work session with the ABC Board and to write a letter acknowledging the fact that in making this recommendation, there may be a negative impact in future funds the County receives. After further discussion, the above motion and second were withdrawn. A motion was made by Chair Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to authorize Chair Brown to write a letter to the ABC Board chair and ask that they reinstate their previous policy and revisit this issue and report back to the County Commissioners. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. Personnel Ordinance Revision--Promotion Pay Policy The Board considered amending the Personnel Ordinance to change the policies covering employee compensation for promotion and reclassification. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Chair Brown to table this item for further consideration at the County Commissioners' work session that is scheduled for October 13, 1998. VOTE: AYES, 4; NOS, 1 (Commissioner Carey) D. Employee Health Insurance for 1999 The Board considered renewing employee health insurance plans through the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Health Insurance Trust and Healthsource, effective Jan. 1, 1999. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve renewal of employee health insurance with the NCACC Health Insurance Trust and Healthsource and direct staff to return with specific rates (County contribution and employee cost) for the Board's consideration. VOTE UNANIMOUS E. Space Reallocation for the Northside Facilitv and Lease Amendment for Space leased to JOCCA The Board considered amending a lease with JOCCA for space leased at the County-owned Northside facility in Chapel Hill. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Crowther to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the lease amendment with JOCCA. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 10. REPORTS A. Chapel Hill-Carrboro Middle School Construction Options The Board received information from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education on options relating to the siting of a planned middle school. John Link reported that the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools will need to make a decision soon about which option to choose for the siting of their planned fourth middle school in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro system. The two options under consideration both involve donated sites with one on University owned land in the vicinity of Chapel Hill High and Seawell Elementary, and the other in the Planned Meadowmont development near the Orange-Durham County line. He made reference to two recent memos from Superintendent Neil Pedersen which outlined the perceived pros and cons of each site. These are incorporated into these minutes by reference. After a brief discussion, the Board received this report as information and directed Chair Brown to write a letter to Ray DeBruhl and set up a meeting between Mr. DeBruhl and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. 11. APPOINTMENTS - NONE 12. MINUTES - NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adjourn into closed session "To establish the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and County Attorney on the negotiating position regarding the terms of a contract to purchase real property," NCGS § 143-318.11(a)(5). VOTE UNANIMOUS 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the County Commissioners to consider, Chair Brown adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting of the Board will be held on September 15, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Margaret W. Brown, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk