HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19990518APPROVED 10/19199
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular Meeting
May 18, 1999
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 18, 1999 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
Brown, Moses Carey, Jr., Stephen H. Halkiotis and Barry Jacobs
COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M.
Visser and Albert Kittrell and Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe
appropriately below)
Gordon, and Commissioners Margaret W.
Link, Jr., Assistant County Managers Rod
(All other staff members will be identified
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 None
2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS
a. Matters on the Printed Aaenda
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
Paulette Scott spoke in support of the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. She said
that the ESL specialist deals with a variety of students, and is called upon to make many home visits in an
attempt to build student confidence. The ESL population is growing. She urged the County Commissioners
to keep these students in the loop. She requested that the Board of County Commissioners accept both
school systems' budgets as presented so that they can fund the ESL expansion.
Marty Mandell thanked the County Commissioners for their support of the electric car. The grant
that the Solar Planning Committee requested was denied. However, the Town of Chapel Hill did receive
some grant money. The Committee has come up with an idea for a solar powered bicycle. She distributed a
picture of the prototype and an article about these bicycles. The Solar Planning Committee would like to
convert one bicycle beginning with a used bicycle. This conversion would cost $700. The Solar Planning
Committee plans to complete one conversion on a trial basis. The Carolina Tarwheels have offered to give
them $100 toward this project. These bicycles could be two or three wheel and could be used for a variety
of uses, including for the handicapped. She requested that the County Commissioners support this project
by making a contribution.
Commissioner Halkiotis said that he and Commissioner Brown have met with Marty Mandell on
the electric car project. He asked that the Board of Commissioners support this project. He said he learned
that Chapel Hill used their vehicle replacement money to leverage additional federal money. He asked that
Orange County look at its replacement schedule and try to leverage other state and federal monies.
Commissioner Jacobs suggested that the proposal be put in writing. He also suggested meeting
with the three police departments who use bicycles and try to partner with them on this project. He does
support this project.
This item was referred to the staff to be brought back to a meeting in the very near future.
Commissioner Carey asked about refueling stations in and around Chapel Hill. Marty Mandell
said that there are plans to have cooperative refueling stations, not only for electric cars but also for natural
gas.
Commissioner Brown asked that a report come back on the County's replacement schedule and
how the County may be able to capitalize on this idea.
Chair Gordon said that TJCOG may be able to help in this effort and she asked Marty Mandell to
check with Triangle J.
The Board by consensus asked that the County Manager bring back a report on the County's
vehicle replacement schedule and the possibility of coordinating with Chapel Hill on applying for grants.
PUBLIC CHARGE
Chair Gordon dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
3. BOARD COMMENTS
Commissioner Jacobs suggested the Board consider adopting a policy of not doing business with
people who owe Orange County taxes. He suggested several improvements at the Whiffed building. He
asked that signage be placed to guide citizens to the parking in back of the building. Also, staff and county
vehicles should not be parked in the front lot; that area should be reserved for citizens. He also mentioned
that Representative Hackney has asked that the County Commissioners support his growth management bill.
It was the consensus of the Board that a resolution be brought to the next meeting for the Board's support,
after which the resolution will be sent to all other North Carolina counties.
Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to a report he requested about buildings that the County lease
for various county departments. He feels that the Board needs to look at providing a facility for these
departments and agencies in Hillsborough and that it would be a much better use of the money that is
currently being spent on rent. He made reference to the Y2K report and suggested that the County Manager
send a letter to all local utility companies and request a letter of assurance from them to reassure the citizens
of Orange County. The County should also put together a Y2K preparedness book that can be distributed to
the citizens through the libraries and other places in the County.
Commissioner Brown supported getting something out to the public on Y2K to assure Orange County
citizens of what the County is doing. She said that she feels that the growth management plan introduced by
Joe Hackney is innovative and she supports the plan and also supports asking the other counties to support
it. She also asked that a letter be sent to our legislators to support the Clean Water Trust Fund. She asked
that two commissioners work on a position paper on the CP&L intervention process. Commissioner Jacobs
offered to work on this project with Commissioner Brown.
Chair Gordon reminded the Board that on Friday at 1:30 p.m. there will be a groundbreaking ceremony
at Efland Cheeks Community Park. The TJCOG Smart Growth Committee has discussed both the Growth
Management Act of 1999 and another bill which will establish a commission on growth management. The
Commission would have a broad, regional focus. She suggested that the Board support a resolution
supporting Howard Lee's bill as well as one to support Rep. Hackney's bill. The Transportation Advisory
Committee was appraised of a bill that would merge all the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in the
region. The TTA sent a letter stating that they supported regional planning but did not support merging the
MPO's. Lastly, Chair Gordon reported on a meeting regarding the final alignment for Eno Drive. The only
downside with regard to the current plans for this loop is that it is aimed toward Orange County and would
eventually go down St. Mary's Road. The Planners have assured Chair Gordon that they have no plans to do
that.
Commissioner Brown said that there is a sedimentation bill supported by Rep. Hackney that she would
like for the Board to support by Resolution.
4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
John Link said that staff would follow up on each of the requests mentioned by the Commissioners.
Staff also plan to do a space study and will, at that time, look at the space the County is leasing in
Hillsborough. He also mentioned that the sheriff's satellite office is open at the Efland Cheeks Community
Center.
5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS - NONE
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 the
items on the consent agenda as stated below.
a. Appointments
The Board approved the following appointments:
Adult Care Home Advisory Committee Sue Coppola was appointed to an at-large term
which will expire on April 8, 2001
Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee Andrew Joseph was reappointed to an al-
large term which will expire on March 31, 2002. Patrick Sullivan was appointed to a partial term which will
expire on March 31, 2001. Cornelia Ramsey was appointed to a partial term which will expire on March 31,
2000.
b. Minutes
This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda.
C. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Continuing Contracts for Chapel Hill High School
Athletic Field Improvements
This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda.
d. Contract Between UNC Dental School and Orange County Health Department for Smart
Start Dental Screening Program
The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract with the Department of Dental
Ecology, UNC School of Dentistry, for the services of a project director for the Smart Start Dental Screening
Grant for Preschool Children. The amount of the contract is $12,000 for the period April 1, 1999 through June
30, 1999, and is funded through an Orange County Partnership for Young Children grant.
e. Section 202 Elderly Housing Application
The Board approved a request from the First Baptist Church in Chapel Hill to revise the feasibility
study budget for the preparation of a HUD Section 202 Elderly Housing application.
f. In-kind EMS Coverage for 1999 Special Olympics World Summer Games
The Board approved a request from the Special Olympics World Games Committee for EMS to
provide coverage at Special Olympics World Games venues within Orange County.
g_ Voluntary Agricultural District Designation - Property of Robert E. Strayhorn
This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda.
h. Orange-Person-Chatham Alternative Sentencing CJPP Contract
The Board authorized continuation of pre-trial release and day reporting services administered
with Criminal Justice Partnership Program funds.
i. Letter to Chapel Hill Town Council 1
This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda.
VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
b. Minutes
Chair Gordon made reference to the correction sheet for the minutes and asked that these
corrections be included in the approval of these minutes.
A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the
minutes from its May 12, 1998 joint meeting with the Town of Hillsborough; June 15, 1998 work session on
solid waste management; June 16, 1998 budget work session; Aug. 11, 1998 work session; Sept. 15, 1998
regular meeting; Sept. 30, 1998 meeting with the school boards; Nov. 4, 1998 regular meeting; and Nov. 10
1998 meeting with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board as presented and as corrected.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
C. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Continuing Contracts for Chapel Hill High School
Athletic Field Improvements
The Board considered a resolution authorizing the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools to enter into
contracts for improvements to Chapel Hill High School athletic facilities.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he had several questions about these improvements. He
supports the idea but has questions about whether it is prudent to approve this all in one lump-sum now or if
the project could be staged and planned in conjunction with the Smith Middle School development. He also
felt that by applying the value engineering to this project, it might save money in the long run. He does not
feel that this is something that must be done this summer.
The Board agreed to wait on approving this project in order to determine if it can be phased in and
would benefit by the use of value engineering concepts.
John Link said he would communicate this to the school superintendent. It may be that the school
district's response would be to ask if the Board would approve those items that would not benefit from value
engineering.
Chair Gordon said that she would support anything that can be done to save money. However, if
there are items that need to be completed this summer, she feels the school system should move ahead with
those items.
g, Voluntary Agricultural District Designation - Property of Robert E. Strayhorn
The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign an application by Robert E. Strayhorn for
certification and qualifying farmland and designation as a Voluntary Agricultural District.
Commissioner Carey commented that this is the kind of effort to protect our natural resources that
should be recognized and acknowledged. He commended Robert Strayhorn for his initiative in applying for
this certification and designation.
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs, to approve and
authorize the Chair to sign an application by Robert E. Strayhorn for certification and qualifying farmland and
designation as a Voluntary Agricultural District.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
L Letter to Chapel Hill Town Council to Explore Options for Retaining Bus Service to
Southern Human Services Center
The Board approved a letter to the Chapel Hill Town Council requesting that it explore options for
continuing bus service to the Southern Human Services Center.
Commissioner Brown said that she and Marti Pryor-Cook thought it might be a good idea to bring
together DSS, Health and Aging staff to talk about some alternatives to bus service. She feels that the Town
of Chapel Hill does not intend to continue this bus service. She would like to have some clear alternatives
developed so Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill could collaborate to provide transportation to the
Southern Human Services Center.
Commissioner Jacobs agreed with Commissioner Brown's suggestion that staff make
recommendations regarding alternatives for providing bus service to the Southern Human Services Center.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to support the
letter to the Town of Chapel Hill.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA
a. Appointments - Orange-Chatham Criminal Justice Advisory Board
This item was presented by County Manager John Link in order for the Board to consider
establishing and approving membership of the Orange-Chatham Criminal Justice Advisory Board to
represent the Criminal Justice Partnership Program (CJPP) and Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC).
John Link stated that recent legislation (Senate Bill 1260) established the Juvenile Crime Prevention
Councils (JCPC). One of the responsibilities of the JCPC includes oversight of community-based alternatives
(CBA) funded programs. This has traditionally been the responsibility of the Youth Services Advisory
Commission. The Orange-Chatham Criminal Justice Partnership Program (CJPP) has been a multi-county
effort since the 1995-1996 fiscal year. The CJPP Advisory Board is responsible for developing and
administering local community-based correction programs for adult offenders. The charge of these two
groups is very similar with the CJPP focusing on adult offenders and the focus of the YSAC focusing on
youth.
Sharon Siler reviewed and answered questions about the membership of the two Boards.
A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve
the proposed membership list for establishing the Orange-Chatham Criminal Justice Advisory Board.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Zoning Atlas Amendment - Z-01-0-99 - Armin Lieth
This item was presented by Planner Karen Lincoln in order for the Board to consider a proposal to
rezone portions of two lots in the White Cross community from R-1, Rural Residential to LC-1, Local
Commercial and NC-2, Neighborhood Commercial. The applicant is proposing to rezone 4.0 acres of an 11.5
acre lot (PIN 9749-50-8084) from R-1 to NC-2; to rezone 2.5 acres of that same lot from R-1 to LC-1; and to
rezone 1.5 acres from another 11.5 acre lot (PIN 9748-59-4995) from R-1 to LC-1. The property is owned by
Armin Lieth and is located on the south side of N.C. Highway 54 West approximately 0.28 mile west of Butler
Road (SR 1951) and approximately 0.265 mile east of White Cross Road (SR 1952). The property is zoned
R-1, Rural Residential. The southern halves of the two lots are zoned HAW-PW, Haw River Protected
Watershed Overlay District. Approximately 2.0 acres of the area proposed to be rezoned to LC-1 is within the
HAW-PW Overlay District. None of the area proposed to be rezoned to NC-2 is within the HAW-PW Overlay
District. The property is within an area designated by the Orange County Comprehensive Plan, Land Use
Element as a Rural Community Activity Node. According to the Orange County Zoning Ordinance, Article IV,
Sections 4.2.8 b)4 and Sections 4.2.9 b)4 the maximum amount of land zoned LCA at any node shall not
exceed nine acres, and that the maximum amount of land zoned NC-2 at any node shall not exceed nine
acres; however, in rural areas where population density is lower and distributed more widely than in the
Transition area, the maximum amount of land zoned LCA and the maximum amount of land zoned NC-2
shall not exceed 5 acres. Within the White Cross Community Node there are five (5.0) acres of land zoned
for LCA uses and 5.01 acres of land zoned for NC-2 uses. Ms. Lincoln mentioned that there have been
several attempts in the past to rezone this property and each attempt has triggered opposition from
surrounding property owners. Finally, she mentioned that both the Planning Board and Planning staff have
recommended denial of this request.
Bobby Green, a local resident, indicated that he lives in the White Cross community in Bingham
Township. He referred to a study that was done about five years ago to determine appropriate locations for
Economic Development District Nodes. At that time, the Board voted to limit those nodes to areas along the
highway corridor. He spoke in opposition to this proposal to rezone this land for any type of commercial use.
There are already a number of areas that have commercial activity as a result of being grandfathered in when
the current zoning was established. There are several successful businesses in the White Cross community,
however most of the businesses are only marginally successful. They do not need an increase in that type of
business. He asked that the County Commissioners not support this request.
K.B. Tripp, a resident of Oak Hollow Road which is across the road from the rezoning request,
spoke in opposition to this rezoning. He asked that the County Commissioners deny this request.
A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to deny the
request to rezone 4.0 from R-1 to NC-2.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to deny the
request to rezone 4.0 from R-1 to LC.1.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Approval of Value Engineering Implementation Plan
Pam Jones, Director of Purchasing, presented this item & Central Stores, for the Board's
consideration of approving an implementation plan incorporating value engineering as a core principle for all
County and School construction or major renovation projects that exceed $100,000 project cost. She stated
that On May 4t" the Board of County Commissioners agreed to adopt value engineering as a core principle in
the design of all County and County funded School projects. The Board provided feedback on several issues
which are critical to the success of the value engineering process, including the desired outcomes, the
process whereby value engineering would be carried out and new methods of resource management in
anticipation of the savings value engineering would yield to construction projects. She reviewed the desired
outcomes of the project, the scope of the work and how differences of opinion would be handled. This
information, in its entirety, is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's office. Jones then reviewed the
current system for approving Capital Projects and the proposed value engineering system. The new system
would have the Board of County Commissioners consider and budget for a project in stages, rather than all at
one time. For example, the components might be 1) land purchase, 2) planning and design, 3) construction
cost, and then 4) technology, up-fit costs for the school.
Commissioner Halkiotis expressed his support for this proposal. He stated that he hopes that all
disagreements could be settled at the County Manager level and not reach the County Commissioners. He
also suggested that the money saved from these projects be put in a fund to be allocated by the Board of
County Commissioners for future Capital Projects. He volunteered to serve on the selection committee
Commissioner Jacobs complimented staff on their work. Although there will probably be
differences of opinions occasionally, he voiced confidence in the County Manager's abilities to mediate these
disagreements. He also volunteered to serve on the selection committee, and suggested that after a trial
period of using this value engineer that they be considered for a staff position as opposed to contracting with
the County.
Commissioner Brown also volunteered to serve on this committee.
In response to a question, Pam Jones suggested that a policy statement could be drafted
articulating what the Board wants to see happen with these projects. This statement could include, among
other issues, the issue of aesthetics and energy efficiency.
John Link mentioned that this does not eliminate the Capital Improvements Plan. In that Plan
there is an estimated amount for each project. It is only when the process is actually started that the amount
per major function are determined. He anticipates that some of the major savings would come from areas
that traditionally the County has not been exposed to. For example, how much structural steel will be used, or
how the building's mechanical components are designed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve
the implementation steps contained in the abstract, designate two members of the Board of County
Commissioners to serve on the selection committee and to direct staff to present a report within one year
after implementation analyzing whether or not the $100,000 threshold is effective and whether this project
should be out-sourced or become a staff position. The three commissioners who volunteered to serve will
decide among themselves which two commissioners should serve on the selection committee.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
d. Disposition of County Property on Markham Drive
The Board considered the disposition of County property on Markham Drive in the Clark Hills
Subdivision in Chapel Hill. The manager mentioned that the disposition of this property was entirely within
the discretion of the Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Halkiotis referred to a letter from Mayor Waldorf requesting that Orange County
give this lot to the Town of Chapel Hill. He asked if they really wanted this lot.
Commissioner Carey stated that he is not sure that Chapel Hill really needs this lot and he felt it
should be sold to the highest bidder.
Commissioner Jacobs proposed that the Chair write a letter to the Mayor of Chapel Hill asking if
they would like to purchase this property.
Mr. Dolfi stated that the Town of Chapel Hill does not want to purchase this property. Chapel Hill
has had fifteen years in which to purchase this property and has not done so. The Town has also stated
publicly that this piece of property would have no impact on the Chapel Hill greenway system. Mr. Dolfi would
like to build a modest home on this property and return this property to the tax rolls.
Commissioner Brown said that this is not a piece of property conducive to building upon. The
public is using this property as a trail and an access point to the greenway system. She stated that Chapel
Hill expressed a strong desire to have this piece of property. The Parks Task Force have made a
commitment to purchase green space. She requested that a letter be written to Chapel Hill asking them to
either pay the $3,000 or deduct it from their allocation from the County for parks.
Ms. Karen Dolfi said that the Mayor indicated to her that the Town of Chapel Hill did not want this
property. They have had every opportunity to purchase this property for fifteen years.
Commissioner Carey said that he wanted to see this property put on the market and sold for the
best price. He feels that it could be worth much more than $3,000.
Commissioner Halkiotis said that he would like to know if Chapel Hill is interested once and for all.
Commissioner Carey made a motion to approve option one which states: "If the Board were to
declare the property surplus and move forward with negotiation and sale of the property, then the County
would receive the price of the land, plus annual taxes paid on the residence and land." The motion died for
lack of a second.
Commissioner Jacobs made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis that a letter be
transmitted to the Mayor and Council of Chapel Hill asking them to respond by June 21, 1999 if they are
interested in purchasing this property. This letter will include asking them if they have an interest in
purchasing this property or if they would like to suggest other ways in which they could reimburse the County
for the value of the land. If an appraisal is necessary, the Town of Chapel Hill needs to cover the cost of that
appraisal.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
e. Employee Pay and Benefits Follow-up Report on 401(k) Plan
Personnel Director Elaine Holmes presented this item. She mentioned that on April 21, 1999 the
Board held a work session on employee compensation for 1999-2000. In that work session the Board
reviewed the proposed pay and benefits components for 1999-00 from its October 13, 1998 work session,
including the plan to implement a County 401 (k) Plan contribution effective July 1, 1999. At the May 11,
1999 Board work session, the Board received the updated, comprehensive report on the State 401(k) plan
and County contribution options for 1999-00 that the Board had requested in the April 21 employee pay and
benefits work session. Holmes mentioned that the three types of contributions that were being presented
were 1) an across-the-board contribution, 2) matching contribution, and 3) a combination of across-the-board
contribution and matching contribution.
In response to a question, Holmes said that she understood that at the April 21" meeting the Board had a
question as to whether they wanted to make an across-the board contribution or a match. At the October
work session, staff was left with the understanding that the contribution would be across-the-board. She
understood that this was one issue that the Board wanted to revisit. The second question concerned the
amount of the contribution and whether the Board felt that $15.00 was the appropriate amount. Her
recollection from the October work session was that the Board had selected the $15.00 amount because as a
flat dollar amount it gives a higher relative percentage contribution to the lower salaried employee.
Commissioner Carey said that he supports the decision that was made at the October work
session to contribute $15.00, as a non-matching contribution, to the 401 K of every County employee.
Commissioner Halkiotis asked that a letter be sent to the OPC Mental Health and the ABC Board
encouraging them to look at offering this as an employee benefit.
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brown to confirm the
decision made at the October 13, 1998 meeting.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
f. 1999-2000 Landfill Fund Budget
John Link presented for the Board's review the proposed budget for the Landfill Enterprise Fund
for FY 1999-2000. He stated that the Landfill Owners Group (LOG} met on May 6 and voted unanimously to
support the 1999-2000 budget as presented (without any of the potential program/service additions) with the
stipulation that funding for the landfill community benefits will be addressed during 1999-2000 budget
deliberations. He mentioned that the Board did not need to take action at this meeting, however they will
need to consider giving approval at an upcoming meeting. The proposed Landfill Fund budget includes an
increase in the tipping fee from $38/ton to $39/ton for mixed solid waste. This budget is intended to continue
the current level of service. He referred to the Budget Request - Summary on page six which indicates that
no allowance has been made in the 1999100 budget for costs associated with reorganization. However, the
fund balance position is strong and costs associated with the transfer could be handled by a budget
amendment from the Landfill Fund Balance. He also mentioned that there are sufficient funds in the reserve
fund for acquisition and construction of a new C&D landfill. Finally, no funds have been allocated in the
1999-2000 budget for community benefits. If it is determined that these funds can be legally funded through
the use of landfill revenues, and if governments decide to use LOG funds, the option to borrow from reserve
funds would be available.
Commissioner Jacobs asked when advertising would occur for potential members of the Solid
Waste Advisory Board. Rod Visser indicated that that process would need to happen now if the August 1St
sunsetting of the LOG were to happen. That question was not fully resolved at the LOG meeting.
Commissioner Jacobs asked for written confirmation regarding what is being done to get FEMA
money. He also asked about the $2,000 funding request from Triangle "J" to be used for regional planning.
He would like to see that included in the budget request. He asked about the purchase of a scraper/pan in
the Fiscal Year 2000-06 and other equipment after that date. He requested a review of the projection for
these purchases and the anticipated closing of the present landfill facility in 2006. He mentioned that at one
point there was a presentation about an interim C&D site adjacent to the present site. Now, it seems we are
actively moving ahead to purchase another site in the northeastern part of the county. He asked for
clarification about this project and how the determination was made to purchase this new site. Finally, he
asked about the community benefits and said that he was disappointed not to have received information
about this from the LOG. He had hoped to received this information by June 1 St. He suggested adding an
additional $1.00 to the tipping fee to fund community benefits.
Commissioner Halkiotis said, in response to Commissioner Jacobs' question, that the C&D siting
group had been authorized by the LOG to locate a site and proceed accordingly. He mentioned that the
community benefits concern him as well and he would like to see this matter resolved.
Commissioner Carey stated that we need to be proactive and responsible and get this issue
resolved.
Commissioner Brown said that she spent an enormous amount of time working on resolving the
issue of community benefits. Paul Thames also worked many hours on this project. The big piece of this
project was to hire a person to do a door-to-door survey of the community to find out what the community
wanted and if there was any way to support their wishes. That information has been collected and what is
needed now is a report from Tara Fikes on the findings of this report. Also, there is some interest from
Habitat for Humanity in extending the water lines to an area they want to develop.
Commissioner Jacobs requested further discussion on C&D burials. He feels that wherever this
site is located it is important to let the neighborhood have an opportunity to express their thoughts and
feelings about this. It's very important that they not feel that it was forced upon them without their having an
opportunity to express their concerns.
Commissioner Halkiotis said that it is important to be creative in the landscaping surrounding a
C&D facility. It is possible to landscape the entrance so that there is no hint from the road or entrance that it
is a C&D facility.
Chair Gordon requested that staff take these comments under advisement and bring back
recommendations. The issues of community benefits, C&D disposal site and the Advisory Board need to be
resolved.
10. REPORTS
a. Planned Agenda Items for June 1999 Commissioners Meetings
The Board received a report on agenda items planned for the June 1 and June 21 Board
meetings.
b. Orange County Y21K Implementation Plan
The Board received the report on County preparations to address Y2K technology issues as
presented in the agenda.
11. APPOINTMENTS- NONE
12. MINUTES- NONE
13. CLOSED SESSION "To discuss 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); To consult with the County Attorney employed or retained by the Board of County
Commissioners in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the Board of
County Commissioners - General Statutes 143-318.11(3).
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis, to adjourn
into Closed Session "To discuss 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); To consult with the County Attorney employed or retained by the Board of County
Commissioners in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the Board of
County Commissioners - General Statutes 143-318.11(3).
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
14. ADJOURNMENT
With no further items to consider, Chair Gordon adjourned the meeting. The next meeting as listed on
the meeting calendar will be held on Monday, May 24, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. in the Judge F. Gordon Battle
Courtroom, Hillsborough, North Carolina.
Alice M. Gordon, Chair
Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk