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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19991103APPROVED 211 412 0 0 0 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Regular Meeting November 3, 1999 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, November 3, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. in the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom, Hillsborough, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Alice M. Gordon and Commissioners Margaret W. Brown, Stephen H. Halkiotis, and Barry Jacobs COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Moses Carey, Jr. (out of town) COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Managers Albert Kittrell and Rod Visser, and Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe. All other staff will be recognized 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 Chair Gordon added to item 4b, County Manager's Report a report on the Greene Tract. 2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters on the Printed Agenda Chair Gordon indicated that these matters would be considered as the Board addresses the items on the agenda below. b. Matters not on the Printed Agenda - NONE PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the Public Charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Brown brought to the County Commissioners attention that Habitat for Humanity is working on homes on Rogers Road. She said that there was an opportunity for the Commissioners and the County employees to work on the project on November 20tH Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the NCDOT meeting on November 17th regarding the widening of 1-40, and asked that there be an item on the November 16th agenda to allow for further discussion. Chair Gordon said that the discussion of the NCDOT meeting could possibly be put on the agenda for November Stn Chair Gordon explained that there is a project to widen 1-40 that goes from Durham County into Orange County. The project is divided into two sections. The section in Durham County will be done soon. The section in Orange County is not funded yet. The environmental impact statement will be done all at once for both sections. She said that there has been lobbying to try to get DOT to divide this into two projects. She explained that the flyer is to publicize this hearing so that anyone interested could participate. She said that there are a lot of questions about this project. She said that she would like DOT to do the environmental impact statement closer to the time the project would be done in Orange County. Commissioner Jacobs noticed that Mr. Mills was promoted to replace Mr. Watkins in the DOT. He suggested sending a letter to Mr. Watkins thanking him for his service to Orange County. He would also like to send a letter of congratulation to Mr. Mills. He said that in January 1999, John Furman Herring brought up a dangerous situation on Jones Ferry Road but nothing has not heard on this from Mr. Mills. Commissioner Jacobs said that there is going to be a joint meeting between the Agricultural Advisory Board and the Economic Development Commission at the Orange Grove Community Center. He said that the Board was asked to contribute about $200 to pay for a dinner at this meeting. The Board agreed to contribute $200. Commissioner Jacobs said that he and Commissioner Brown are going to meet with Craig Benedict on Friday to talk about a citizens' guide on the Orange County planning process. Commissioner Halkiotis made comments about the process of one or two Commissioners working with County staff to move projects along. He thinks that this process could save a lot of time and that it should be utilized more. Commissioner Brown said that she and Chair Gordon met with the Manager and Pam Jones on the County space needs. They have asked staff to develop a survey to collect data from County departments that will be brought back to the County Commissioners. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the letter sent to Chatham County and the letter received from the Mayor of Hillsborough. He asked for a copy of both of these letters. Commissioner Halkiotis asked about the date for the County Commissioners' retreat. He suggested having the retreat in January 2000. Chair Gordon said that the retreat planning is on the agenda for November 9th 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link introduced Steve Benazia (sp?), Chair of the Arts Center Board; and Steve Carter, Interim Arts Center Director, and welcomed them to the meeting. a. Orange County Y21K Preparations The Board heard a report on preparations to deal with Year 2000 technology issues. John Link introduced Jim McGimsey, Y2K Coordinator. John Link reported that all equipment is now ready for Y2K. The report indicates how the County plans to address any emergencies that may occur on January 1, 2000. Jim McGimsey thanked the County Commissioners for allowing him to work on the project. He said that the project was first broken down into software, imbedded chips, and potentially imbedded chip systems. An extensive contingency plan has been developed and updates to the emergency management plan have been added. He said that tests were run with the bank on payroll, personnel, etc. He said that everything is in good shape and there is documentation to back up the progress. Chair Gordon said that she noted in reviewing the report that telephone numbers were not listed and in some instances there were some things that were not finished yet. She asked if the blanks would be filled in with what is done in November and December. She made reference to the projects that listed a start and finish date and said that she would like to have that kind of information for everything. She would like to have this come back with all the blanks filled in and updated. Jim McGimsey said that he had the information that Chair Gordon was requesting and would bring it back completed. Chair Gordon asked how the staff would maintain contact with the County Commissioners, either by cell phone or pagers. She asked if the other jurisdictions have been contacted about Y2K and how the County would interface with them. She feels that everything should be done by December. b. Information on Greene Tract John Link reported on the information sent to the Board of County Commissioners by fax on Tuesday afternoon. John Link said that he wanted to provide additional information to the County Commissioners on the 60 acres of the Greene Tract that would be used for future solid waste activities as the County assumes responsibility next March. He explained that part of the rationale for pursuing this particular 60 acres is that it is most contiguous to the present landfill, and it drains towards the landfill property. He noted that the Chapel Hill Town Council plans to vote on the rezoning of the Greene Tract next Monday evening. He said that the I nterlocal Agreement calls for the three governing bodies to agree on the location of the 60 acres. 2 Chair Gordon asked why Chapel Hill was proceeding without having an agreement with all three parties. Gayle Wilson said that the Chapel Hill Town Council would vote on defining the new use and designating it as permitted in a rural transition zoning district by changing the development ordinance. This decision would change their development ordinance to allow solid waste activities to happen in a new zoning district. He said that Chapel Hill is working off of a draft map. Commissioner Brown asked if Chapel Hill had three possible options in making a decision about the Greene Tract. Gayle Wilson said that there are two options and one would require much more public input than the other. Commissioner Brown asked for updated maps on the 60 acres. Gayle Wilson said that the entire Greene Tract is currently being surveyed. The Greene Tract is still a thick-forested area. Chair Gordon feels it is critical to identify the 60 acres that Chapel Hill is talking about. She stressed that rezoning is a very sensitive subject. She feels that there are a lot of questions that need to be addressed before deciding on a definite location of the 60 acres on the Greene Tract. Geoffrey Gledhill will find out additional information about the text and if there is a map showing the location of the 60 acres. Chair Gordon suggested that the County Commissioners give authority to the County Attorney to look into this situation and have him draft a letter to the Chapel Hill Town Council. John Link suggested looking into whether the Chapel Hill Town Council plans to approve only the text that is not related to the specific 60 acres. He suggested that the Board authorize the Chair, the Manager, and the Attorney to send a letter noting the Board's interest in coming to a conclusion on Attachment E in the Interlocal Agreement. Geoffrey Gledhill mentioned a memorandum to the Chapel Hill Town Council from Cal Horton that provides for two options: one option is a process that would designate a particular site in April 2000 and the other option, that would be approved on November 8t", would allow this use in any rural zoning district which would include all of the Greene Tract and other acreage in the transition area. The Manager and the Planning Board are recommending the first option. Under the I nterlocal agreement the County will not take over operations until the Greene Tract is resolved. Chair Gordon suggested authorizing the Manager, Attorney, and Chair to write a letter to forward to the Chapel Hill Town Council. Commissioner Jacobs said that he does not want to do something that would slow the process in designating a site. A motion was made by Chair Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to authorize the staff and Chair to investigate Chapel Hill's procedures and ascertain a form of communication to take to the Chapel Hill Town Council by November 8t". The communication will be circulated on the appropriateness of the 60 acres designated for rezoning. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS - NONE 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Grassroots Grants Arts Awards The Board presented awards totaling $25,387 in North Carolina Arts Council funds to Orange County arts organizations receiving 1999-2000 N.C. Arts Council Grassroots Grants. The organizations and the award amounts are listed in the agenda. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION - CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: a. Budget Amendment #4 This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda. b. Census 2000 - New Construction Program Liaison The Board appointed a new construction liaison to participate in the final review opportunity offered by the U.S. Census Bureau. C. Moratorium on Executions The Board approved a resolution endorsing a moratorium on executions as stated below: A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A MORATORIUM ON EXECUTIONS WHEREAS, Throughout the ages, society has sought to use appropriate penalties for crimes committed against citizens; and WHEREAS, In 1972 the United States Supreme Court has ruled in Furman v. Georgia that the procedures used to implement the death penalty were unconstitutional thereby halting executions in this nation until 1976 when the Supreme Court ruled in Gregg v. Georgia that the use of the death penalty could be utilized subject to safeguards for the protection of the rights of the accused; and WHEREAS, The use of the death penalty as a capital punishment for the willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing or killing while committing another felony has been deemed appropriate by the people of North Carolina and all of those currently awaiting execution in North Carolina were convicted and sentenced under the state's revised capital punishment law which became effective June 1, 1977; and WHEREAS, Since the reestablishment of the death penalty in North Carolina there have been technological advances, such as use of DNA testing, to assist in the determination of guilt and the enhanced ability of the accused to receive the necessary legal assistance to defend their rights as provided under the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of North Carolina; and WHEREAS, Even with these advancements, recent events have shown that circumstances do exist in which people convicted of capital crimes have been wrongly accused and sentenced to death even though innocent; and WHEREAS, Further discussion and deliberation of this contentious issue in light of these factors is merited and the need to review the laws of this State and the various court proceedings and rulings affecting the use of this punishment should be undertaken as expeditiously as possible due to the fact that approximately 197 persons in North Carolina are awaiting execution; and WHEREAS, the Senators Eleanor Kinnaird and Howard N. Lee, have sponsored a bill in the 1999 Session of the General Assembly (Senate Bill 1102), establishing a moratorium on executions in North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the Senate has referred the above mentioned bill to the Judiciary Committee II, for further study; and NOW, THEREFORE, THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RESOLVES: Section 1. The Board of County Commissioners calls on Governor Hunt and our state legislators, President Clinton and our legislators in Congress, to enact and adopt legislation imposing a moratorium on executions--at least until this state and the nation implement policies and procedures which: • Ensure that death penalty cases are administered fairly and impartially, in accordance with basic due process; • Minimize the risk that innocent persons may be executed; and • Prevent the execution of mentally retarded persons and persons who were under the age of 18 at the time of their offenses. Section 2. Copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to Governor Hunt, and our state legislators, President Clinton and our legislators in Congress. Section 3. This resolution shall become effective upon adoption. d. Resolution of Support for Site of El Centro Latino de Orange County The Board approved a resolution of support of the El Centro Latino de Orange County and requested that Centura Bank donate a site for the center as stated below: RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF EL CENTRO LATINO DE ORANGE COUNTY REQUEST TO CENTURA AND TRIANGLE BANKS Resolution by the Orange County Board of Commission to support El Centro Latino de Orange County request that Centura and Triangle Bank, upon merger, donate to them either the Triangle Bank building located at 505 W. Main Street or the Centura Bank building located at 300 Weaver Street in Carrboro, North Carolina. Whereas, Orange County has one of the ten fastest growing population of Latinos in North Carolina; and Whereas, Orange County is dedicated to helping the growing Latino population of Orange County acculturate to Orange County; and Whereas, the Orange County Latino population, the Inter-Agency Task Force and Los Ninos Task Force have determined that to provide necessary services to the emerging Latino population, there is a need for the creation of a central place for resources, education, information and support; and Whereas, the success of El Centro Latino de Orange County is vital to support the needs of the Latino population in Orange County and all facets of the community are coming together to ensure that; and Whereas, both Centura Bank and Triangle Bank, are Corporate Partners within Orange County and have a continuing and affirmative commitment to help meet the needs of the community; and Whereas, Centura Bank and Triangle Bank have proposed a merger, thus reducing their need for either the Centura Bank building at 300 Weaver Street or the Triangle bank building located at 505 W. Main Street, Carrboro, North Carolina. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners requests that, upon the merger of Centura and Triangle Banks, they donate one of the above-mentioned buildings in fee simple to El Centro Latino de Orange County. e. Personnel Ordinance Revision - Living Wage Increase The Board approved raising the living wage required for County employees from $8 per hour to $8.20 per hour. f. Personnel Ordinance Revision - Multilingual Recruitment and Hiring This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda. g_ Amendment to Policy Governing Appointments to Boards and Commissions The Board approved amending the policy governing boards and commissions to allow citizens serving in two appointed positions to also serve on one short-term task force. h. Board of Commissioners Meeting Calendar for Year 2000 This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda. i. Benefits for County Commissioners This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda. L Change in Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Schedule The Board amended its regular meeting schedule to add a joint meeting with the school boards December 13, 1999, 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA a. Budget Amendment #4 The Board considered budget ordinance amendments and capital and grant project ordinances for fiscal year 1999-2000 included herein by reference. Commissioner Jacobs asked about one of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School Systems' capital projects, specifically the one regarding athletic facilities. He was unclear as to where this matter was left when it was discussed in the spring. He said that there were concerns about whether this project could be coordinated with the development of the facilities of the Smith Middle School. He asked for some more information. Bill Mullin said that the Smith Middle School project specifications and plans are out for bid at this time. He said that the project mentioned in budget amendment #4 is not as far along as the Smith Middle School project. He said that the timing of the two projects is not on the same track, so they could not be coordinated. Commissioner Jacobs asked if more efficiency was achieved by combining anything for the two sets of athletic facilities. Bill Mullin said that the two projects were operating on independent tracks. Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to see what has changed in this project since the adoption of the budget in June. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve budget amendment #4. VOTE: UNANIMOUS f. Personnel Ordinance Revision - Multilingual Recruitment and Hiring The Board considered adding a multilingual hiring policy to the Orange County Personnel Ordinance. Commissioner Jacobs made a correction to the Personnel Ordinance Revision. He said that it is repetitious to say, "bilingual language skills." He referred to item 3.12 and said that "language" should be deleted in the last sentence. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the multilingual hiring policy in the Orange County Personnel Ordinance with the above change. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs would like a report from Elaine Holmes on how many applied at the booth at Fiesta del Pueblo. h. Board of Commissioners Meeting Calendar for Year 2000 The Board considered adopting its calendar of meetings for the 2000 calendar year. Commissioner Jacobs suggested postponing this item until Commissioner Carey is in attendance. He has problems with February 15th and March 1St Commissioner Halkiotis has a problem with April 4th This item will be on the next agenda. L Benefits for County Commissioners The Board considered adopting a policy providing that the County will make the same contributions for benefits for County Commissioners that it makes for permanent employees, effective July 1, 2000. Commissioner Halkiotis asked for the Clerk to get information from other counties in North Carolina on what they are doing for elected officials. 6 A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adopt a policy providing that the County will make the same contributions for benefits for County Commissioners that it makes for permanent employees, effective July 1, 2000. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA a. Appointments The Board considered appointments to the Orange-Chatham Justice Partnership Program Advisory Board and the OPC Mental Health Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Authority Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to appoint Kevin Foy and Miriam Saxon to the Orange-Chatham Criminal Justice Partnership Program Advisory Committee. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Gordon said that she was confused with the OPC Mental Health Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Authority Board. She was not sure why there was only one recommendation from the OPC Board. The Board decided, by consensus, to table this appointment to the November 16t" agenda. b. Master Aging Plan Task Force -Approval of Charge and Membership The Board considered approving the Master Aging Plan Task Force charge, structure, and time frame, and approving the task force membership. Commissioner Brown asked if all of the people are being appointed to a steering committee and Chair Gordon said that there are four committees. Chair Gordon suggested discussing the charge and membership first and then the appointments. Commissioner Brown asked how the steering committee members were chosen. Florence Soltys, Chair of the Aging Board, said that the steering committee members were chosen on the basis of expertise and diversity. Commissioner Brown asked if there was a representative from the Northern Human Services Senior Center on the steering committee. Jerry Passmore said that Ida Whitted was invited to participate but could not serve. Commissioner Brown asked about leaving some additional slots open on the steering committee. She wants to be sure that there is diversity on the steering committee. She said that right now the steering committee does not seem very diverse, so she would like to keep a couple of open slots for potential diverse members. There will be a total of 21 people on the Steering Committee. Commissioner Jacobs will be a liaison. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is a kickoff meeting and Jerry Passmore said that it was scheduled for November 19tH A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to accept the Master Aging Plan Task Force structure, charge, and time frame. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint the Master Aging Plan Task Force steering committee members as presented. VOTE: UNANIMOUS C. Accept Continuation of Grant Funds for Svphilis Elimination Proiect and Establish New Public Health Educator Position The Board considered accepting continuation of grant funds in the amount of $43,000 for the syphilis elimination project and establishing a new permanent full-time public health educator position to provide education and outreach services. 7 Health Director Rosemary Summers made a presentation. She said that this was a continuation of grant funds that were received last year. Commissioner Halkiotis asked why North Carolina ranked first in the nation for the number of syphilis cases. Rosie Summers said that this was a difficult question, and that some think it is because of the number of interstates in North Carolina that are cross-country. Chair Gordon asked if the full-time position would be eliminated if the grant goes away. John Link said that the position would be considered as a project ordinance and it would be guaranteed for more than a year but not indefinitely. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to accept continuation of grant funds in the amount of $43,000 for the syphilis elimination project and establish a new permanent full-time public health education position to provide education and outreach services. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Action Plan for Extending Water Lines to Historic Rogers Road Neighborhood The Board considered adopting a resolution to set into motion the process for constructing extensions of existing water lines to designated properties in the Rogers Road neighborhood. John Link said that since the Interlocal Agreement has been signed, the implementation of the benefits is the responsibility of the County. The paramount benefit is the extension of water lines to the properties in and around the historic Rogers Road neighborhood. He made reference to the resolution that indicates that the County proceed with asking OWASA to engage in developing plans for this extension project. Chair Gordon asked about the cost of the project. John Link said that the staff believes that the waterline extension could be funded through the LOG Enterprise Fund. County Engineer Paul Thames said that the approximate cost of extending the main waterline is $600,000. John Link said that he has made it very clear to the other jurisdictions that the LOG funds will pay for all the enterprise functions that it can. At this time, the funds are coming from tipping fees. Any remaining costs could come from an availability fee or there could be two separate district taxes, and the Commissioners would decide this. He believes that all of the citizens of Orange County contribute to solid waste, so everyone should pay to have it recycled, reduced, or transferred. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he and Commissioner Jacobs brought forward what the Community Benefits Committee recommended a year ago. He said that it is not anything different, it was just taken from a stalemate position. Commissioner Jacobs said that it seemed reasonable to take advantage of the commitment from all three jurisdictions and get this project underway. He said that the investigation of alternative funding mechanisms could be done by the Solid Waste Advisory Board. County Engineer Paul Thames explained the map that he distributed. He said that he tried to look at sections that could be pared away. Commissioner Brown asked about Edgar Street, and if the lots had been developed there. Paul Thames said that there are lots at the end of this road and even though all of the lots are not developed, OWASA decided to loop the waterline in this area for the few houses that are on Edgar Street. Chair Gordon invited Robert Campbell to speak about this item. Robert Campbell said that he feels that the Historic Rogers Road neighborhood needs to include all of the homes that need water in the landfill area. He said that many people are spending $75.00 a month for bottled water. They also have to use the Laundromat to wash their clothes. He feels that every neighborhood in the Rogers Road area including Eubanks Road, Millhouse Road, Jericho, Sandburg Lane, and Rush make up this neighborhood. He asked that the County Commissioners not let this plan dissect the Rogers Road neighborhood by excluding some roads. He feels strongly that there is a problem with the operation of the landfill and that chemicals are coming into the neighborhood. Commissioner Brown asked Mr. Campbell about the arsenic in the water and he clarified that 26 wells were re-tested and each one of those wells had 0.01 % arsenic in the water. 8 Linda Carver spoke about Millhouse Road not being included in this project. She lives in the watershed of the old landfill off Millhouse Road that is not lined. She said that homes have been built there for about 20 years before much was known about putting things in landfills. She said that all of the people in the watershed of the old landfill that is not lined on Millhouse Road are on wells. She would like to be sure that adequate test wells will be drilled around the landfill, that they would be tested in a periodic manner, and that there would be some written contingency by the County Commissioners that in the event of the groundwater being contaminated that lines would be extended. Julia Blackwood endorsed what Reverend Campbell and Linda Carver said. She thinks Millhouse Road should be considered for extension of waterlines. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adopt the resolution to set into motion the process for constructing extensions of existing water lines to designated properties in the Rogers Road neighborhood. Commissioner Halkiotis said that the Board might need to look at the minutes of the Community Benefits Committee meeting because they made a recommendation that there would be a written guarantee for the Nunn family to take care of any problems they may have. Commissioner Jacobs said that the County Commissioners could ask the Solid Waste Advisory Board to work on a written contingency plan and meet with the people in the neighborhood. He said that although this motion does not address everything that was brought up by the residents, the Board wants to address all of those issues at some point. Commissioner Brown said that she would be interested in the Advisory Board bringing forth a recommendation to establish an impact fund. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. Establishment of Charge to the Solid Waste Advisory Board The Board considered approval of the charge to the Solid Waste Advisory Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the charge to the Solid Waste Advisory Board as presented. VOTE: UNANIMOUS f. Innovation and Efficiency Committee - Elements of Charge and Composition The Board considered the creation and tasking of an Innovation and Efficiency Committee. Rod Visser made a brief presentation. He reminded the Board that one of the 1999-2000 County Commissioners' goals is the creation of a new Innovation and Efficiency Committee. The idea is to have the committee present a report by next spring so that the recommendations could be considered for the 2000-2001 fiscal year budget. He said that the formal charge did not have to be adopted tonight and the Board could just give some feedback. Chair Gordon referred to page three of the report and said that she would like a report on the third bullet about the County's two pilot employee/team incentive programs. She would like to know if the dollars spent were greater than the dollars saved. Commissioner Jacobs suggested contacting the members from last year to see if they want to serve again. He does not feel that the new members need to review the entire report. He would like to narrow it down to the recommendations on page 11. He does not see any need to retain recommendation #2, because a space study is going to be done, or #3 because he does not know what the status is of the paperless purchasing. He is interested in "e" on page 13 regarding evaluation mechanisms. Also, he thinks that recommendation #5 is something the committee could pursue. He referred to the third paragraph on page 10, and said that he would like the committee to investigate similar innovation and efficiency analysis within the school systems. He is also interested in the possibility of electronic government and other cutting edge methods of doing government business. Commissioner Halkiotis said that tax-exempt status of the University is useless and should not be studied any further. He thinks the committee should be on the same page with what the County is trying to do with the issue of value engineering. He said that there are a lot of things that the County has done with value engineering since the last committee made its recommendations. Commissioner Brown made reference to recommendations 10 and 11 and said that she is not sure why they were included. She does not think that greenways should be studied. She would like to 9 expand the committee to include citizens who did not participate before. She would like the committee to bring back some recommendations for the focus of County government in the future. Chair Gordon suggested advertising for this committee and letting the previous members know that they could apply. She clarified that recommendations 2, 10, 11, and 12 did not need to be revisited. Commissioner Brown made reference to page 13 and mentioned performance budgeting. She asked Rod Visser to explain the studies done on performance budgeting. Rod Visser said that this is one of the most difficult aspects of budgeting in terms of outcomes. He explained that four or five years ago the Institute of Government undertook a sequential process of trying to identify some services that are applicable in larger governments. Representatives were brought together from the jurisdictions to develop some benchmarks in five or six areas. He said that there were reports of these studies and he could bring back some information. John Link said that Orange County was working on trying to measure outcomes based on quality and quantity for its services. Commissioner Brown asked to have added that the Committee understands that Orange County is part of the dramatic increase in the demand for services. Commissioner Jacobs suggested that the charge be broken down into two parts, with one part to be concluded in time for this budget cycle and another part for later. The Board decided to have 13-15 people on this committee. The staff will come back with a formalized charge. g_ C&D Recycling Task Force - Charge, Composition and Timeline The Board considered approving the charge and composition of the C&D Recycling Task Force. Commissioner Jacobs said that the task force would last no longer than six months. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the charge and composition of the C&D Recycling Task Force, and direct the Clerk to undertake recruitment of task force members. VOTE: UNANIMOUS h. Creation of Task Force to Organize Soccer Symposium The Board considered establishing a charge for and appointing a task force to organize and focus community interest in promoting soccer and soccer facilities. Commissioner Halkiotis feels that there should be two County Commissioners on this task force. Commissioner Jacobs will serve and Commissioner Halkiotis and Commissioner Brown will alternate. Patrick Sullivan spoke on behalf of the Orange County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. He thanked the County Commissioners for their interest in soccer. He said that the Orange County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is excited about being the leading force in promoting and managing soccer in Orange County. Rick Kennedy said that he feels that this is a great idea. He said that there is incredible support for soccer in this community. He said that the facilities are not adequate for soccer in Orange County. Commissioner Brown asked that this task force gather adequate and correct data. She feels it is very important to get correct and complete information. She would like to have a very detailed description of the soccer groups and what they do. Also, she would like to have an understanding of who the groups serve (i.e., how many males and females). A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the creation of a task force to organize a soccer symposium. The charge, composition, and timelines will be brought back to another meeting. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to extend the meeting by 15 minutes to take up items 9g and 9i. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 10 i. Creation of Task Force to Develop a Northern Human Services Center Plan The Board considered establishing a task force to develop a long-range plan for the Northern Human Services Center and surrounding property. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to create a task force to develop a long-range plan for the Northern Human Services Center and surrounding property. The charge, timeline, and membership composition will be brought back to the November 16, 1999 agenda. Commissioner Halkiotis and Commissioner Brown will serve on this task force. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the composition and Commissioner Brown said that anyone who wants to be included should be included. There will be 15 people on the task force with floating staff as needed. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 10. REPORTS a. Orange County Health Choice Report The Board received an update on the County's progress in the North Carolina Health Choice Program. Health Department Director Rosemary Summers made reference to the report in the agenda and reported that today she received an email that pointed out that there was a national survey of 12 states looking at uninsured children between 1996 and 1999. They found that in six of the states, the rate of uninsured children rose during that time period. In five states, the rate of uninsured children fell. North Carolina had the largest decrease in the rate of uninsured children. Orange County exceeded the projected rate of insured children. She said that more than 900 children in Orange County are now served by health insurance that were not previously. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there was a differentiation between children of legal and illegal aliens in this program. Rosemary Summers said that this program requires that the children must be residents. 11. APPOINTMENTS -NONE 12. MINUTES- NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION- NONE 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to come before the Board, Chair Gordon adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 9, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room at the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Alice M. Gordon, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk 11