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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19990621APPROVED 2/1412000 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING June 21, 1999 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, June 21, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Alice M. Gordon and Commissioners Margaret W. Brown, Moses Carey, Jr., Stephen Halkiotis, and Barry Jacobs COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Assistant County Managers Rod Visser and Albert Kittrell, and Clerk of 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 FIVE YEARS. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA - NONE 2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Chair Gordon noted that there are several citizens who want to speak about the proposed construction and demolition (C&D) site. She said that the County Commissioners welcome input from County citizens. However, tonight is not a public hearing. The County Commissioners have not made a decision about siting a facility and the Guess Road/New Sharon Church Road site is not the only site being evaluated. There are state and local regulatory processes that must be completed before the site can be considered. A decision will not be made until September. The County Commissioners set a limit of fifteen minutes for comments on the issue of a C&D site. Tom Campbell made a request for specific information as follows: A listing of pertinent Orange County, North Carolina, and federal regulations that this land use falls under; a general description of the permitting process and which agencies are involved; a report of the status of the permitting process as of this date and what regulations and permitting process would be relevant if a private entity were trying to site a C&D landfill on Site 8. He would also be interested in maps of the project, showing the proposed uses and their siting on the map, and showing transportation routes from various parts of Orange County to the site. He would also like to see all the zoning regulations that apply to this site and official notification of Durham County about this process. He asked that the County Commissioners visit the property and walk it with some of the neighbors. This list of questions was given to County Manager John Link. Mr. Campbell asked that he receive a response before the public hearing on this proposed site. Ann Starner asked that the County investigate whether there is an Indian burial ground on the proposed site. She also asked that the County contact the State for information about siting a C&D facility in a watershed. She understands that the law is more stringent in a watershed. She is interested in receiving information on surveys done at other C&D sites regarding the percentage of large trucks versus small pick-up type trucks. R. L. Forrester said that his main concern was the fact that he read in the newspaper that the citizens in this area were not supposed to know about this proposed C&D site, and this really scared him. He noted that this property is right on the Durham County line and that any runoff from this site would go into Durham County. Chair Gordon said that she has spoken to two Durham County Commissioners and the Orange County Commissioners will assure that this process is full and open. Elaine Terrucci stated that she is opposed to the project. Richard and Alisa Nix stated that they are opposed to the project. H. Hall, Sr. stated that he is opposed to the project. S. Woodrun stated that he is opposed to the project. Rita and Jerry Greene stated that they are opposed to the project. W. W. Johnston stated that he is opposed to the project. C. R. West stated that he is opposed to the project. Cooper Davidson stated that she moved out to this area in May of 1987. Durham County at that time looked at putting a C&D dump on Hopkins Road. That was not approved because the North Fork of the Little River is a tributary into Little River, which is the Durham City water supply. She asked that the drinking water for the City of Durham be considered in the environmental impact. Jim Davidson said that he agreed with what everyone else said. Pat and Millie Johnson said that they agreed with what everyone else said. Elaine Bjorklund said that she and her husband are very much opposed since their property would come close to backing up to this site and it is considered to have an impact on the Little River watershed area. She asked about the location of the other sites the County Commissioners are investigating and if any of the other sites were located in the middle of the County or in the northwest. Steve Toler said that he and his wife are opposed to this proposal. He asked that everyone stand who is opposed. Ed Shaughnessy said that his children have grown up hiking on this piece of property. He was astonished at the price listed in the option. He is a registered professional engineer and he feels that the County will find this property to be environmentally impossible for use as a C&D site. When that happens, he hopes the County Commissioners will consider that there are no schools or parks in this end of the County and keep the property for one of these uses. Carrie and Ram Oren said that they agree with everything that has been said. Tim Ferguson lives in Durham County, less than one mile from the proposed site. He said that it seems that Orange County has taken and pushed their garbage site as far away as they could near the Durham County line and in the Durham County watershed. He said that the process has not been open. He does not understand why Orange County would consider this site when there are a lot of other areas in Orange County that won't perk and would be more suitable than this site. Chair Gordon noted that Orange County has been a very good steward of the watershed. Orange County voluntarily classified this area as a watershed and put two-acre minimum lot sizes in this watershed. The County will follow all the procedures necessary when they do the environmental impact and other assessments and the process will be an open process. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda Chair Gordon announced that these matters will be considered as the Board addresses the items on the agenda below PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Alice M. Gordon dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Jacobs said that in siting a C&D facility, the County Commissioners all agree and are committed to a fair and open process. The County will try and make sure that public information meetings are done under the auspices of County government or with the cooperation of County government. The County is in the process of negotiating an agreement that if approved will give the County sole authority over solid waste matters as of January 1, 2000. He suggested that the County Commissioners write a letter to Durham to let them know what is happening and also write a letter to Hillsborough about increased traffic going through Hillsborough. Some of the Commissioners have discussed using this property for some other purpose if it proves unsuitable for a C&D facility. He feels that using this property for another use would be in the realm of possibility and he welcomes all suggestions. Commissioner Halkiotis said that it is important to note that all of this is very preliminary and no commitment has been made by anyone. He noted that about ten years ago when looking at the Little River watershed, the County Commissioners decided to go for two-acre minimum size lots as opposed to the one-acre minimum as proposed by the State. A lot of people were upset because they thought the County Commissioners were being too conservative in respecting the environment and protecting the watershed and too liberal in letting the landowners use their property as an investment in the future. The landowners sent letters to the City of Durham to let them know what the Commissioners were trying to do and asked that the citizens of Durham compensate the citizens of Little River for protecting the water supply for Durham City. No one in Durham was interested. Everything pertaining to the C&D site is very preliminary right now. The prices of the homes affected by a C&D site is irrelevant. The important thing is the people who are involved. Commissioner Brown agreed with Commissioner Halkiotis in that this process has not been one in which the County Commissioners have been involved. She would not have agreed to look at this site knowing that it was in a watershed. She said that this process is going to proceed only to the point where the State will determine in August whether it can be used as a C&D site. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to the newspaper article that indicated the possibility of Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools suing the County for insufficient funding. He emphasized that the County Commissioners have gone out of their way in the last twelve years to be sure that both school systems receive as much possible funding that the County Commissioners could put into those two school systems, much to the detriment of County government, including County government facilities. He does not understand how the County can be putting all this money into this one piece of the County budget and then have accusatory comments made that the County Commissioners are not funding certain programs. He asked that there be monthly information sessions so that the citizens truly understand what the County does with its budget. He suggested doing value assessments on all budget requests - schools and County government. He noted that the County has consistently given more and more money to the two school systems to the detriment of the County employees and especially to the detriment of the physical plants in which County employees work. It seems that there is never enough money for the schools. He was very shocked by the comments. Commissioner Halkiotis said that everyone seems to be developing a plan for the remainder of the acreage on which the Southern Human Services Center is located except for the County. He feels the County Commissioners need to develop a plan. He asked that the staff work on this plan during the summer. He would like the County Commissioners to be proactive instead of reactive. John Link said that he has talked with individual Board members and staff of the InterFaith Council about the use of the remainder of the Southern Human Services Center acreage. The InterFaith Council understands that the one site conveyed to them two years ago was the only site the County could convey to IFC because the other footprints would need to be used to address the expansion of human services that the County is responsible for providing, as well as unknown needs for the court system. Also, the County is working with the University of North Carolina on locating a senior center on part of this property. He will develop a plan for Board consideration and input. Commissioner Brown made reference to the IFC request for land. She said that IFC, for many years, has been determined to stay at their present location. She congratulates them for their openness to other ideas and for exploring possibilities to relocate the homeless shelter. Commissioner Brown made reference to the Carrboro Small Area Plan and asked about the process since the public hearing and subsequent approval of the advisory board has taken place. John Link will report back in August. Commissioner Jacobs asked John Link and Geoffrey Gledhill if the letter from Mr. Hughes regarding changing the speed limit in the Robbinswood neighborhood was forwarded to DOT. John Link will report back on this inquiry. He also made reference to a letter from Geoffrey Gledhill about House Bill 972 and asked about the language in this bill. Geoffrey Gledhill said that there were a couple of problems with the way this bill was written and he has already taken corrective action. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the proposed development south of Hillsborough and asked John Link for an update on the timeframe for this development. John Link said that he talked with Hillsborough's Town Manager Eric Petersen who indicated that their Planning Board will be addressing this during the first week of July and the Hillsborough Board is scheduled to address this in mid-July. John Link told Eric Petersen that the County might want to send comments to Hillsborough for them to consider. He suggested that Planning Director Craig Benedict prepare an assessment of the development for the Board's consideration in their response. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to comments made prior to their budget decisions on June 15th. He encouraged the County Manager to work on building and improving communication and trust between the County Commissioners and the School Boards. Chair Gordon asked that the Board give feedback to the Manager on what worked and what did not work in the budget process. She asked Geoffrey Gledhill to track the impact tax legislation. Geoffrey Gledhill said that the impact tax legislation would be heard in the Finance Committee hearing tomorrow afternoon. He will attend that hearing. He talked with Representative Hackney who feels it will either go forward or die. In answer to a question from Commissioner Brown, Gledhill said that the time to lobby for a specific bill is when the bill is heard in the committees. He will let the County Commissioners know what time this specific bill will be heard. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link made reference to the June 30th Special Meeting. He said that there would be an item for considering the Value Engineering consultant and an assessment from Craig Benedict on Hillsborough Place. There may also be an item on solid waste management and other items as time allows. 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS a. Resolution of Aareement Reaardina Satellite Annexation The Board considered a resolution of agreement with the City of Mebane regarding satellite annexation. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the resolution as stated below as an initial step of joint planning with the City of Mebane, with follow-up correspondence to the City of Mebane, emphasizing that a specific timetable be developed by the respective managers to have the "Resolution of Intent to Pursue Elements of Joint Planning" ready for approval by both governing bodies in early fall. RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO PURSUE ELEMENTS OF JOINT PLANNING WHEREAS, Planning and development that occurs within Orange County has an effect on various public services; and WHEREAS, The City of Mebane and Orange County herein acknowledge that joint planning and communication are important facets of quality development and effective government; and WHEREAS, Joint planning and analysis are becoming increasingly important in Orange County because the impacts of growth can negatively affect the quality of life for residents; and WHEREAS, This resolution of intent is a prerequisite document to a joint planning agreement and sets forth our mutual effort to understand and address each other's interests and challenges in a constructive and coherent process; and WHEREAS, The City Manager and County Manager and their respective Planning Directors are instructed to work towards developing an agreement on which elements would be incorporated in a future Joint Planning Agreement. The timeframe suggested herein to identify specific element topics is 90 days. WHEREAS, The passage of this resolution is in the best interest of the citizens of the City and County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the aforementioned parties do attest to, in good faith, the following elements of joint planning, cooperation and interest which may include the following: Various Elements 1. Contiguous Annexation 2. Water and Sewer Service Plans 3. Economic Development 4. Transportation Planning 5. Natural Resource Preservation 6. Public Services 7. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) 8. Development Process Coordination 9. Joint Planning Agreement (JPA) and JPA Amendment Implementation Timeframe Effective Date The effective date of this Resolution of Intent shall be the date whereby both signatures are finally affixed. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - NONE 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the consent agenda as stated below: a. Appointments This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. b. Minutes This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. C. Budget Ordinance Amendment #8 The Board approved a budget ordinance amendment and grant project ordinance which are incorporated herein by reference. d. Adoption of 1999-2000 County Commissioner Goals This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. e. EMS "Welcome to the World" Grant from Orange County Partnership for Young Children This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. f. RFP Award - Computer Training Classes for County Employees The Board approved a contract with Durham Technical Community College to provide computer training to County employees at the rate of $63 per student. q Employee Assistance Program Contract Renewal The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the renewal of a contract with Human Affairs International in the amount of $13,104 to provide Employee Assistance Program services for the 1999-2000 fiscal year. h. Personnel Ordinance Addition - Personal Leave Days (Second Reading) The Board approved on second reading a personnel ordinance addition to add two personal leave days for employees effective July 1St, 1999. L Housing Rehabilitation Contract Awards The Board awarded housing rehabilitation contracts to Jordan Construction Company in the amount of $24,695 for property at 105 Wesley Street, Carrboro, and Taylor Home Improvements in the amount of $28,960 for property at 116 Eugene Street, Carrboro. L Pyrotechnics Permit - Abundant Life Church This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. k. Pyrotechnics Permit - Orange County Speedway This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. 1. Contract for EMS Medical Support at Orange County Speedway The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract between Orange County Speedway and the Department of Emergency Management for medical coverage at speedway events. m. North Chatham Fire Department - Amendment to Fire Protection Contract for The Board amended a contract with North Chatham Volunteer Fire Department to increase the 1999-2000 budget for fire protection services in the Damascus and Southern Triangle fire districts and authorized the Chair to sign. n. Renewal Agreement - Town of Hillsborough Fire Inspections The Board renewed an agreement with the town of Hillsborough for County personnel to provide state-mandated fire inspections on behalf of the town and authorized the Chair to sign. o. EMS Medical Director Contract Renewal The Board renewed an agreement in the amount of $30,000 between EMS and UNC Hospitals for medical director services for the 1999-2000 fiscal year and authorizes the Chair to sign. p 1999-2000 Contracts for Professional Services with UNC Family Practice Center and UNC School of Dentistry The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign contracts in the amount of $84,852 with UNC Family Practice Center and $12,400 with the UNC School of Dentistry for clinical services. g, Agreement between Orange County and Carol J. Holcomb, Attorney at Law, Northen, Blue, LLP, for Legal Services The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign an agreement with Carol J. Holcomb, attorney at law, Northen, Blue LLP, for legal services for the Department of Social Services for the 1999-2000 fiscal year. r. Moody Building - Exercise of Option to Renew by Probation and Parole 7 The Board approved a renewal option by Probation and Parole for space in the Moody Building at an annual rate of $17,922 and authorized the Chair to sign. S. Dickson House - Thirty-Day Lease Extension for Chamber of Commerce: and Consideration to Allow Historic Alliance to Remain in Dickson House pending Negotiation of Lease Terms This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. t. Amendment to Cooperative Agreement with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development The Board approved an amendment to a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to increase funding by $15,000 for services provided by the County as a capacity building agency during fiscal year 1998-99 and authorized the Chair to sign. U. Petition for Addition - Wyngate Drive, Running Pine Court, Old Oak Place and Old Forest Drive in Eno Township The Board approved a petition from the N.C. Department of Transportation for the addition of Wyngate Drive, Running Pine Court, Old Oak Place and Old Forest Drive in Eno Township to the state-maintained secondary road system. V. Maude Faucette House (The Elms) National Register Nomination, HP-2-99 This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Aqenda. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA a. Appointments The Board considered appointments to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee; Human Services Advisory Commission; and Personnel Advisory Board. Commissioner Jacobs made a comment about the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee. He talked with Ms. Soltys about visiting a nursing home that was in reprehensible shape. He mentioned that the County Commissioners were trying to get the minutes for the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee on the County website. He encouraged the Board to expedite trying to facilitate getting their minutes on the website. He feels this would help the efforts of this group. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to appoint Ruth Manning to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee for a term ending 612112000. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Dee Gamble to the Human Services Advisory Commission for a term ending 3/31/2002. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to appoint Barbara Delon to the Personnel Advisory Board for a term ending 6/30/2001. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Minutes The Board considered approval and/or correction of minutes from its February 2nd regular meeting, February 16th regular meeting, and March 31St joint meeting with the school boards. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the minutes for February 16th and March 31St as amended. The February 2nd minutes will be brought back with corrections on June 301h VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Adoption of 1999-2000 County Commissioner Goals The Board considered adopting goals for the 1999-2000 fiscal year. Commissioner Brown distributed a memo outlining an addition to the Affordable Housing Goal. She suggested inserting, "maintaining long-term affordable housing" in the goal statement. On page four, she would like the Board to consider instructing the County Attorney and the Housing and Community Development Director to prepare a short report for the Board that would include a process for evaluating affordable housing projects in terms of how they have achieved and how they are going to achieve long-term affordability. She would also like to know what criteria could be used by the County Commissioners in evaluating applications for the bond money for sustaining long-term affordability for these projects. Commissioner Brown made a motion to add the goal of getting a report back from the Attorney and Housing and Community Development Director. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the report from the Attorney and Housing Director would be an analysis of the criteria that they have set for how the bond money would be spent for affordable housing and if these criteria would accomplish the goal of long-term affordable housing. He feels that since there is already criteria for affordable housing, it should only be an analysis of the current criteria. Chair Gordon suggested that the staff modify this goal and bring it back to the next meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve all of the goals except affordable housing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. EMS "Welcome to the World" Grant from Orange County Partnership for Young Children The Board considered accepting a grant in the amount of $5,000 from the Orange County Partnership for Young Children to promote injury prevention and child wellness. Commissioner Brown said that she feels this is a fantastic grant. She would like to get some feedback in a year to see how it worked out. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the EMS "Welcome to the World" Grant from Orange County Partnership for Young Children. VOTE: UNANIMOUS L Pyrotechnics Permit - Abundant Life Church The Board considered approving a pyrotechnics permit for a July 4th fireworks display at Abundant Life Church. Commissioner Jacobs asked why there is not a fee charged for pyrotechnic display permits. John Link said that in the past the staff has focused on the process and has not addressed charging a fee. Most of the permits are given to non-profit organizations. k. Pyrotechnics Permit - Orange County Speedway The Board considered approving a pyrotechnics permit for a July 2"d fireworks display at the Orange County Speedway. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve pyrotechnics permits for Abundant Life Church and Orange County Speedway. VOTE: UNANIMOUS s. Dickson House - Thirty-Day Lease Extension for Chamber of Commerce, and Consideration to Allow Historic Alliance to Remain in Dickson House pending Negotiation of Lease Terms The Board considered approving a 30-day lease extension with the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce at the Dickson House, and allowing the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough to occupy this space without a lease pending details of a new lease. Commissioner Halkiotis asked that staff determine if there are any County agencies that could use the space being vacated by the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve and authorize the Chair to sign a 30-day lease extension with the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce at the Dickson House, and allow the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough to occupy this space without a lease pending details of a new lease. VOTE: UNANIMOUS V. Maude Faucette House (The Elms) National Register Nomination, HP-2-99 The Board considered a recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission that the Maude Faucette House be submitted for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there were any public monies put into preparing this application and David Stancil said no. He asked if the Historic Preservation Commission is working on developing some criteria for how the County will allocate monies for assistance, and David Stancil said no, not at this time. Commissioner Jacobs renewed his request that there be criteria established if the County is going to offer monies for assistance. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the nomination from the Historic Preservation Commission that the Maude Faucette House be submitted for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA a. Adoption of 1999-2000 Budaet Ordinance. Grant and Capital Proiect Ordinances and Related Documents The Board considered adopting the 1999-2000 budget ordinance, capital project ordinances, a grant project ordinance, salary schedule, classification and pay plan amendment, personnel ordinance revisions, and fee schedule approved by the Board at its June 15th work session. 10 Nick Didow, member of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools Board of Education, said that he talked with Delores Simpson from the Orange County Board of Education. Based on their conversation, he would like to share some of their comments. He thanked the Board of County Commissioners for their support. He said that this year is an unprecedented year. He said that in February of last year, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board heard over five million dollars of requests for new initiatives in the City school system alone. The School Board pared that down to 3.3 million dollars of additional funds to request from the County Commissioners. In February of this year, there was eight million dollars requested for new funds, and the School Board pared that list down to the unprecedented amount that was requested this year. While the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board is grateful for the County Commissioners' support, they have a shortfall of $900,000. The Chapel Hill/Carrboro City School Board of Education appreciates the County Manager's and the County Commissioners' suggestions on ways to modify the tax revenue increases, etc. However, they are not going to be able to fund all those items that they feel have merit. He reflected on the working relationship between the Board of County Commissioners and the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools Board of Education. His Board asked him to attend this meeting and to make a commitment to include and partner with the County Commissioners in all that the Board of Education does. The Chapel Hill/Carrboro Schools are rededicating themselves to be a partner with the County Commissioners for the good of all the people in Orange County. They would welcome suggestions from the Board of County Commissioners and County staff. John Link mentioned the New Hope Fire Department Tax. The staff recommendation remains the same, that the Commissioners adopt the present tax rate of 5.15 cents per one hundred. The County staff believes that the fire district has within its reserve funds and/or contingency fund the ability to address their needs next year without raising the tax. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he would like to see a listing of each fire district and what money they receive from outside resources and a list of the needs for each district. He mentioned that there was so much misinformation as to the needs of the New Hope Fire Department. Commissioner Carey asked if the Board has ever asked for audits from fire districts. Rod Visser said that this was discussed several years ago. According to state law county governments cannot require fire districts to present an audit. The County usually gets an accounting of the numbers, but nothing that would constitute the level of an audit. Motion #1: Budget Director Donna Dean said that this budget ordinance sets the countywide tax rate at 91.9 cents and the Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools district tax at 22 cents. The ordinance has the New Hope Fire District tax at 5.15 cents. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adopt the 1999-2000 Orange County Budget Ordinance, to include a countywide tax rate of 91.9 cents and a Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools district tax of 22 cents. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion #2: A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adopt the revisions to the employee pay and benefits plan for 1999-2000 including the 1999- 11 2000 Salary Schedule, Classification and Pay Plan Amendments and Personnel Ordinance changes incorporated herein by reference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion #3: A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt the County Fee Schedule incorporated herein by reference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion #4: A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adopt the 1999-2000 Grant Project Ordinances incorporated herein by reference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion #5: Donna Dean explained the EMS-911 center that was included in the original agenda abstract as having $10,500 appropriated for 1999-2000 was in the original one-cent. When the spreadsheet was done again, they did not catch this item, so it was removed from the summary for Capital Projects. She explained that the two projects that they are asking the Board to adopt tonight are projects that have either ongoing contracts that need to be fulfilled before the August 18th meeting, or initiatives that need to be addressed before the August 18th meeting. The staff is also asking the Board to re-authorize any existing County Capital Project Ordinances and extend expiration dates from June 30,1999 until June 30, 2000. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adopt the Information Technology Capital Project Ordinance and the Sportsplex Capital Project Ordinance, and reauthorize existing County Capital Project Ordinances and extend their expiration dates from June 30,1999 until June 30, 2000. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion #6: A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reauthorize existing School Capital Project Ordinances and extend their expiration dates from June 30, 1999 until June 30, 2000 incorporated herein by reference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Gordon read the letter that was presented by Commissioner Jacobs for signature by all five County Commissioners to be sent out with the budget that gives a summary of the decisions made tonight. She read the letter, which is incorporated herein by reference. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the letter to Orange County citizens. It will be sent to the newspapers and put on the web page. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Halkiotis noted that he is not comfortable with the information received from the fire districts. As Fire Commissioner he will follow up on this item. Commissioner Jacobs asked if an audit could be required of a fire district prior to a tax increase. 12 John Link said that he would be willing to sit down with each fire district board. He said that the Institute of Government could give some ideas as to what other governments are doing. b. Telecommunications Towers/Site Management Consultant The Board considered approving a contract with Metrosite Management LLC, for consultant services to assist the County with telecommunications tower siting issues. Planning Director Craig Benedict gave this presentation. This consultant will address five issues with the County as follows: 1) provide public information; 2) review ordinances; 3) create a grid system identifying potential tower coverage sites; 4) coordinate tower siting with the telecommunications industry; and 5) develop revenue sources for leasing public properties. He said that there was not a representative from Metrosite Management LLC, but he could answer any questions about the contract. Commissioner Carey made reference to part 2, page 4 regarding compensation that applies to the term of the contract, and asked if this compensation continues if the contract is terminated or if there is a timeframe. Craig Benedict explained that if there is a lease with a provider for a certain amount of time, the compensation would continue for that length of time even after the contract has expired. Commissioner Carey feels that Metrosite should be compensated for the length of the contract. Craig Benedict explained that leases for towers are typically from 15 to 20 years and it would be difficult to get a contract for 15 years. Commissioner Halkiotis is troubled with the compensation issue. He has a problem with the long-term consulting relationships. Craig Benedict said that this contract has been reviewed by the National Association of County Commissioners and the National Association of County Managers and is the standard that has been proposed across the state. He said that there is probably some room for negotiation. John Link said that they would revisit this item and provide additional information in August Commissioner Jacobs asked several questions which will be answered at the time this item is brought back for County Commissioners' consideration on August 17 He would still like to see the zoning handbook for wireless antenna facilities. Chair Gordon said that she realized after reading this contract that the contractor gets all of their money by finding publicly owned land and creating leases. It seemed to her that they would have a lot of incentive to site the towers and not to follow up on the services needed. Commissioner Brown asked how this item relates to the County's Land Use Plan and Craig Benedict indicated that he would address this in August at the time this item is brought 13 back to the Board. C. Pocket Park - General Review of Proiect and Consideration of Additional Fees for Architect The Board reviewed details of the Pocket Park Project for the Skills Development Center and considered a request by Dick Wilkerson, Project Designer, for additional fees in the amount of $4,100. Commissioner Carey said that he favors paying the architect the extra money for the project. He would like to see the project reduced so that more of the green area is retained. Commissioner Jacobs agreed with Commissioner Carey saying that the County should pay the expenses that have been incurred. He would be willing to pay Mr. Wilkerson for additional services and see if he can cut the cost of this project. He also said that he would be willing to match funds from other jurisdictions when they have a park proposal. He would like to ask Chapel Hill if they would be willing to partner with Orange County for this park. Chair Gordon asked about the size of the park. Pam Jones said it was about 7,000 square feet, and one-third of it is sidewalk. Commissioner Brown said that there have been two approvals from the Board of County Commissioners' on this concept and plan for the pocket park. She asked why this project is now being questioned at this time. She said that what this proposes to do is to create shade along the street with a place for people to sit and openness to a public building. The Skills Development Center Advisory Board has delayed signage and lighting until this project is finished. The original project had funds for a landscape architect to design the front of this building. Pam Jones explained that most of the $4,100 is for work that has already been done. Chair Gordon said that she thought the architect should be paid for what has already been done. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve the Manager's recommendation to approve the pocket park design as revised and to authorize the additional $4,100 fee requested by Dick Wilkerson. VOTE: AYES, 2; NOS, 3 (Commissioners Carey and Jacobs and Chair Gordon) A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to pay the architect the $4,100. VOTE: AYES, 4; NO, 1 (Commissioner Brown) Chair Gordon explained that she thought that $77,000 was a little expensive for this pocket park and that the park could be a bit more modest. 10. REPORTS a. Orange County Y21K Implementation Plan The Board was to receive a report on county preparations to deal with Year 2000 technology issues, but it was postponed to a future meeting. 14 b. Water and Sewer Management Planning and Boundary Agreement The Board was to receive the final report on the Water and Sewer Boundary Task Force's water and sewer service management planning and boundary agreement, but it was postponed to a future meeting. C. Census 2000 - Complete Count Committee The Board considered approving the creation of the Complete Count Committee, and member nominations from county agencies, religious organizations, departments and municipalities. Craig Benedict said that the County Clerk could send out some notices to the various agencies that were involved in the 1990 census to see if they are interested in serving again. In August, the agencies that agreed to be involved would be provided to the Board of County Commissioners so that a board could be formed at that time. He reiterated how valuable the census would be in the year 2000 because of the population-based revenue sharing. He said that there has been tremendous growth in Orange County in the last ten years. The staff is asking the Board to approve sending out letters to create interest in various community organizations. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the Manager's recommendation of authorizing the Clerk's office to recruit participants for the Census 2000 Complete Count Committee from the various community organizations as outlined in the agenda abstract. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Joint Master Recreation and Parks Report The Board was to hear the report of the Joint Master Recreation and Parks Work Group, but it was postponed to a future meeting. 11. APPOINTMENTS The Board considered appointments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; Chapel Hill Planning Board; Commission for the Environment; Economic Development Commission; Hyconeechee Regional Library Board; Orange County-Hillsborough Eno Park Workgroup; Orange County Planning Board; and, Orange County Water and Sewer Authority. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to reappoint Patricia Love to the Chapel Hill Planning Board for a term ending 613012002. VOTE: AYES, 4; NO, 1 (Commissioner Brown) A motion was made by Chair Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appoint Julie Tucker to the Commission for the Environment for a term ending 1213112000. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reappoint Barbara Dewey to the Hyconeechee Regional Library Board for a term ending 3/31/2002 and to move Commissioner Jacobs to a liaison position. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 15 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appoint Commissioner Jacobs to the Orange County - Hillsborough Eno Park Workgroup. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reappoint Bernadette Pelissier to the Orange Water and Sewer Authority for a term ending 613012002. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The Board decided to hold the appointments for the Orange County Planning Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and the Economic Development Commission to a future meeting. 12. MINUTES -NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION "Pursuant to G.S. §143-318.11(a)(4) to discuss matters related to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations." A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to go into closed session "Pursuant to G.S. §143-318.11(a)(4) to discuss matters related to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations," and "Pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(1) in order to prevent the disclosure of information that is made privileged or confidential by G.S. 143-318.10(e)." VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Brown left the meeting at this point at 10:45 p.m. ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION: A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to review the Utility Extension fund program to make it a loan program. VOTE: AYES, 3; NOS, 1 (Commissioner Halkiotis) 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the Board to consider, Chair Gordon adjourned the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board room of the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Alice M. Gordon, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk 16