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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19981020 APPROVED 11/17/98 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS October 20, 1998 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 20, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in 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. MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEMBER HANK ANDERSON Dr. Halkiotis asked that we take a moment to remember Hank Anderson who passed away on Saturday, Oct. 17. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Chair Margaret Brown added as item 5a, a proclamation for proclaiming October 1998 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 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 Norman Gustaveson presented a brief update from the Shaping Orange County's Future Task Force. He made reference to the 15 step process that the County Commissioners approved. They are up to step 5. The eight committees completed their work and made a report at the Assembly of Governments meeting held on June 1, 1998. They are in the process of taking these subcommittee reports and combining them into one report which is the one he distributed this evening. He said that in reviewing the work of the subcommittees, it was immediately apparent that the vast amount of information that had been gathered needed to be synthesized into a single, integrated and coherent document to provide focus for upcoming discussions of conflicting issues and to assist in setting parameters for developing scenarios of possible futures. Thus, the Synthesis Work Group was created, made up of Task Force members and other interested citizens. This group met five times from July to September to produce the report that he distributed. Within this report, one of the ideas that came up was how one can really get at some of these traditional kind of conflicts experienced by all the governing boards in the County. They tried to outline some of these issues and at this point feels that it would take another task force to look at these. These are tough issues that they need to begin to look at and develop a way to resolve these issues. The question is how you can take these issues and go out into the County and find a way to talk about these issues around the County in such a way they don't get caught divided between one side or another. In answer to a question from Commissioner Crowther, Norman Gustaveson said that they hope to finish the Task Force work in March, 1999. He feels that everyone believes that there will still be follow-up items to address. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Margaret Brown dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Carey said that he spoke with several of the County Commissioners about a request he received from the NAACP in northern Orange County about being able to purchase some of the County's used computers. He said that the churches want to help with adult literacy by setting up computer labs. He asked that staff work on options to make these computers available. He would like to know what the County's plan is when phasing out used computers. Commissioner Halkiotis agreed and suggested that the staff also ask the two school systems what they do with their used computers. Commissioner Crowther agrees with the idea but said that they were asked about this by the charter schools last year. There was a consensus for the staff to come back with a report. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link said that in the Health Department we have a Child Service Coordination program which provides families with a variety of services primarily through home visiting. This eight member team works with families on physical/medical problems, child rearing needs, developmental assessments, and accessing all services these families need. This last year, this group has had the challenge of working with the Hispanic/Latino community and have created a real support center for these families with getting them involved with parenting education classes, immunizations, etc. John Link recognized this group of employees who saw the need and created the resources to do something. Health Director Rosemary Summers said that she is very proud of this program. They work with children 0-5 and with developmental disabled children. Social Services and other agencies are also involved with this effort. She recognized the employees involved with this program. Last year they served 377 and this year so far they have 212 children in their caseload. 5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS a. National Disability Employment Awareness Month Tim Miles from the National Disability Awareness Council read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH Whereas, the United States has set a civil rights standard for the world by enacting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and Whereas, the ADA provides anti-discrimination protection to millions of Americans with disabilities in public and private employment, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications; and Whereas, the ADA helps citizens to realize their full potential, by assuring legal foundation to the premise that all Americans should have the opportunity to contribute their talents, skills and abilities to both the workplace and community life; and Whereas, with the use of assistive technology, persons with disabilities are empowered to work independently, achieve greater self-sufficiency, and increase their personal and professional successes. NOW, THEREFORE, we the Board of County Commissioners do hereby proclaim October, 1998 as NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH in Orange County. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation - Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting The Board acknowledged the receipt of the Government Finance Officer's Association Certificate of Achievement and recognized the staff members responsible for this effort. John Link said that he is proud that the Finance team has received this award for seventeen years. He congratulated Finance Director Ken Chavious and his staff. Ken Chavious said that this standard takes a team and he introduced Joyce Reiners, Debbie Smith, McKensie Bell and Howard Fitts who are members of his team. He said that these people are dedicated and work very hard. They were all thanked and commended by the County Commissioners. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 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. Minutes The Board approved minutes from the January 20 regular meeting; February 2 work session with the town of Chapel Hill; February 3 regular meeting; February 10 work session; April 14 bimonthly work session; April 21 regular meeting; May 6 regular meeting; May 19 regular meeting; June 22 continued budget work session; and August 24 quarterly public hearing. b. N.C. Department of Transportation State Funds to Support Rural General Public Transportation The Board approved applying for and accepting $13,000 in state funds for rural public transportation, and entering into an agreement with the N.C. Department of Transportation for fiscal year 1998-99 and authorized the Chair to sign the Certified Statement of Participation for FY 1998-99. C. BOCC Meeting Schedule for Calendar Year 1999 This item was moved to the end of the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. d. Authorization to Contract with Home Respite Care Providers The Board approved authorizing the Department on Aging to enter into agreements with in-home respite care providers and authorized the County Manager to sign agreements for respite care providers. Such authorization shall not exceed the amount budgeted for this function in the operating budget for the Department on Aging. e. HOME Program Community Revitalization Loan Fund The Board approved a Development Agreement with EmPOWERment, Inc. and Orange Community Housing Corporation HOME funding available under the Community Revitalization Loan Fund for purchase and/or renovation of properties, and second mortgage assistance for first-time home buyers and authorized the Chair to execute the Development Agreement on behalf of the Orange County HOME Consortium upon the County Attorney's review and approval. f. Consultant Approval—Design Work for Electrical Connections to make Two Schools Generator Compatible The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract with Gary Sunderland in the amount of$8,000 for electrical design work to make two schools designated as emergency shelters generator compatible, contingent upon attorney and staff review. _q. Personnel Ordinance revision—Promotion Pay Policy The Board amended the County's personnel ordinance to change policies concerning employee pay upon promotion (Article 5, Section 10.0) and reclassification (Article 5, Section 9.0) as a result of discussions in its Oct. 13 work session. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA C. BOCC Meeting Schedule for Calendar Year 1999 The Board considered approving a regular meeting schedule for 1999. The schedule was corrected to reflect that April 21 and 26 are budget work sessions and the November 2 regular meeting was moved to November 3. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the Board of County Commissioners' meeting schedule for calendar year 1999 as presented and revised above. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA a. Skills Development Center Operations Plan and Budget The Board reviewed the operations plan, considered approving a new position and budget, and considered accepting a state grant in the amount of$68,559 for the operation of the Skills Development Center. John Link said that in 1995, the Board appointed a committee to study issues specifically related to skills development for County citizens. As a result of that action the Skills Development Center is complete and scheduled to open January 1, 1999. Albert Kittrell summarized the services in the center and identified those who have worked on the center's operation plan. He introduced Shirley Marshall and Mildred Council who were members of the advisory council and DSS staff member Gwen Price who will serve as lead manager at this center. Other agency personnel were also introduced. He briefly highlighted the plan. They request one position as described on page ten of the agenda abstract. Commissioner Carey commended everyone who worked on putting this Skills Development Center together. He questioned the amount for the administrative assistance and Albert Kittrell clarified that the amount is for a six month period. This position will serve all the agencies. In answer to a question from Commissioner Crowther about Employment Security Commission, Albert Kittrell said that the state will not allow two lease payments within the same County. Their lease expires in 1999 and they are looking at new space but have not located any thus far. The grant is a one time payment. Chair Brown said that she thought that one of the anchors in this building was going to be the Employment Security Commission and asked if they had planned to move into this facility. John Link said that there may be a possibility that they would move into the other part of the building which is rental space. She asked about the colocation of all these agencies and wondered about parking, signage, and other outside issues. Albert Kittrell said that these are issues that are still to be resolved. She also said that there is still the issue of the pocket park. Chair Brown made reference to page 12 and asked about an automated system which will allow access to customer files like a local network system. Gwen Price explained how the agencies plan to work together to share information saying that this will be necessary for reporting purposes. In answer to a question from Chair Brown asked about the job description, Gwen said that this is a super job and they need a very skilled person. Chair Brown asked about the proposed budget and the furniture for the waiting rooms and conference areas. Gwen Price said that they were trying to make the budget balance so there may not be any furniture in the conference room. They are working with Purchasing and Central Services Director Pam Jones to see what furniture they can get. John Link commended the County Commissioners for their leadership and support in this project. A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to accept the state grant in the amount of$68,559 for the operation of the Skills Development Center and authorize the Chair to sign the state workforce development grant agreement. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the budget/new Administrative Assistant position at salary grade 62, step 2D for the Skills Development Center. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Environment and Resource Conservation Department IERCDI Proposal The Board reviewed a proposal for the formation of a new Environment and Resource Conservation Department. John Link said that at the last meeting the County Commissioners received his proposal as a report. It is being presented at this time for the Board to accept the proposal and set a public hearing for November 4. Commissioner Crowther said that it was the comments made by the Soil and Water Conservation Department and the Health Department that prompted him to submit an alternative process. This is not an attempt to stop this department from being formed but a delay to allow time for agreements to be drawn up and agreed upon before the department is approved. Commissioner Gordon said that she spoke with Commissioner Crowther and she recommends that we send the whole thing to public hearing as written, hear what the public has to say and move forward. They will talk with these two entities to come up with an agreement. She said that this new department has no intention of taking over any of the responsibilities of the Health Department. With reference to the Soil and Water Conservation District, they definitely want to interact with this organization and want to work cooperatively with them. There are also others that they will be interacting with. She stressed that there will be strong collaboration with all these departments including the Planning Department . Their primary role will be interacting and supporting the County Commissioners in environmental issues. Her preference is to get the department going and then work out agreements as we go along. She prefers to send this forward as it is for the public hearing, receive comments and then decide how to move forward. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to accept the proposal for formation of the new Environment and Resource Conservation Department for public comment at the planned November 4 public hearing with a decision to be considered at the November 17, 1998 meeting. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. Proposed County Facilities Improvements The Board heard a report on proposed improvements to various County facilities and considered approving a list of improvements to be completed with funds appropriated in the budget for fiscal year 1998- 99. Public Works Director Wilbert McAdoo made this presentation showing each improvement as proposed. Commissioner Halkiotis asked that they look at replacing the roof at the old house located on the Southern Human Services Center property. Chair Margaret Brown said that the roof at the animal shelter needs to be replaced and Wilbert McAdoo said that there are funds to do this and it is currently under contract. He said that they will be bringing back a report on all roofs for County property. Wilbert McAdoo explained for Commissioner Halkiotis how the gate at the public works facility works so people cannot access the buildings where they store supplies. Also, with reference to the HVAC equipment at the Richard E. Whiffed building, he said that they will get some outside help to plan for replacement of that equipment. His department is also working on the year 2,000 issue for computers. Chair Margaret Brown asked if there has ever been a consideration to set up a maintenance program based on fees the Orange County Animal Shelter collects and John Link said that he would like very much to talk about this issue. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to receive the report and approve the list of improvements as recommended by staff, adding repair of the roof at the house located on the Southern Human Services Center site. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 10. REPORTS a. Cane Creek Watershed Staff Report The Board heard a report on staff recommendations to protect the Cane Creek watershed. Planner David Stancil presented slides which summarized their thoughts on Cane Creek. He showed on a map the existing land use for the Cane Creek Watershed. It said that it is predominately undeveloped. He showed on a map the development activity in the Cane Creek Watershed. There is one major subdivision in red and some minor subdivisions. He gave some basic facts about the watershed. In answer to a question from Commissioner Carey, David Stancil said that they have received comments from the Bingham Township Council and also from some of the residents in that area. Barry Jacobs, a member of the watershed committee, said that they did take into account the comments they received from those who live in the watershed. They looked at what impact their final recommendation would have on the property owner. As time went on, the citizens became more supportive of the open space option. Chair Margaret Brown clarified that they have a Technical report, Advisory Committee's report and the OWASA Board report. The report was received for information. b. Housing Bond Program Policy The Board heard a report from the Housing Bond Policy Task Force Keith Cook, chair and member of the Housing Bond Policy Task Force along with a number of other individuals from other agencies in the County summarized the information in the agenda. He presented their recommendations. Commissioner Crowther asked about the building permit being a criteria and noted that usually after a building permit is approved, it expires after six months which may not allow enough time for building. Commissioner Gordon asked about the average price of a house at this time and was told by Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes that the cost of an average house is $120,000. In answer to a question from Commissioner Gordon, Tara Fikes said that along with the urgent need program, they is a need to rehabilitate houses. In answer to a question from Chair Brown, Keith Cook said that they are looking at housing for the very low income and for single people. Chair Brown asked about the availability of money and Tara Fikes said that the money must be used for renovations, repairs and new homes. Chair Brown asked if there is any way to keep affordability of these homes through restrictions or agreements. Commissioner Gordon expressed a concern about the affordability and how that is captured in the point system. She felt that there may be equal emphasis placed on those with varying degrees of need and said that she would like those who are more needy to be able to get some of this money. She appreciates all the work done by this task force. John Link said that the task force needs to meet with the County to develop a timeline for the bond monies. Allison Werner, Orange Community Housing and spokesperson for the steering committee, thanked those who participated on the bond committee. She supports the policy they just summarized. She said that they have received funding from six housing organizations as seed money to help keep them going for the first six months. There is also a commitment to help establish this coalition. Chair Brown asked staff to bring back a recommendation on funding and information on land trusts and on our building permit process and how we can keep the housing affordability through deed restrictions. She also would like some standards for energy efficiency. She feels this committee should have on it an architect and someone who knows about energy efficiency, The report will come back to the Board in December. C. Flexible Development Annual Report The Board heard the annual report on flexible development, covering the period July 1, 1997 through June 30, 1998. Planner Don Belk presented this second annual report. In summary, the purpose of the report is to evaluate the effectiveness of the standards in accomplishing the goal of Flexible Development, "to preserve agricultural and forestry lands, natural and cultural features, and rural community character." He said that eight (8) Concept Plans were reviewed during FY97-98 under Flexible Development procedures and standards. Six of the eight applicants will implement the Flexible Development option. Five applicants submitted a single concept plan under the conservation option. One applicant submitted two plans, but intends to use the Flexible Development Cluster Option. Commissioner Gordon made reference to page four which described Planning Board Chair Karren Barrows' comment that she felt the plans being presented with minimum lot sizes and the conservation option are not achieving the goal that was expected. Also, Planning Board member S.A.M. Brooks stated that she felt the Flexible Development Plan's conservation option cuts a great break for developers. Commissioner Gordon said that she feels that what they have in place for Flexible Development needs to be evaluated to see if it is doing what we want. A motion was made by Chair Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to send this report back to the Planning Board for further evaluation and a possible recommendation for the Commissioners' goal setting retreat in December or a timeline on when to expect a response. VOTE: UNANIMOUS It was decided that , in the short term, the Planning Board will be asked to articulate their concerns with Flexible Development and give them a timetable on addressing these concerns. 11. APPOINTMENTS A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appoint to the Orange County Arts Commission Laura Wenzel and Lauri Miller Michel for terms ending March 31, 2001 and Sharon Mujica for a term ending March 31, 1999. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint to the Economic Development Commission Bernie Bean for a term ending June 30, 2001. He will represent Mebane on this Commission. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint to the Commission for Women Elizabeth Lovas, Vimala Rajendran and Rosalind Renne Barber for terms ending June 30, 2001 and Annie Jacobs Caulkins for a term ending June 30, 1999. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Crowther to appoint to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee Andrea Lyn Stephens for a term ending October 20, 1999. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 12. MINUTES - NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to go into Closed Session for the purpose of "establishing the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and the 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 to come before the Board, Chair Brown adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on November 4, 1998 at the Judge F. Gordon Battle Courtroom, Hillsborough, North Carolina. Margaret W. Brown, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk