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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19981215 APPROVED 1/19/99 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING December 15, 1998 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 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 Alice M. Gordon and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., Stephen H. Halkiotis and Barry Jacobs COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Margaret W. Brown, 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. ANNOUNCEMENT Chair Gordon said that Commissioner Brown is absent because of a death in her family. Chair Gordon briefly outlined her approach for conducting meetings. She will try to assure that all speakers have an opportunity to share their concerns and she will attempt to move the meeting along so that all items can be covered. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Item 10a "North Carolina Crime Victims Compensation Commission Programs" report was deleted from the agenda and item 11 "Regular Appointments" was deleted. The County Commissioners will consider the Board of Commissioners assignments to other boards at their retreat scheduled for January 16, 1999 and the regular appointments will be handled at their January 19, 1999 meeting. 2. CITIZEN &AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters on the Printed Agenda Chair Gordon 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 - NONE PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Gordon dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Halkiotis handed out Christmas cards and wished everyone a safe holiday season. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to a letter Commissioner Brown received from the Historic Preservation Commission about the Elms and some property north of Efland and requested that staff give them a report at their next meeting on the road paving project which may have an adverse impact on this historic property north of Efland. He also requested that staff address concerns expressed by UNC students about which precincts they are to use for voting. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he understands that a group of UNC students plan to attend a County Commissioners meeting in January or February to voice their concerns. Chair Gordon and the County Commissioners said that they support fixing the PA system with whatever it takes to do so. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT - NONE 5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS a. Proclamation for Martin Luther King,Jr. Day on Orange County The Board considered a proclamation in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Orange County. Eileen Kugler, member of the Human Relations Commission, read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF MARTIN LUTHER HING,JR.DAY IN ORANGE COUNTY WHEREAS, Martin Luther King, Jr. awakened the nation to the hypocrisy of claiming and justice for all while perpetuating segregation, a system which legalize a second-class citizenship for people of color, and WHEREAS, Martin Luther King, Jr. struggled to break down barriers between people and to achieve reconciliation and justice under the law for everyone, and WHEREAS, Martin Luther King, Jr. appealed to the Constitution of the United States as the guarantee for civil and human rights nationwide, and WHEREAS, Martin Luther King, Jr. confronted People of Faith with the discrepancy between their professed beliefs and their daily attitudes and actions towards others, and WHEREAS, Martin Luther King, Jr. demonstrates how non-violent strategies of protest can bring about significant social changes and thereby inspired similar struggles for human rights on the part of other minorities, such as women,the disabled,gays and lesbians, and WHEREAS, Martin Luther King, Jr. saw clearly the relationship between poverty and the abridgment of human rights, and WHEREAS, Martin Luther King, Jr. set for the nation a continuing agenda for the creation of a more inclusive and just society,and WHEREAS, nationwide jurisdictions now recognize the great legacy in the work and teaching of Martin Luther King, Jr.,not only for America but for the world at large, NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners proclaims January 18, 1999, as MARTIN LUTHER ICING,JR.DAY IN ORANGE COUNTY BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners asks the community to join in honoring Martin Luther King,Jr. by participating in local community observances of this day and incorporating his goal and dream of human rights for all into their lives. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Resolution of Commendation for Marty Ravellette The Board considered a resolution recognizing Orange County resident Marty Ravellette for his heroic actions in assisting a motorist trapped in a burning vehicle. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the resolution of commendation for Marty Ravellette as stated below: Orange County Board of Commissioners Hillsborough, North Carolina ResoCution of Commendation for Marty RaveCCette WHEREAS, Marty Ravellette is a long-time Orange County resident and for the past five years has operated a successful landscape business, Marty's Hands On Lawn Service; and, WHEREAS, Mr. Ravellette is active in civic causes, in the local Baha'i Faith, and won the Orange County Disabilities Council Citizen's Award in 1993, and the Governor's Trophy for N.C. Disabled Citizen of the Year in 1994; and, WHEREAS, on October 13, 1998, Mr. Ravellette was traveling on U.S. 15-501 when he spotted a burning vehicle with an 86-year-old woman trapped inside; and, WHEREAS, realizing that no one else was in a position to assist the trapped motorist, and with total disregard for his personal wellbeing, Mr. Ravellette used his feet to kick in the window of the vehicle and pulled the woman to safety; and, WHEREAS, although Mr. Ravellette, who was born without arms, does not consider himself a hero, his positive attitude and heroic actions are an example to all of us that physical limitations do not make a person disabled or handicapped. NOW, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners officially commends Marty Ravellette for his courage and his heroism in saving the life of Elma Snedeker, and in the bravery he demonstrates each day through his faith, humility and perseverance. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be presented to Mr. Ravellette, with a copy sent to the press, and that the Resolution be spread upon the minutes of this meeting, the fifteenth day of December, 1998. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. Endorsement of the Town of Carrboro's Resolution and Effort to Obtain "Mobile Source Emissions Reductions Grant" Funding Commissioner Halkiotis said that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners is being asked to support Carrboro's resolution with a letter supporting the efforts of the Town of Carrboro to obtain grant funding from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the purposes of obtaining and converting two Town vehicles to electric power. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve and authorize the Chair to sign a letter supporting the efforts of the Town of Carrboro. 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 Jacobs to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: A. The Board considered and made the following appointments: Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Cherie Rosemond was reappointed for a term ending December 31, 2000. Advisory board on Aging Margaret F. Hudson was appointed for an unexpired term ending June 30, 1999. Edward J. Moore appointed for an unexpired term ending June 30, 1999. Chapel Hill/Orange Visitor's Bureau Raymond Stunk, Catherine Martin and Diana McDuffee were reappointed for terms ending December 31, 2001. Human Services Advisory Commission Eugene F. Pichette was appointed for an unexpired term ending March 31, 2001. Donald Thompson, Jr. was appointed for a term ending March 31, 2001. Nursing home Community Advisory Committee Anne H. Skelly was appointed for a term ending December 15, 1999. Triangle J Emergency Management Services Council C. Kent McKensie was appointed for a term ending June 30, 2001. b. Contract Award Using Federal Bid for Monitor/Defibrillators The Board awarded a contract to Physio Control Corporation, Redmond, Washington, for 5 monitor/defibrillators under U.S. Government contract at a cost of$15,992 each. C. Census Bureau Confidentiality Agreement The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign an agreement for the County to work with the U.S. Census Bureau in reviewing County addresses. d. Bid Award —Repairs to the Front Porch of the New Orange County Courthouse The Board awarded a contract to Patriot Builders in the amount of$30,800 for repairs to the steps of the new Orange County Courthouse. e. Application for Property Tax Exemption The Board approved three requests for exemption from ad valorem taxes for the 1998 tax year as listed below: Pleasant Green United Methodist Church for parcel number 5.23.6 The United Church of Chapel Hill for parcels 7.24.91 A and 7.24..19E f. Property Tax Refunds The Board approved seven requests for property tax refunds as listed below: Name Account# Amount Carolinas Vedic Village 218276 $ 1,070.84 D. Kent Scott 183342 $ 206.86 Schlein, Paul Shandell F28360 $ 117.34 Dority, Samuel Dale E10203 $ 23.08 Dority, Samuel Dale D9115 $ 23.41 Centura Bank F23635 $ 155.67 Austin, Dawn Beasley E300045 $ 39.24 g Property Tax Value Changes The Board approved 29 requests for release of property taxes. This list is incorporated herein by reference. h. Refund of Real Estate Excise Stamps The Board approved refunding $218 for real estate excise stamps paid for the sale of real property. I. Budget Amendment#5 The Board approved a budget ordinance amendment which is incorporated herein by reference. L Resolution to Apply and Enter into Agreement with North Carolina Department of Transportation for Community Transportation Program ICTPI Grant Funds The Board approved and authorized the chair to sign an annual resolution to apply for Community Transportation Program funding in the amount of$167,806 for fiscal year 1999-2000. k. North Carolina Department of Transportation State Funds for Work First and Employment Transportation The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the Certified Statement of Participation for accepting $7,632 in N.C. Department of Transportation grant funds to support Work First and Employment Program transportation needs. I. Memorandum of Renewal with North State Legal Services The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the renewal of a memorandum of agreement with North State Legal Services, Inc. for legal counseling and assistance under Title III of the Older Americans Act. M. Medicaid Maximization Funds This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. n. Contract with Chapel Hill Training-Outreach Project, Inc.for Family Coordination Services to the Early Head Start Program and Establishment of Two New Position The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract with the Chapel Hill Training Outreach Project to provide family coordination services the Early head Start program and establishing two permanent full-time social worker II positions at salary grade 67 ($28,603-$45,480). o. Sheriff's Department Legal Support and Classification Plan Amendment for Legal Specialist This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. Q Economic Development Funding by the General Assembly The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a resolution releasing funds appropriated to the Triangle J Council of Governments for Economic Development activities in Orange County in the amount of$6,880.62. g Lease Renewals—Solid Waste Collection Sites The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign renewal leases for locations on Walnut Grove Road and High Rock Road for solid waste collection sites in the amount of$2,400 per year for each site. r. Petition for Addition —Lake Court in Chapel Hill Township and Raineywood Drive in Cheeks Township The Board approved a petition from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to add Lake Court in Chapel Hill Township and Raineywood Drive in Cheeks Township to the state-maintained secondary road system. S. Request for Proposals—National Register Nomination for White Oak Grove School This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. t. Request for Proposals—Historic Architecture Survey of the St. Mary's Road Corridor The Board approved a request for proposals for a historic architecture survey of the St. Mary's Road corridor U. National Register Nomination for Cabe-Pratt-Harris House(Riverbend Farm) The Board approved a recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission to authorize a public hearing on the nomination of the Cabe-Pratt-Harris House (Riverbend Farm) to the National Register of Historic Places and to authorize the Chair to sign NR nomination comment form on their behalf following the public hearing and prior to the end of the 60-day comment period on January 14, 1999. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA M. Medicaid Maximization Funds The Board considered accepting Medicaid maximization funds allotted to Orange County in the amount of $235,481 for the period between October 1994 and September 1997. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the motorized medical records shelving at the Whitted Building for the storage of records and asked if the County has an overall long-range plan for record retention and disposition. Health Director Rosemary Summers said that the paper copies of the medical records will be kept for a number of years regardless of what the Department of Archives and History say. They plan to also use a records imaging system to store their inactive records on disk and the paper copies offsite. John Link said that in terms of a long-term solution for record retention the department heads are looking at this issue. They would need a site and funding. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve accepting Medicaid maximization funds allotted to Orange County in the amount of$235,481 for the period between October 1994 and September 1997. VOTE: UNANIMOUS o. Sheriff's Department Legal Support and Classification Plan Amendment for Legal Specialist The Board considered a policy change to provide legal support services to the Sheriff's Department and to establish a new classification of legal specialist at salary grade 69 ($31,536-$50,143). Commissioner Jacobs questioned the spending for attorney services and asked at what point the Board should discuss a full time County Attorney. He said that he would like to look at how much we are spending for legal services. John Link explained that Hudson Fuller has been doing the work and that they want to reclassify her position so that she is compensated for what she is already doing. Sheriff Pendergrass said that they are very fortunate to have Hudson Fuller as their domestic violence coordinator and who also is an attorney. They feel it only fair to reclassify her position because she gives advice to the Sheriff on a daily basis. Commissioner Halkiotis feels that we do need to discuss legal services. He feels that there will come a time when the Sheriff will need a full time attorney on his staff. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the legal support services described above as a function within the Sheriff's Department as described in the agenda abstract and to approve an amendment to the Classification and Pay Plan to establish a new classification of Legal Specialist at Salary Grade 69. VOTE: UNANIMOUS S. Request for Proposals—National Register Nomination for White Oak Grove School The Board considered a request for proposals for preparation of a nomination of the White Oak Grove School to the National Register of Historic Places. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the "brideless wedding" and what mechanism was used to decide which properties we fund applications for and which ones we don't. Don Belk said that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) draws upon a list of about 40 properties that are on the "State's National Study List". Orange County has eight sites that are already listed on the national register. The HPCs intent was to get those properties on the local landmark status and then move to the 40 properties on the study list. Each year, the HPC comes up with a priority list they would like to designate. The HPC uses a criteria including age of the property, its condition and is the property endangered in any way. The HPC does have $10,000 in the current budget for preparing these nominations. In answer to a question from Commissioner Jacobs, Don Belk said that any property owner can initiate a national register nomination with their own funds. When a property owner prepares an application on their own, it goes to the State Historic Preservation office and then comes back to us. We have no opportunity for input until the application comes to us from the State. Don Belk said that our criteria do not address the financial need of the property owner. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the requests for proposals for preparation of a nomination of the White Oak Grove School to the National Register of Historic Places. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA a. Housing Bond Program Policy The Board considered approving the Housing Bond Program Policy. Keith Cook summarized the concerns expressed by the County Commissioners at their October meeting and the responses of the committee. The committee also added language to the policy which requires all existing housing projects to be completed within three years of funding and all new construction projects to begin within three years of funding award. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the urgent repair program and if a review committee will make recommendations. Keith Cook said that Orange Community Housing administers this review. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the Housing Bond Program Policy. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Forest Service Contract The Board considered an annual agreement with the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources to support N.C. Forest Service activities in Orange County. John Link made reference to the concern expressed by Orrin Pilkey at a previous meeting and stated that the Orange County Forest Ranger Brad Bowling was available to speak to their responsibilities and also the responsibility of state government. Brad Bowling said that they are responsible for all logging services and in this particular case there was a violation. He said that while they respond to complaints, generally violations are referred to the Land Resources Division of DENR. He said that in this incident cited by Dr. Pilkey, the loggers will be required to come back and plant trees and do whatever is necessary to prevent erosion. In answer to a question from Commissioner Halkiotis, Mr. Bowling said that loggers can cut to the property lines because there are no required setbacks. There was a consensus to have Geoffrey Gledhill check to see if there is any way that the County can require licensing of loggers and report this information to the County Commissioners at their next meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the annual agreement between Orange County and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and request that the County Attorney report on what the County Commissioners can do to regulate loggers. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. Facilitated Small Area Plan for Carrboro's Northern Study Area and Joint Area Planning Agreement Amendments Relative to Transition Area I and II and "Floating" Conditional Use Districts The Board considered adopting proposals amending the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan and Map and the Joint Planning Agreement to incorporate the Facilitated Small Area Plan for Carrboro's Northern Study Area. Chair Gordon introduced this item by noting that this is the first time the Commissioners have really discussed the substance of this plan since the April Public Hearing. She said that Interim Planning Director Gene Bell will make a presentation and Carrboro's Planning Director Roy Williford is available to answer questions. The County Commissioners will then take public comment for one-half hour and then assess the situation and decide on how to proceed. Gene Bell pointed out on a map the area under consideration. He said that on April 8, 1998 they had a Joint Planning public hearing. Many citizen comments and concerns were raised at the hearing and an attachment to the agenda abstract dated May 26,1998 from the Carrboro Board of Aldermen attempts to address these comments and concerns. He reviewed the process and timeline as included in the abstract. The recommendation includes two options, (1) adoption of the Planning Board recommendations as outlined in the agenda or (2) denial of the recommendations as outlined in the agenda. NOTE: Since this is not a public hearing , the following comments are summarized. Michael Nelson . Mayor of Carrboro, said that the plan gives Carrboro the tools they need to curb urban sprawl. He made reference to the Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee and said that they would be willing to compromise on the composition of this committee. Dave Rudder, longtime resident of Calavander, feels that many people put many hours into the Joint Planning Agreement and that now Carrboro seeks to radically change that plan. He asked that the County Commissioners support orderly growth by maintaining transition I and 11. Edwin Gutzwiller said that Section 18 of the amendments concerns water quality and he asked that the County Commissioners adopt the same language in the County's ordinance. He feels that transportation needs to be countrywide with an intercounty transportation system. Forrest Greenslade asked that the County Commissioners represent the interest of those who elect them. He asked that the transition areas be maintained and that they not accept the floating zone or leave the execution of this plan to Carrboro alone. He talked about the invasion of property in constructing the crossroads at Calavander with four lanes only to lead right back to two-lane roads. Carol Greenslade said that she was a member of the small area planning group. She asked that the County Commissioners take note of the fact that many of these proposals being questioned were never addressed by this group. There was never any discussion of merging the two transition zones. With reference to the extension of the intersection at Calavander, she criticized Carrboro's response when the flags went up and she was told that DOT had put the flags up and in fact Carrboro had asked that this intersection be expanded. She asked that the Board of County Commissioners continue to represent them. Jean Earnhardt said that she is very pleased with the progress and the project. No one is completely satisfied. For six years all these opinions have been voiced and the news media has given excellent coverage. The original plan has been altered by suggestions of those who participated. They spent six months alone on the village concept. She feels we have an opportunity to assure that any development that takes place, they can be proud of. Alex Zaffron, Carrboro Board of Aldermen, said that he will answer questions at the end. Diana McDuffee, Carrboro Board of Aldermen, said that since July 1, 1996, they have spent 26,884 hours on facility plans, ordinance writing committee, etc. The Dispute Settlement Center facilitated all their meetings. They have held five public hearing and three open house sessions to share information, and the Ordinance Review Committee met 31 times. She urged the County Commissioners to pass the plan tonight. Christie Boros, resident of Orange County just north of the small area planning area, asked that the County Commissioners not include the rural villages in these amendments. She would like for them to maintain a controlling decision making voice on any activities that go on in that area. She feels that the plan would promote growth and not control growth. She feels that with industrial areas traffic will be a problem as well as providing schools to accommodate this growth. She urged the County Commissioners to keep a controlling voice in this planning process. JEF made reference to his letter that he sent to the County Commissioners He asked that the County Commissioners vote on the good parts of the plan saying that the office assembly area is a glaring bad thing for the plan. Kathy Kaufman lives in the northern transition area and was a member of the committee and helped plan and attended the facilitated meetings last year. She said that the village mixed use is too big. She would recommend that a cap on the number of units in a village- perhaps 400 be stipulated. Most of the provisions we agreed on were important changes that need to be made. Alex Zaffron, said that he has been involved since the very beginning working with the work group up to and including the draft ordinance committee. He was available to answer any questions about the text or ordinance provisions. What they tried to do was to place the density where it is most appropriate and remove it where it is not appropriate. He encouraged the County Commissioners to adopt the amendments. Commissioner Carey asked if Carrboro were to suggest a cap on the number of acres for mixed use what it might be and Alex Zaffron said that they have not reached a conclusion but staff has indicated a gross figure of 350 total acres. Robert Slatter lives in the northern study area and said that most of the homes being built in that area right now cost upward to $300,000. He feels that the floating zones will allow affordable housing and asked that these not be limited. THIS CONCLUDED THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. Chair Gordon suggested that they discuss the concept of the floating zones. Commissioner Carey asked if Commissioner Jacobs could expand on his recommendation. Commissioner Jacobs submitted for the Board's consideration a compromise proposal which he said he believes adequately addresses most concerns expressed by citizens of the affected area, the study group and the Carrboro Board of Aldermen. He read his proposal which he put in the form of a motion. No second was received. This proposal is incorporated into these minutes by reference. Commissioner Halkiotis expressed appreciation for Commissioner Jacobs' proposal. However, he needs additional time to study this proposal. He is leaning toward one proposal that came from the Planning Board. He would like to give additional flexibility to Carrboro to limit urban sprawl. Commissioner Jacobs said that his proposal that the Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee be composed of three members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and two by the Carrboro Board of Aldermen would give assurance that the County citizens will maintain a majority on that Committee because that is the group of citizens the County Commissioners represent. Commissioner Carey said that a lot of work has gone into this plan. He attended some of these meetings and he knows that no plan is going to please all the members and also no plan will please some of the members no matter what. He feels that the Commissioners' goal of citizen participation has been accomplished. He wants to support the work put into the plan. He feels it has the greatest potential for making transportation more efficient and diversified in the future. The plan does protect our natural resources. Chair Gordon said that she is very impressed by the work done by Carrboro in this facilitated planning process and feels the objectives are good. She noted that the plan is complex. She has concerns about the floating zone concept and stated that this approach is different from the one used in the joint planning documents. She noted that Commissioner Jacobs' proposal provides a method for compromise utilizing progressive development from Transition I to Transition 11 areas. She asked Roy Williford about the time frame for plan approval and the chances that development would occur if consideration of this proposal were delayed to a later date. He indicated that delaying this item to January 19, 1999 would be fine. The moratorium they have in place will end on December 31, 1998 but he indicated that it was unlikely that development would take place in those few weeks. Chair Gordon suggested that the Commissioners wait until January 19, when Commissioner Brown returns, to make a decision. Allen Spalt, Carrboro Board of Aldermen, said that he does not want to rush the County Commissioners but they have pushed the moratorium as far as they can push it. This process has gone on for a long time. It is not perfect but is nearly there. They plan to still work on parts of this. He feels that either the options from the staff or the proposal from Barry Jacobs are things they can live with. The solutions on the transition areas are imaginative and appropriate kinds of solutions that can work. He impressed upon the Board the urgency of approving these amendments. Commissioner Carey urged Commissioner Jacobs to make his motion again and said that he would second the motion. He feels it would be workable as they continue to work on this plan. He feels that a lot of work has gone into this plan and he does not want to delay the decision on this item. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he would like to see some kind of an official response from Carrboro on Commissioner Jacobs' recommendation. He would like to assure Allen Spalt and others that at their next meeting they will vote and bring this to a conclusion. Chair Gordon said that based on her desire to get the information that Commissioner Halkiotis has mentioned and to consider Commissioner Jacobs' plan and to further contemplate these floating zones, she would also like to wait until January 19th and would assure Carrboro that they would vote at that time. Commissioner Carey said that he has heard at least one member say that the provisions as included by Commissioner Jacobs address some of the concerns of those in the area. He feels we run a risk by waiting until Jan 19 and feels we should make a decision. Mayor Nelson said that speaking for the four Board of Aldermen present, that they are comfortable with the language as recommended by Commissioner Jacobs. By consensus the Board agreed to put this item on their next agenda and take action on January 19th. d. Disposal of Surplus Computers The Board considered authorizing staff to negotiate with the Literacy Council in the disposal of 20 surplus computers. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to (1) declare up to 20 computers as surplus, (2) authorize the Director of Purchasing and Central Services to enter into negotiations with the Literacy Council to establish the sale price and to carry out legal requirements incidental to the disposal of public assets, and (3) to authorize the Directors of Budget and Finance to take the appropriate budget and accounting action to ensure a neutral revenue position for the Literacy Council in this transaction. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. Proposed Orange County Agricultural Summit The Board considered authorizing a work group to develop a format for an Orange County Agricultural Summit. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to support the concept of an Orange County Agricultural Summit and instruct the Manager to meet with key agriculture-related department heads and staff to develop a proposed charge, a proposed list of groups to be represented, and a list of potential topics for discussion at a Summit. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 10. REPORTS a. North Carolina Crime Victims Compensation Commission Programs This item was delayed until a future meeting. b. Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Commission— Northern Community Park (9:50-10:10) The Board received a report from the Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Commission on the development of the town's Northern Community Park. Dan Koster, Chapel Hill Recreation and Parks, distributed information to the County Commissioners and showed on a map the location of all the facilities. Commissioner Halkiotis asked about the size of the pool and he was told it would be a 25 foot pool. He was told that the softball fields will have lights. John Link said that they anticipate that there will be a bond sale next year and he is not sure when the next bond sale would be pursued. The County needs to know as soon as Chapel Hill knows specifically what the County bond funds will be used for and when they need the funds. 11. APPOINTMENTS These appointments were postponed until January 16 or January 19, 1999. 12. MINUTES- NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION "To establish 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). A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis "To establish 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 A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to reconvene into regular session. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to come before the Board, Chair Gordon adjourned the meeting. The next meeting on the Board of County Commissioners' meeting calendar is scheduled for January 16, 1999 at 9:00 a.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Alice M. Gordon, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk