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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19980915APPROVED MAY 18, 1999 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING September 15, 1998 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 15, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board room at 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 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 Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to delete the appointments as listed under item "11". 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 Agenda Mary MacDowell, Research Coordinator for Chatham County, informed the County Commissioners about the high-level radioactive waste pool expansion being planned for the Triangle area by CP&L. She said that they want to open two additional high level pools at their plant. Their purpose in opening these two new fuel pools is primarily for shipments of activated fuel rods from their three plants in Wilmington, NC and Hartsville, SC. Ms. MacDowell feels that there are alternatives including dry cask storage. She has some information which she will send to the County Commissioners on alternatives. Also, she said that the Commissioners will be receiving a letter from Margaret Pollard, Chair of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, with additional information. After a brief discussion, the County Commissioners asked that the County Manager and County Engineer start tracking this and report back on their findings. Commissioner Carey said that he will offer this as a topic for the regional County Commissioners meeting scheduled for October 6. Joan Terry, Clerk of Courts, spoke about the assault that happened in the courthouse the day before. She is concerned about the safety of her employees and those who come into the courthouse. She wants to work toward making this a safe environment and she asked the County Commissioners for their help. Several of her staff also spoke about what happened and asked for the County Commissioners to help provide a safe place for them to work and serve the citizens of Orange County. John Link said that the County is responsible for making the building safe. Beyond that, it takes the cooperation of all the officials to provide additional safety measures. He and Purchasing and Central Services Director Pam Jones will work with the court officials and do whatever possible to provide safety for the employees. Commissioner Gordon asked that we focus at this time on the courthouse but that we evaluate all County buildings for safety issues. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he feels it is totally in order to do something about this now. He wants the County Commissioners to move ahead and ask the Sheriff to have a presence in the courthouse during opening hours. If this takes additional funds, the County Commissioners need to provide them. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to authorize the funds necessary for the Sheriff to provide security for the courthouse during opening hours. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Brown asked that the County Manager report back to the County Commissioners on what measures can be taken to make all County buildings safe. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Brown dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Carey asked about the Brookfield sewer issue. John Link said that the County Commissioners adopted the concept of various alternatives to address situations like Brookfield and these were sent forward to the Water and Sewer Committee. He is not sure they have had time to address this issue. Health Director Rosemary Summers said that the Board of Health will be considering options at their September 24 Board meeting. They will present temporary measures that will help to extend the life of septic systems. Environmental Health is working with this community in this effort. Commissioner Carey made reference to the Crime Victim Commission and asked that the Clerk distribute information about this Commission. He will give the County Commissioners a more in-depth report at an upcoming County Commissioners' meeting. In answer to a question from Commissioner Carey about efforts to televise County Commissioners meetings, Albert Kittrell said that the Cable TV Committee is working with consultants on a plan that will be presented to the County Commissioners later this fall. He said that the franchise agreement is still being negotiated which does impact the purchase of equipment since some of the funds to purchase the equipment would come from this agreement. Commissioner Carey commended the staff for the conceptual plan they put together for the new Environment and Resource Conservation Department. He feels they need to hold a public hearing to receive citizen comments on the goal, mission and role of this new department. John Link said that on October 6, he will present a draft plan for the Board's comments and on October 20 will present a second draft at which time the County Commissioners may want to consider setting a public hearing. Commissioner Halkiotis distributed a memo regarding the feasibility of setting up a community police station in Efland. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to proceed with a feasibility study for establishing a community police station at the Efland Community Center. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Halkiotis asked that the County Manager report back on the feasibility of putting small dumpsters at some of the County's convenience centers for construction and demolition waste from small contractors. John Link will report back on this item. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT -NONE 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS- NONE 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Recognition of JTPA Participants The Board recognized the achievements of participants in the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Gloria Williams, Director of JOCCA introduced Faye Hall, JTPA Director who introduced the participants in this program. An update of this fiscal year's activities, along with success stories, and letters of appreciation from former participants were included in the agenda. 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. Agreement Between Orange County and Piedmont Health Services for Medicaid Intake Caseworker This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. b. HOME Program -- Community Revitalization Loan Fund The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a development agreement with EmPOWERment Inc., and Orange Community Housing Corp. for HOME Funding available under the Community Revitalization Fund. C. Section 8 Housing Program Administrative Plan This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. d. 12-Lead Monitor Defibrillators The Board approved a reallocation of 1998-99 capital funds to purchase 12-lead monitor defibrillators for use by EMS personnel. e Revision to County fee Schedule - EMS Special Event Coverage This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. f. Revised Agreement - Town of Hillsborough Fire Inspections The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign an agreement with the Town of Hillsborough for County Emergency Management personnel to perform level II and III fire inspections on behalf of the town, retain inspection authority for County-owned facilities and DSS facilities, and continue to participate in the building plan approval process. g, Property Tax Refunds The Board adopted a refund resolution granting 14 requests for refund of property taxes as listed below: NAME ACCOUNT # AMOUNT Infiniti Financial Services F4452 $ 337.77 Phillips, Donna Curry E71882 132.23 Centura Bank F9292 139.61 Dorothy Whitaker Pennell E13104 68.52 Charles Crenshaw Pulliam C17495 5.83 Charles Crenshaw Pulliam D17387 5.82 Charles Crenshaw Pulliam E43370 6.99 Village Plumbing Company E8128 56.71 Village Plumbing Company D7498 50.75 Village Plumbing Company D7499 50.75 Village Plumbing Company D8129 56.71 VT INC AS TSTEE FOR WORLD OMNILT B73138 135.08 VT INC AS TSTEE FOR WORLD OMNILT C80314 129.80 VT INC AS TSTEE FOR WORLD OMNILT D104146 130.65 h. Renewal of Publication and Distribution Aareement for the Der)artment on Aaina's Senior Times The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign an agreement with the Durham Herald Company to publish and distribute the bimonthly Senior Times newspaper for a period of three years at no cost to the County. i. Professional Services Contract Between Orange County Animal Control and SCS Direct Mail for Printing and Mailing Dog/Cat Tax Notice The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract between Orange County Animal Control and SCS Direct Mail to print and mail quarterly dog/cat tax notices and annual rabies vaccination delinquent notices at a cost of $11,200 annually for the tax notices and $1,960 annually for the vaccination notices, both with a one-time setup fee of $750. i. Animal Protection Society Contract Renewal The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract with the Animal Protection Society to operate the Orange County Animal Shelter at a cost of $384,537 for fiscal year 1998-99. k. Reappointment of County Animal Cruelty Investigator and Appointment of Second Animal Cruelty Investigator The Board reappointed the County animal cruelty investigator and appointed an additional animal cruelty investigator, both for a period of one year. I. Approval of Animal Cruelty Investigator's Annual Education Reguirements/Training The Board approved the training requirements for County-appointed animal cruelty investigators in accordance with state statutes, with associated costs to be paid by the Animal Protection Society. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: a. Aareement Between Oranae Countv and Piedmont Health Services for Medicaid Intake Caseworker The Board considered an agreement with Piedmont Health Services Inc. to base one Medicaid intake caseworker at Piedmont's Carrboro facility, with Piedmont Health Services to pay associated salary and benefits costs. Commissioner Carey was excused from voting on this item since he works for Piedmont Health Services, Inc. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Crowther to approve and authorize the Chair to sign an agreement with Piedmont Health Services, Inc. to base one Medicaid intake caseworker at Piedmont's Carrboro facility, with Piedmont Health Services paying the associated salary and benefits costs. VOTE: AYES, 4; ABSTENTION, 1 (Commissioner Carey) C. Section 8 Housing Program Administrative Plan The Board considered adopting a resolution approving an administrative plan for the Orange County Section 8 Housing Program. In answer to a question from Chair Brown about the possibility of increasing the number of public units, Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes said that it would depend upon HUD's invitation to apply for new units. Orange County has not received a new allocation for new public units since 1992. They have about 150 individual property owners/management companies with most of the units being single houses or mobile homes. She said that about one-third of their participants are handicapped. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adopt a resolution as stated below and to approve an administrative plan for the Orange County Section 8 Housing Program. RESOLUTION Whereas, the Orange County Existing Certificate and Voucher program is administered by the Orange County Housing and Community Development Department; and Whereas, HUD requires all housing agencies that administer the Section 8 Certificate and Voucher Programs to adopt a written Administrative Plan that establishes local policies for administration of the program in accordance with HUD requirements; and Whereas, the Section 8 Program has undergone many statutory and regulatory changes in recent years which must be incorporated into the local Administrative Plan. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners approves the Orange County Section 8 Housing Program Administrative Plan dated September 15, 1998. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e Revision to County fee Schedule - EMS Special Event Coverage The Board considered amending the County's fee schedule to provide for reimbursement at a rate of $35 per hour for a basic life support crew and $50 per hour for an advanced life support paramedic crew for EMS coverage at special events. EMS Director Nick Waters answered several questions from the County Commissioners on how this fee schedule will work. He said that these fees will cover the costs incurred by the County for administrative duties, and paying of personnel and vehicle operational costs. This addition to the County's fee schedule would provide staff with a standard fee for all special events. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve amending the County's fee schedule to provide for reimbursement at a rate of $35 per hour for a basic life support crew and $50 per hour for an advanced life support paramedic crew for EMS coverage at special events. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA a. Orange County Small Business Loan Program The Board considered suggested revisions to the Small Business Loan Program operating policies and procedures. Commissioner Gordon said that she feels we need to encourage current residents of Orange County to apply for the loans and not encourage people to move here and open a business. Commissioner Carey feels the objective is to get people to move here and open a business. He feels that the committee will take into consideration those that live in the County. Chair Brown said that the residency requirement was also a concern for her. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the eligibility requirement that all applicants must be residents of Orange County. Length of residence in Orange County may be considered in assessing the applicant's degree of commitment to the community. VOTE: AYES, 4; NOS, 1 (Commissioner Gordon) After a brief discussion on several of the sections of the Small Business Loan program, a motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to delete items #7 and #8 from the eligibility requirements and to add to item #4 on page eight of the document that the Loan Committee may take into consideration the benefits offered by the applicant to their employees including health insurance. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Chair Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to change the language in #5 on page eight to read "After Loan Committee approval, applications will be presented as a report to the Board of County Commissioners on the Consent Agenda. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to strike from the second line of the item entitled Spread Allocation on page 11 the words "minus 2%". VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the County Commissioners reviewing this program if there is a loss. This stipulation will be added to the document. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The Board continued to discuss changes they wanted incorporated into these policies and procedures. These were so noted and will be incorporated into the final version to be submitted to the County Commissioners at their next regular meeting scheduled for October 6. NOTE: Commissioner Crowther was excused from the meeting at 9:45 p.m. 10. REPORTS a. Status of Hiah-Speed Rail Plannina Efforts on the Piedmont High-Speed Rail Corridor from Charlotte to Washington. D.C. The Board heard a report from the North Carolina Department of Transportation on the status of planning efforts for a high-speed rail corridor between Charlotte and Washington, D.C. Transportation Planner Slade McCalip introduced Mark Sullivan, Assistant Director of the Rail Division of DOT. He explained how the rail division started and summarized their services. He gave a regional perspective of the rail system. They are working on a rail plan that will run from Virginia to Florida. They have completed a rail feasibility study for a high speed rail system that would be developed and provide a 2-hour service between Charlotte and Raleigh and a 5-hour service between Raleigh and New York. Their next step is to do an environmental impact statement. They want this to be a full public involvement process. He said that they feel they need rail systems because there will not be enough land to support the roads that it will take to transport the great influx of people coming into our area. Chair Brown asked about the Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) and Mr. Sullivan said that they will have dedicated tracks. They will try to use the same corridor and right-of-way but will not use the same tracks that the TTA will use. He continued to answer questions from the County Commissioners. He said that he will keep them informed of their progress. b. Proposed Bicvcle Plan Component to the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan and Research on Innovative Non-motorized Planning in North Carolina Counties The Board reviewed a draft Bicycle Transportation Plan, proposed to be included in the transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan, and heard a report on research into non-motorized transportation facilities in other North Carolina counties. Transportation Planner Slade McCalip introduced members of the Bicycle Task Force. Chris Selkirk, Chair of this committee summarized the report. Slade McCalip then outlined their recommendations as included in the agenda. He asked the County Commissioners to provide him with written comments by October 15th. C. OWASA Strategic Plan The Board received an update of OWASA's Comprehensive Water/Sewer Master Plan project. Ed Kerwin, Executive Director of OWASA, asked that the County Commissioners provide him with any comments they may have on how they feel the County is going to grow. They are trying to determine what the service requirements will be in 15 or 20 years. They will be going through a 2-year study and he asked that the County Commissioners give them feedback as they go through this process. Ed Kerwin defined OWASA's service areas as Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The Board received the report as information. 11. The appointments in the agenda abstract were delayed until the next meeting. 12. MINUTES - NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION- NONE 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the County Commissioners to consider, Chair Brown adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on September 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Margaret W. Brown, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk