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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19990907APPROVED 11117/99 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING September 7, 1999 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 7, 1999 in the Judge F. Gordon Battle Courtroom, new County Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Alice M. Gordon, and Commissioners Margaret W. Brown, Moses Carey, Jr., Stephen H. Halkiotis, and Barry Jacobs. COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoff Gledhill. COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Managers Rod Visser and Albert Kittrell, and Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe (all other staff members will be identified appropriately below). NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE. ALL RECORDINGS OF THE MEETING WILL BE KEPT FOR 5 YEARS. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA The Board agreed to delete Item 9-b, "Text Amendments - Flexible Development Provisions". The Board agreed that three (3) appointments to the Census Complete Count Committee and Historic Preservation Committee will be added to tonight's agenda for action. The Board added a proclamation for the September 18, 1999 Big Sweep campaign as Item 5-a. 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 1. Michael Neil asked the Board of County Commissioners for assistance in promoting the September 18, 1999 Big Sweep campaign. The Board was asked to provide waste containers in which to place the materials cleaned from the creek. Mr. Neil also requested that the County Commissioners adopt a resolution declaring September 18, 1999 as Big Sweep Day. First Citizens Bank is the sponsoring agent for the event. Commissioner Halkiotis made mention of the pictures he provided of debris from Hurricane Fran in the Eno River behind Grady Brown School. He asked for a written report stating the status of Orange County's clean up efforts. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Gordon dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Jacobs asked staff to reconvene the committee that had addressed extending County waterlines to the Roger Road area. Funding issues need to be resolved on the water problems citizens have experienced in that area. There was a consensus to reconvene the committee. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the elimination of senior rates at the Sportsplex and asked that they be restored. This request will be shared with the new management of this facility. Commissioner Brown would like a review of all the permitted use tables. She feels that in many of these areas there is a higher number of residential units than when the permitted use tables were written. Commissioner Halkiotis questioned whether Orange County is still operating under water restrictions based on the substantial rain that was received from Hurricane Dennis. Manager Link responded that while the flood gates on Lake Orange had been opened to allow water overflow into the Eno River, the gates had again been closed on this date. Since the water table is still 12 inches below the dam, the water restrictions have not yet been lifted. Manager Link stated he would further investigate the County's water supplies and report back to the Board. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT - NONE 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS The Board considered designating September 18, 1999 as Big Sweep Day, in conjunction with First Citizens Bank's clean up campaign. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs, to approve the provision of dumpsters and to adopt a resolution as presented declaring September 18, 1999 as Big Sweep Day. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Potential Construction and Demolition iC&D1 Landfill Site Evaluations 1. A presentation was made of potential C&D landfill sites on Eubanks Road and Guess Road. Prior to the presentation, Chair Gordon reminded the citizens assembled that tonight's meeting was designed for presentation of the engineer's report, with abbreviated public comments, due to time limitations. There will be a meeting on September 16, 1999 that was established to solicit public commentary on the proposed C&D landfill sites. Upon completion of Chair Gordon's clarifications, County Manager Link began the presentation by stating that the Landfill Owners Group began discussions of property acquisition to manage C&D waste materials in 1996. Initially approximately 25 potential C&D landfill sites were evaluated over the past two years. In December 1998, a C&D Site Search Task Force was created by the Landfill Owners Group to guide the search process. Two (2) final candidate sites have resulted from this search process. They are the Eubanks Road and Guess Road sites. The sites are available either through offer by owner or as already publicly-owned property. The sites differ, however, in size and capacity. The Eubanks Road site is 32.7 acres, with an expected capatiy of 14 years. The Guess Road site is 179 acres, with an expected capacity of 62 years. Manager Link went on to outline the proposed dates and purposes of future County meetings regarding this issue. After tonight's meeting and presentation, a public hearing will be held on September 16, 1999, and a special meeting will be held on September 29 to consider a decision on the option held on the Guess Road site. Manager Link stated that the State has said that this timeframe is sufficient to meet the public hearing criteria; however, the County Attorney is further researching this matter prior to the September 16, 1999, meeting. On September 21, 1999, there is to be a Board of County Commissioner's meeting for the final site selection. On September 27, 1999, the Town of Chapel Hill makes a site selection. Alternatively, on September 13, 1999, the Town of Chapel Hill could approve a resolution ceding final selection authority to the Board of County Commissioners. On September 28, 1999, the Town of Carrboro makes a site selection. Alternatively, on September 14, 1999, the Town of Carrboro could approve a resolution ceding final selection authority to the Board of County Commissioners. On September 30, 1999, if the Guess Road site is selected, necessary actions must be taken to close on the purchase of the property. Or, if the Eubanks Road site is selected, the county must proceed with acquisition of three (3) parcels and contract with Duke University for lease of buffer areas. Additionally, The Department of Environmental and Natural Resources C&D permitting process may require additional future meetings. 2. Engineer's Report: Gayle Wilson, Manager of Landfill Operations, introduced Jan McCarr and Jim Bateson of Joyce Engineering, Greensboro, North Carolina, a consulting engineering firm. Jan McCarr began the presentation by stating that siting, design, construction, and operation of landfills is highly regulated and actively managed by county, state, and federal regulations. She then gave a summary of the siting criteria. As regards to wetlands, both sites are within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' threshold. For the Guess Road site, the facility has been designed to avoid infringement on the Neuse River Basin Buffers; this criterion was not applicable to the Eubanks Road site. The 100-year floodplain is not a problem with either site. As to threatened and endangered species, there are none at the Guess Road site, but the engineering firm is still investigating the Eubanks Road site as to being a possible habitat of listed flora. Possible archaeological or historical sites were studied, with none being discovered at the Eubanks Road site, but three (3) areas of interest were identified at the Guess Road site. A final report on this issue will be completed by September 20, 1999. Neither the state-owned recreational lands nor airport location restriction criteria were applicable to either site. As to cover soils, both sites may require offsite borrow source soils. Ms. McCarr emphasized that whatever site chosen will be operated by professionally trained staff and a single point-of-access will be controlled through fencing and gates. Liquids and hazardous wastes will be prohibited at the site, with waste screening conducted to preclude the acceptance of either material. Next, Ms. McGarr addressed transportation issues for both sites. The Guess Road site is approximately 20 miles from the waste generation center, versus approximately two (2) miles for the Eubanks Road site. At the Eubanks Road site, vehicles would use the same access routes that are currently being used at the other landfill sites in the area. At the Guess Road site, the expected daily increase in traffic of 90+ vehicles does not approach design capacities, based on current traffic counts. Additionally, bridge/weight limits should be within capacity. Overall, the additional traffic should not have a negative impact on the surrounding areas. Ms. McCarr then introduced Jim Bateson, a hydrogeologist with the engineering firm, to discuss watershed and groundwater protection. Mr. Bateson began by stating that the Guess Road site has an intensive sedimentation/erosion control and stormwater management to control runoff. With regard to the Eubanks Road site, he stated that surface discharge travels through engineered channels at the closed landfill. Both sites have short and predictable groundwater pathways to allow effective groundwater monitoring. Mr. Bateson then showed a graphic outlining critical areas in the Little River watershed. State rules prohibit new landfills in critical areas, but neither site is located within such an area. Mr. Bateson proceeded to discuss protection procedures for downstream surface water quality and groundwater quality that would be implemented at whatever site was finally chosen. He also stated that a large northernmost portion of the site purchased at Guess Road has no development planned due to the proximity to the Little River. At neither site is well water located within too close a margin, and there is no danger to the health and safety of nearby residents. At the conclusion of Mr. Bateson's remarks, Gayle Wilson summarized the study's findings. He stated that while both sites can be developed, there are significant differences between them, particularly as to size and capacity. As to acquisition costs, there is an option on the Guess Road site, which must be exercised within a short timeframe. The Eubanks Road site initial costs are unknown due to investigation of eminent domain issues. Mr. Wilson stated that some concerns expressed at the Town of Carrboro public hearing need to be addressed. However, Mr. Wilson again emphasized the need for expedient action if the site chosen is Guess Road to maintain the current price of the land with the existing option. Mr. Wilson stated that, if desired, a new site search can be undertaken. However, regardless of which option is chosen, Mr. Wilson suggested that the Board of County Commissioners also consider suggestions as to reducing C&D site waste in the future. 3. Questions and Comments from the Board of County Commissioners: Once the presentation was complete, the Commissioners had comments and questions for the consultants. Commissioner Carey noted that both sites are near watef are in watersheds, but one has a longer travel time to reach the w *tershed intake sites to affect local drinking water. Ms. McCarr stated that the Guess Road site was indeed closer. Commissioner Brown had questions regarding the schedule and whether this presentation would be made to the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Mr. Wilson stated that if the towns do not cede authority, his staff and the consultants will be pleased to make the same presentation as soon as the towns express their interest. He further stated that the citizenry would be notified via extensive mailing lists for both sites. Commissioner Brown also questioned the location of monitoring wells at the Eubanks Road site. Mr. Bateson clarified that there is indeed a sufficient monitoring network set up at both sites, but the graphic illustration was inadvertently left off of the Eubanks Road site map. Commissioner Brown also addressed the issue of increased traffic volumes, with no increase being shown at the Eubanks Road site, but an increase of 90+ vehicles per day at the Guess Road site. She stated that while the number may not exceed the design capacities of the roads, there is also an important quality of life issue in that the vehicles will likely be large trucks near residential neighborhoods, causing additional emissions and noise. Commissioner Jacobs requested further information on potential improvements that would be required at each site, including the costs and the life of each site based on some percentage of recycling. With reference to the Eubanks Road site, he stated he had spoken with Duke Forest personnel, who have given their permission to use their land as a buffer. Commissioner Jacobs also requested that the long and short versions of all reports be sent to the Durham County Board of Commissioners. Chair Gordon questioned the consultants as to the meaning of the blue lines on the graphics for each site. Mr. Bateson explained that these lines denoted tributaries and/or rivers in the area. Commissioner Brown asked the impact of digging on a creek located at the Eubanks Road site. Ms. McGarr stated that .9 acres represent wetlands that would not be disturbed. 4. Public Comments from the Audience: Mr. Tom Campbell expressed confusion as to transportation routes to be used and questioned the mileage on each of the two (2) routes. Ms. McCarr stated she would obtain and provide the requested information. Mr. Campbell also questioned if both routes were paved. Ms. McCarr stated that Lawrence Road over the Eno River is not paved. Mr. Campbell further stated that Mr. Wilson at a prior meeting had spoken of a third route, using Highway 15-501 and Interstate 85, and that he would also like to know the mileage of this route. He noted that the shortest route, using Highway 15-501 and Interstate 85, has very serious capacity problems. Mr. Robert Fletcher sought clarification of the mile-per-hour rating at Guess Road, as to whether it was 55mph. He also questioned where the trucks would be turning, as well as the mileage involved. Mr. Fletcher stated that he believed the Durham County Board of Commissioners had requested an independent assessment. Manager Link stated he had not seen such a request. Mr. Wilson stated that Durham City had requested a copy of the engineering report and it had been provided. Just prior to the end of the time limit, Mr. Fletcher asked if there was any conflict of interest with Joyce Engineering as to economic benefit through ongoing fees and/or work based on site selection. Chair Gordon thanked the citizens for attending the meeting. Commissioner Jacobs asked how the landfill was to be funded. Manager Link explained that the Landfill Owner's Group collects fees from users of landfills and these funds would be utilized, rather than any county or town revenues. Commissioner Brown emphasized that she wanted to ensure Mr. Fletcher's final question regarding Joyce Engineering is adequately answered at the September 16, 1999, public hearing. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 0 a. Public Hearing/Decision on Utility Extension Fund Agreement 1. The Board of County Commissioners considered approval of the proposed utility extension fund agreement in the amount of $50,000.00 between Orange County and Barber and Ross Company. Manager Link provided a brief overview of the proposal, stating that the County had previously outlined certain incentives necessary for consideration of such a proposal, including offering economic development and employment to women and minorities. Manager Link further stated that the proposed new business is located in a prime economic development district and will offer a minimum of 90 to 100 jobs. Many of these jobs will be staffed by women and minorities, at a salary equal to or better than the current living wage. The new business will also provide a benefit to the County as to increased tax revenues. The County's investment of $50,000.00 will be recouped in three (3) to four (4) years. EDC Director Diane Reid reiterated Manager Link's statements as to a positive economic impact, as well as emphasizing the environmental benefits. The 9.9-acre site was in poor condition, with trash and debris, including nine (9) burial waste sites that must be totally excavated. The site has been vacant for a long period of time, which only encouraged illegal activity. Ms. Reid introduced Bruce Webber, Engineering Manager with Barber and Ross. Mr. Webber first stated that the community has been very supportive of the project and his company has taken on quite a challenge. An application has been made for clean up of the site and the next step will be to prepare the site for construction. The construction will take approximately three (3) to four (4) months once started. Mr. Webber stated that a decision as to the contractor will be made the week of September 13-17, 1999. There were no public comments. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the recommended proposed utility extension fund agreement between Orange County and Barber and Ross. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below: VOTE: UNANIMOUS. a. Minutes This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. b. Budget Amendment #1 This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. C. Voluntary Agricultural District Designation - Hurley T. Tate Property This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. d. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Refunds The board approved 29 requests for motor vehicle NAME American Honda Finance Corporation John Robert Brinkhous Chase Manhattan Auto Finance Corporation Young Ho Chung Julian Carter Culton Phillip P. Deussen Phillip P. Deussen property tax refunds are listed below ACCOUNT # F15053 E90574 D76401 F81102 F81335 D76902 E97183 AMOUNT $382.13 $123.07 $389.89 $47.73 $125.33 $139.12 $120.46 Phillip P. Deussen E103624 $1.59 First Union National Bank of North Carolina F49996 $844.55 Michael John Gary E48730 $37.01 Kurt Ogden Gilleland F68880 $4.31 Adam Worth Grobin G11005 $45.69 Hays Heating and Air Conditioning F63570 $159.00 Kathleen Lucy Gail C16292 $51.13 Kathleen Lucy Gail D22499 $49.25 Kathleen Lucy Gail E18774 $48.18 Kathleen Lucy Gail F18597 $41.88 Kathleen Lucy Gail C64525 $25.17 Kathleen Lucy Gail D78927 $24.87 Kathleen Lucy Gail E6368 $22.63 Kathleen Lucy Gail F64325 $23.92 George Thomas Lesniak E99280 $47.05 Jane Ann Saiers F71536 $170.46 Kathryn Vaughn Spatz F28748 $100.45 Gordon Wayne Vance F60919 $39.95 VT Inc. as Trustee for World Omni Lt. F29460 $115.22 VT Inc. as Trustee for World Omni Lt. F85589 $405.05 Wachovia Auto Leasing Company G15186 $153.60 Patsy Priscilla Williams F79925 $8.67 e. 1999-2000 Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) Contract The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract in the amount of $10,000.00, payable in two (2) installments, to continue support of small business development proposed in the Economic Development Strategic Plan adopted May 14, 1996. f. Minute Preparer Contracts This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda. g_ Work-Sharing Agreement between Orange County Human Relations Commission and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for Fiscal Year 2000 The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a work-sharing agreement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in which EEOC reimburses the Human Relations Commission $50.00 per intake, and $500.00 per closed case, in employment discrimination cases. h. Employee Health Insurance for 2000 The Board approved renewing employee health insurance plans with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) and Healthsource, effective January 1, 2000. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA a. Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the minutes from the February 9, 1999 work session, with corrections. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the minutes from the February 18, 1999 regular meeting, with corrections. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the minutes from the April 20, 1999 regular meeting. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. b. Budget Amendment #1 Commissioner Jacobs first questioned the status of value engineering and was told that a decision had been made not to hire a consultant. Commissioner Jacobs asked that staff keep track of the status of this item. Manager Link stated that the two (2) primary Commissioners involved will be asked to evaluate the scope of work and to establish methods to proceed. Commissioner Halkiotis stated that regardless of the result, he was interested in the heating and cooling issues, such as in the Judge F. Gordon Battle Courtroom, and that value engineering was one piece of this issue. Commissioner Halkiotis further stated his belief that a county employee would be the best option, such as a construction oversite manager. Commissioner Halkiotis also stated that perhaps area retired persons could be approached who have the expertise and would be pleased to perform the work at a reasonable cost. The board addressed the budget ordinance amendments and capital project ordinances for Orange County and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, which are incorporated herein by reference. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adopt the budget ordinance amendments and capital project ordinances for Orange County and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City schools. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. C. Voluntary Agricultural District Designation - Hurley T. Tate Property The Board considered an application to certify the Hurley T. Tate Property as qualifying farmland and designation as a voluntary agricultural district. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the designation and to authorize Chair Gordon to sign the application by the Hurley T. Tate Property. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. f. Minute Preparer Contracts The Board considered two (2) contracts with minute preparers for the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Board meetings, at a rate of $65.00 per hour of transcribed tape. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign contracts with the two (2) minute preparers at the stated rate. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA a. Appointments The Board considered appointments to the Census Complete Count Committee and the Historic Preservation Committee. It was decided to have at-large representatives from the southern Orange County minority community to help address Hispanic and other minority representation. Commissioner Brown expressed literacy concerns in obtaining the information. Manager Link stated that staff had been assigned to address and resolve this issue. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the appointments as presented in the agenda abstract to the Census Complete Count Committee. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. As to the Historic Preservation Committee, Commissioner Jacobs made the observation that this was becoming an almost totally male board and that women applicants were needed for more diversification. Chair Gordon agreed and also pointed out that the bylaws stated the appointee must have a background in architectural preservation and/or engineering to join, which have traditionally been male-dominated fields. The Chair stated further study would be made as to how to attract qualified women applicants. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint to the Historic Preservation Committee Rob Golan for a term ending 3/31/2000 and to appoint Brad Lessler to a term ending 3/31/2002. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. b. Text Amendments - Flexible Development Provisions This item was deleted from the agenda. The Board considered accepting a grant from Smart Start in the amount of $47,887.00 in support of the Orange County Community Awareness Project, and to establish a new permanent time- limited bilingual community awareness coordinator position. Manager Link commended Health Director Rosemary Summers on her initiatives to pursue and obtain a Smart Start grant for this project. Mr. Link also recommended approval of this proposal to be able to obtain continued funding from Smart Start next year. Ms. Summers was introduced to present the proposal. Ms. Summers stated that the grant was aimed toward bringing Hispanic children into the available County services. A series of community outreach events are planned since the language barrier can make reaching and educating the County's Hispanic community difficult. Ms. Summers emphasized that many strategies will be needed to make the program successful. Commissioner Halkiotis asked for clarification of the phrase "permanent time-limited". Director of Personnel Elaine Holmes stated that the position would have benefits, unlike a normal temporary position, but would be limited as to the amount of time that the chosen person was employed by the County. Commissioner Halkiotis asked that this phrasing be rethought. Ms. Summers explained that the programs will be available to all Hispanic children that are either citizens or permanent residents whose parents and/or guardians possessed a "green" card. However, immunizations and screening will be provided to anyone. There will also be limited mental health benefits and some agencies have private funding. Additionally, there will be developmental evaluation services above the normal ones offered by the Health Department. The department seeks to hire a bilingual person for the coordinator position, and Ms. Summers stated that it would take a fair amount of time for the newly-hired person to become familiar will all available programs. Ms. Summers mentioned that the salary level will be in the mid-$30,000 range, including benefits. Ms. Summers stated that the dental office in the Carr Mill location have donated office space. The needs of adults have not yet been assessed, but will be once the program is in place and operating. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to accept the Smart Start Grant for Orange County Community Awareness Project and to create the Bilingual Community Awareness Coordinator position. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. d. Funding Support for La Fiesta Del Pueblo The Board considered a request to provide $5,000.00 in funding to La Fiesta Del Pueblo as a sponsoring partner for the event. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to provide $5,000.00 in funding for La Fiesta Del Pueblo as a sponsoring partner. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. 10. REPORTS a. Joint Master Recreation and Parks Report The Board received a report of the Joint Master Recreation and Parks Master Plan Work Group. Commissioner Brown summarized the process to date. A task force was created in November 1997 with a countywide citizens group for a bond package. The bond issue included schools, affordable housing, and parks. There was representation of all interested parties within the County on the task force, and considerable efforts were made to address the present and future needs. Environment and Resource Conservation Director David Stancil was introduced to further address this issue. Mr. Stancil stated that the group spent time establishing criteria for land acquisition for different park needs within separate areas of the County. Two (2) common themes were to meet multiple goals and to preserve natural resources. The possibility of linking town parks and greenways to a regional system was explored. However, the towns do not have much room left to grow. The plan is to have the new Resource Manager identify sites and needs for long-term acquisitions. Plans for the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro are limited. There are nine (9) recommendations from the work group: 1. Create a Parks and Resource Lands Council. 2. Create inter-jurisdictional standards. 3. Coordinate joint siting, design, and management of school and park sites. 4. Develop public and private partnerships. 5. Initiate joint capital facilities planning and coordinated land acquisition. 6. Create an open facilities policy so all citizens have access, without fees that might restrict usage. 7. Payment-in-lieu changes as existing programs are not likely to produce sufficient funding for long-term needs. Mr. Stancil stated this was the best tool for raising funds. County Attorney Geoffrey Gledhill stated that Orange County has special legislation for their payment-in-lieu regulations, which allows them more flexibility in the use of these funds. 8. Address current needs. 9. Develop plans for use of current funds and future funding needs. Mr. Stancil emphasized that at the present rate of acquisition, the County will have a deficit of 645 acres of parks in Year 2000, and a 1,265-acre deficit by Year 2025. As the cost of county land is only going to continue to rise, long-term acquisitions should be done now as "land banking", but for development at a later date. In this manner, we will address the needs of the next generation for 20 years to build the necessary parks and recreation areas to meet projected needs. Commissioner Carey commended the group's work but expressed concern that there may exist overlapping committees and commissions and Commissioner Chair Gordon also commended the work groups and said she felt that it was an excellent report. She noted that she and Commissioner Brown had discussed the report, and had clarified that since any long-term group would be dealing with parks, it would be called the `Parks Council'; the Commissioners agreed. Chair Gordon suggested referring the Joint Master Recreation and Parks Report to Orange County's relevant advisory boards, and asking them to give particular attention to the criteria for siting parks. The report will be referred to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council, Commission for the Environment, Agricultural Districts Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Commission and the Orange County Planning Board. Chair Gordon suggested referring this q_sue to the Advisory Board- to riptprmwnp wh*r-h anrnmoUpps nnd s will be assigned what duties in pursuing the creation of parks and recreation areas. Mr. Stancil stated that he had made the same presentation to the Town of Carrboro and received a very positive reaction. Commissioner Halkiotis questioned if there is a consensus within the governments as to creating one countywide parks and recreation department. Commissioner Brown stated that such a department would have a difficult job managing so many varied locations and needs. Manager Link stated, however, that it is in everyone's best interests to come together in planning and action. Commissioner Brown stated that since the park bond was passed, seven (7) new multipurpose playing fields have been established. Chair Gordon suggested forwarding this report to the governing boards of Chapel Hill and Carrbore and to put the open facilities policy on nn III w. ing agenda After further discussion, Chair Gordon suggested forwarding this report to the towns as well as the County advisory boards and to put the open facilities policy on an upcoming agenda. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to forward the report and place the open facilities policy on an upcoming agenda. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. b. Water and Sewer Management Planning and Boundary Agreement The Board received a report from the Water and Sewer Boundary Task Force and reviewed a final draft of the water and sewer management planning and boundary agreement. Manager Link stated that this process has been ongoing for ten (10) years and has been verycomplex. Chair Gordon and Commissioner Carey served on this group as the Board of County Commissioners representatives, while Commissioner Jacobs had represented OWASA. Commissioner Carey expressed his concern that the issue still needs work and should be referred to a work session rather than action at this meeting. Chair Gordon questioned how other jurisdictions were handling the issue. Planner Gene Bell stated that the Chapel Hill Town Council and the Hillsborough Town Commissioners are to consider the issue at its September 13, 1999 meeting, while the Carrboro Board of Aldermen will consider it on September 28, 1999. Chair Gordon stated that it was important to expedite this matter. Commissioner Carey stated that while progress had been made and has evolved over the time period, it has produced a document that he, as Chair of the work group, cannot recommend to the Board of County Commissioners. He further stated that he has concerns about the impact on the Orange Water and Sewer Authority's (OWASA) ability to provide services. Commissioner Jacobs asked what Hillsborough's reaction was to this issue. Chair Gordon stated that there did not seem to be any specific concerns for Hillsborough. As to issues of concern in the task force deliberations, it had been difficult to define "emergency" water transfers. The Chair stated that this agreement would be scheduled for a work session and requested OWASA should be advised and that the OWASA Board chair and vice-chair, plus the two County OWASA Board representatives should be invited. C. Countywide Literacy Initiative The Board received a report from Lucy Lewis, Director of the Orange County Literacy Council and a request that the Board provide matching funds, which were, received from the two (2) school systems for this initiative. Ms. Lewis stated that too many children come to school not ready to read or to attend school, in general, so a more comprehensive literacy policy is needed to adequately address these issues. Within the County, there is a wide division between literate and non-literate citizens and the gap needs to be bridged by strengthening parental skills, which will flow down to improving the children's skill levels. This initiative was developed over the spring and summer with the Orange County Partnership, with the following goals: 1. Eliminate adult literacy in Orange County. 2. Aid children in achieving literacy. 3. Create a positive climate to attain literacy. 4. Develop a public awareness campaign. 5. Implement a series of pilot projects to help both parents and children. Ideas proposed thus far include use of bumperstickers, pamphlets, and other materials to be given out at area schools and libraries. Ms. Lewis is seeking seed money of $2,500.00 to begin. Chair Gordon stated that she would like to see more specific outcomes, such as reaching 100 families, to ensure there are measurable results because this is a worthwhile project. Ms. Lewis stated that more specific goals are forthcoming, but with the onset of the school year, it was thought to be important to at least begin the process. Chair Gordon wanted to see Goal five clarified and pursued. Commissioner Brown stated she was pleased to see illiteracy in Spanish also addressed, as well as the use of signage. Ms. Lewis stated there was much discussion in literacy circles about this very issue and that she is working with the media to create a year-long series to encourage literacy. Commissioner Halkiotis sought clarification as whether there was a $2,500.00 commitment from both school systems and Ms. Lewis confirmed this fact. Ms. Lewis also stated that she did not see this as a one-year project, rather they were committed to seeking funds from many community partners. Commissioner Halkiotis encouraged the grass roots effort and was pleased to see momentum to meet the needs of the County's Hispanic community. Commissioner Jacobs stated his priority and continuing support for addressing the illiteracy problems. Ms. Lewis pledged to report back to the Board with more specifics once the program is initiated. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appropriate $2,500.00 for the Countywide Literacy Initiative from the Board of County Commissioners contingency fund. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. 11. APPOINTMENTS - NONE 12. MINUTES - NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION - NONE 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to be considered, the Orange County Board of Commissioners adjourned their meeting. The next meeting, which has been noticed, will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 1999, at 7:30 p.m., in the district courtroom at the new County courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Alice M. Gordon, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk