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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 02-01-2000Approved Mav 3. 2000 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 2000 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Tuesday, February 1, 2000 at 5:30 p.m. in the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr. and Commissioners Margaret W. Brown, Alice M. Gordon, Stephen H. Halkiotis, and Barry Jacobs COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Manager Rod Visser, 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. Identification of TOPICS for Future BOCC Meetings/V11ork Sessions Chair Carey asked that the County Commissioners focus on the list as provided in the agenda. There are 34 topics listed. Several suggestions were made by the County Commissioners and noted by the County Manager on combining the topics. Commissioner Jacobs said that the topics could be prioritized. He made reference to #24, Impacts of Tractor-Trailer Traffic on US 70, and said that part of a work session could be with Mr. Mills and Mr. Galyon to talk about Orange County issues. There are a lot of issues that have to do with transportation that should be addressed at the policy level. John. Link said that the staff would be glad to cluster these topics and put a timeline on them. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he would be interested in taking all the things having to do with solid waste and addressing those as a group. He made reference to an article he distributed a couple of weeks ago about BFI closing down their private operations and said that this facility did not have a large enough waste stream to survive. Chair Carey said that some of the topics could be taken off the list because other groups are working on them and will bring back reports. John Link mentioned that the legislative topic is one that needs to be addressed within the next month or so. It was decided that the staff would take the list of 34 topics and group them. John Link will provide a list of items and a timeline for the work sessions within three weeks. 2. Identification of Grouas with Which to Hold Joint Meetings The Board identified the following groups with which to have joint meetings: 2 DOT officials will be invited to a work session Durham County and Durham City officials together -issues of mutual concern: watershed, development, transportation, etc. CP&L Chatham/Orange Work Group -revitalize and find out who is in charge (John Link will take the initiative to revitalize this group) Mebane Alamance County Orange County Planning Board Orange County Board of Health Commissioner Jacobs suggested identifying the groups first and then deciding if the Board should meet with them or have a delegation of the Board meet with a delegation of these groups. It was a consensus that issues need to be identified. Chair Carey said that he would talk with the Mayors about revitalizing the Chatham/Orange Work Group. Commissioner Jacobs suggested meeting with the Secretary of Commerce jointly with the Economic Development Commission or the Secretary of Commerce could meet with the EDC. Commissioner Halkiotis suggested meeting with the legislative delegation for dinner after the legislative briefing. He suggested that emails be sent to the legislative members from the Board of County Commissioners to update the members on issues. Chair Carey said that the Board would try to work these joint meetings into meetings that have already been planned. 3. Process for Appointing Commissioners to Ad Hoc and Standing Committees Chair Carey said that this has to do with appointing the Commissioners to standing committees as well as to ad hoc committees. Usually County Commissioners volunteer to serve on committees in which they have an interest. Commissioner Gordon distributed a list identified as "A" in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's office. She made reference to item IV of the Proposed BOCC Committee Structure that addresses the formation of new committees or new task forces and said that this would be relevant. She then made reference to the Purpose, item II, and said that there should be a consensus by the Board for the sub-groups. She feels that this process would increase efficiency. Chair Carey suggested that discussion on this item be continued on February 8th to give the County Commissioners time to read the document distributed by Commissioner Gordon. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the process in which County Commissioners are appointed to the boards/commissions. He said that he feels that as the newest member he was appointed to the boards/commissions that no one else wanted. He said that he is not sure this is in the best interest of the County Commissioners or County citizens. He said that the County Commissioners could take turns in choosing those boards/commissions on which they want to serve. Chair Carey noted that he could no longer serve on the OPC Mental Health Board because he has a standing conflict with their meeting dates. Commissioner Brown said that she would serve on the OPC Mental Health Board. 3 Commissioner Gordon feels that the present process for appointing Commissioners to committees is working. The County Commissioners asked that a report be presented showing the Boards/Commissions/Task Forces they have served on over the years. 4. Possible Changes to Meetinct Structure and Process a, change the order or add items on the agenda? Chair Carey said that the order of the items on the agenda has not been changed for some time. The purpose was to put those items that could be addressed quickly up front and take the decision items and reports during the latter part of the agenda. Commissioner Halkiotis feels the Board needs to get back to the 10:30 p.m. adjournment time. He said that there is usually a last flurry of faxes during the day of the meeting scheduled for that evening. He would like to move away from so many additional items being added on the day of the meeting. Chair Carey feels the Board could stick with the 10:30 p.m. adjournment if fewer items were on the agenda. Commissioner Gordon said that sometimes decision items are not addressed until 8:30 for a variety of reasons. She feels the Board should try to get to the decision items by 8:00 p.m. She said that there were a number of possibilities for saving time such as keeping County Commissioner's comments as announcements, putting proclamations on the consent agenda, specifying time limits for citizen comments concerning items not on the printed agenda, and scheduling any reports earlier so that there is time for them before the meeting ends at 10:30 p.m. Commissioner Halkiotis would be opposed to limiting County Commissioners' comments. He feels that the resolutions/proclamations should not be on the consent agenda. He suggested having a procedure for resolutions/proclamations where the clerk could read it and it is voted on. Commissioner Jacobs would like for the Board to be more sensitive to moving items up when there are a number of citizens for that item. Several suggestions were made by the Commissioners about the placement of closed sessions. One suggestion was to have quarterly closed sessions with a dinner. Chair Carey agreed that the process used for resolutions/proclamations could be more efficient. He does not want the resolutions/proclamations on the consent agenda. John Link said that most closed sessions could be addressed once a quarter at a dinner meeting. Chair Carey and Commissioner Halkiotis will work with Beverly Blythe and John Link to streamline the agenda. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to consider at this special meeting the meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:15 p.m. The next meeting will be held this same date at 7:30 p.m. in the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Moses Carey, Jr., Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk Approved May 3, 2000 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING February 1, 2000 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 1, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. in the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom, Hillsborough, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr. and Commissioners Margaret W. Brown, Alice M. Gordon, Stephen H. Halkiotis, and Barry Jacobs COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Manager Rod Visser, 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 Chair Carey added item 8f to the consent agenda to extend the time for property tax listing in view of the weather that has kept many people from getting to the office. He also made some corrections to items 8d and 8e. The time far the public hearing on February 21St was changed from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. He postponed the discussion on item 9b, "Community Revitalization Programs", to a future meeting because the Director of Community Development could not attend because of a death in her family. 2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters on the Printed Aaenda -NONE b. Matters not on the Printed Aaenda Mr. David Herman asked that the County Commissioners put announcements of closings and cancellations of meetings in some kind of public forum, either on the website or an announcement on the radio stations. He also noted that more than half of the meetings are held outside of the County seat. Commissioner Gordon said that the County Commissioners have a policy to regularly alternate the meetings between the area with the greatest concentration of the population, Chapel Hill and Carrboro, and the County seat. Mr. Herman said that he is opposed to this policy. PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Jacobs reminded the citizens about the agricultural summit this Thursday from 10a.m. - 3p.m. at the grange hall. He noted for Mr. Herman that the County Commissioners would be talking about the County's website at an upcoming work session. He talked about the document called Protecting Open Space which has been provided to each County Commissioners. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to the Innovation and Efficiency Committee and said that if this group is going to be reactivated then same significant issues should be put before them. He made reference to the tax-listing packet received by all property owners in Orange County and said that he feels that unless a citizen adds a structure to their property or changes their property in some way the County should not have to send out these listing packets. He wonders if this is something that the Innovation and Efficiency Committee could review. The second item for the Committee to address is a program for state employees. If a state employee makes a suggestion that results in a significant cost savings to the state, then the employee is eligible for up to 5°~ of the yearly savings up to $20,000. He said that a team could collect up to $100,000. He will provide County staff with this information. He said that this is an opportunity to do something like this at the County level. Chair Carey asked the Board to observe a moment of silence for the two department heads that had a death in the family. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT -NONE 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS a. Human Relations Month Proclamation The Board considered proclaiming February as Human Relations Month. Human Rights and Relations Director Annette Moore read this proclamation. She summarized the activities far the month of February. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH A PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, as we begin our journey into the new millennium it is of the utmost importance that we take all steps necessary to eradicate practices of discrimination against individuals, which are detrimental to the peace, welfare, and progress of our County; and WHEREAS, the Human Relations Commission believes that in order to achieve justice and equal opportunity for all Orange County residents, we must all strive to create an atmosphere where people are valued and accepted rather than merely tolerated, and therefore have chosen to promote that idea through the theme: "Building Bridges: From Tolerance to Acceptance'; and WHEREAS, the Human Relations Commission honors youth leaders, individuals, and businesses who exemplify the ideals of justice and equality in the tradition of Dr. Pauli Murray with an award; and WHEREAS, the Orange County Human Rights and Relations Commission and Department have diligently served the County of Orange since 1995 and are committed to promoting equal treatment, opportunity and understanding throughout the community; and WHEREAS, the County's Civil Rights Ordinance specifically prohibits discrimination based on an individual's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and familial status; and WHEREAS, the County recognizes the dignity and worth of each individual and desires to promote and maintain a climate of goad will among individuals, races, ethnic groups, and persons of varying social, religious and economic status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance; NOW, THEREFORE, We, The Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 2000 as "HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH" in Orange County and challenge our citizens to celebrate cultural diversity in our County. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Resolution Reaardina Future Interfaith Council Facility Development on Southern Human Services Center Property The Board considered a resolution encouraging the Interfaith Council to place emphasis on sites other than the Southern Human Services Center for future development of its facilities. Chair Carey said that this resolutian makes it clear that the Board supports the activities of the IFC and clarifies that the County property on Homestead Raad would not be the best site available for an expansion of the IFC homeless shelter. Pamela Smith, President of the Interfaith Council for Social Service, read a prepared statement. In summary, she thanked the Board far the partnership with the Interfaith Council, especially the Project Home Start project. Before the IFC Board can make a decision regarding the best location far continuing the operations of community house and community services programs, it needs to know whether County land is in fact a real alternative. Commissioner Halkiatis said that he had hoped that the IFC would indicate that by the County Commissioners approving this resolution, it would help IFC to move forward on their relocation plans. Pamela Smith said that the IFC Board needs to know if the County land is available for a passible site because there are no commitments from anyone else on a possible site. Commissioner Gordon said that the purpose of this resolutian was to indicate to the IFC that there are no available footprints on this property for a homeless shelter in addition to Project Home Start. She said that the intention of Project Home Start was to provide a place far homeless women and children separate from homeless men and give victims of domestic violence a safe place to stay. Commissioner Jacobs said that he does not read this resolutian as the County saying na to the IFC. He feels that it puts the Homestead property at the edge of the table. Chair Carey said that the Board remains supportive of IFC's efforts. Commissioner Jacobs clarified that this resolution does not preclude the IFC from considering this site in the long run. Pamela Smith said that the IFC shares the concern of relocating the men's homeless shelter next to the Project Home Start shelter. Commissioner Gordon said that if this resolutian is passed it says that the Baard encourages the IFC to place its emphasis on sites other than the Southern Human Services Center property in the short term. She said that it does not mean that the Board would vote to put the IFC homeless shelter there in the long term. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he feels that there is a difference of opinion on the warding of this resolution. He will vote against this so that the door is not closed far the IFC. A motion was made by Chair Carey, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution as stated below: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE INTERFAITH COUNCIL (IFC) IN THE SHORT TERM TO PLACE ITS EMPHASIS ON SITES OTHER THAN THE SOUTHERN HUMAN SERVICES CENTER SITE FOR FUTURE IFC FACILITY DEVELOPMENT WHEREAS, Orange County has historically demonstrated strong support for the mission of the Interfaith Council (IFC) and maintains great respect and appreciation far the work done by the IFC; and WHEREAS, Orange County pledges its support to IFC in all manners deemed appropriate by the Board of County Commissioners; and WHEREAS, Orange County has previously provided three acres of land at the Southern Human Services Center (SHSC) site in support of IFC initiatives; and WHEREAS, on November 29, 1999, the Interfaith Council (IFC} requested that the County clarify its intentions regarding the possible availability of land at the SHSC site for the location of an IFC facility; and WHEREAS, the County purchased the SHSC property, consisting of a total of 34 acres of land on Homestead Road, Chapel Hill, with the express purpose of accommodating the long term need for County services for citizens in the southern part of the County; and WHEREAS, future services needs for County functions have been identified which will likely occupy the available building sites on the property; and WHEREAS, any long-term lease andlor sale of a portion of the land to any party could jeopardize the County's ability to adequately address future facility and service needs in southern Orange County; and WHEREAS, IFC clients rely heavily on public transportation, which is limited to the SHSC property and continues to present daily challenges; and WHEREAS, the County applauds the IFC's efforts to provide services to the homeless in our community and is open to supporting the IFC in its efforts to identify an appropriate location that addresses IFC's long term facility and support services needs; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Orange County encourages the IFC in the short term to place its emphasis on sites other than the SHSC property far future IFC facility development, and that the County stands ready to support the IFC in addressing its future facility development needs through all available means. VOTE: AYES, 4; NO, 1 (Commissioner Halkiotis} 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation of NCACC Outstanding County Program Award -Orange County Emergency Management's Paramedic Initial Response Program Chair Carey introduced Gayle Butzgy, Director of Communications far the NCACC, who made this presentation. She said that the Orange County Emergency Management's Paramedic Initial Response Program was one of three entries selected as an outstanding program in the category of Human Services. She said that this has allowed EMS to handle growth without having to add staff. The sudden cardiac arrest save rate increased from 6°~ to 20°~ since the implementation of this program. The County Commissioners commended EMS Director Nick Waters and his staff for this achievement. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Public Hearing and Adoption of Bond Orders for Two-thirds Bonds The Board conducted a public hearing for the issuance of two-thirds bonds and considered final adoption of the bond order and publication resolution. Jahn Link said that this public hearing is required by the local government commission to get the issuance approved. Purchasing Director Pam Jones made a brief presentation. She said that the Commissioners are being asked to approve the bond order which grants $2.8 million for public buildings. This will include a review of the needs of the Whiffed Human Services Center and the Northern Human Services Center. She said that the staff is suggesting an HVAC system analysis at the Whitted Human Services Center. She said that the process of replacing the HVAC system would be a long task because the building will remain occupied. Within a month, the staff will bring an analysis of other HVAC system options to the Board far consideration. The estimated cost far the renovations to the Whitted Center is $1.9 million. Pam Jones then summarized the work in progress at the Northern Human Services Center. She said that if there is going to be any further program development in this building, the septic system is going to be a critical need. The costs for the renovations will be updated from the findings of the Northern Human Services Center Task Force. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to the HVAC replacement at the Whitted Center and asked who is working with the County on this job. Pam Janes said that staff will do interviews and have mechanical engineers selected as part of the process when this project gets funded. Commissioner Jacobs asked if these were projects that were part of the bond that was defeated in 1997, and Pam Jones said yes, for the most part. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the old Orange Industries building and Pam Jones said that the project has not been funded. In answer to a question about the plan for the old Orange Industries site, John Link said that there was not a plan. The staff would have to look at Hillsborough zoning requirements and it is open for the Board to discuss. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the parking lot at the Northern Human Services Center and if it was going to be paved as part of a park and ride program. Pam Jones said that the paving of the south lot was not included in the $900,000. She said that this does not preclude it from being covered by the $900,000. There will be some changes made when the funding comes in. There were no public comments. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to adopt the Bond Order and adapt and authorize the Chair to sign the band order for adoption and the resolution authorizing the required publication as stated below: Bond Order for Adoption BOND ORDER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION PUBLIC BUILDING BONDS OF ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF $2,846,000 WHEREAS, by resolution adapted on November 16, 1999, the Board of Cammissianers of Orange County, North Carolina, stated its proposal to issue County general obligation bonds to pay far public buildings. WHEREAS, by law, the County may issue such bonds without referendum approval because the amount of the proposed bonds does not exceed two-thirds of the amount by which the County reduced its outstanding indebtedness in the 1998-99 fiscal year. WHEREAS, the County has applied to the North Carolina Local Government Commission (the "LGC") for its approval of such bonds, and the LGC has notified the County of its acceptance of such application. BE IT THEREFORE ORDERED by the Board of Cammissianers of Orange County, North Carolina, as follows: 1. There are hereby ordered to be issued general obligation public building bonds of the County to pay capital casts of providing public buildings, together with related financing and other necessary or incidental costs. The bonds issued for this purpose may be combined for sale with bonds authorized for similar or different purposes. 2. The maximum aggregate principal amount of the bonds issued for such purpose shall be $2,846,000. 3. Taxes will be levied in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds so issued. 4. A sworn statement of debt prepared by the County's Finance Officer has been filed with the Clerk to this Board and is available for public inspection. 5. This Bond Order shall take effect 30 days after its publication following adoption, unless it is petitioned to a vote of the people as provided in Section 159-60 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and in that event the order shall take effect when approved by the voters. Resolution regarding publication of Bond Order WHEREAS, there has been adopted at this meeting a bond order entitled as follows: BOND ORDER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION PUBLIC BUILDING BONDS OF ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF $2,846,000; and WHEREAS, the General Statutes require the publication of a notice to complete the process of authorizing the bonds; BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina, that the Clerk to this Board is hereby authorized and directed to publish a notice of the adoption of such Bond Order, in the form provided for in Section 159-58 of the General Statutes, one time in a newspaper having general circulation in the County. This, the 1St day of February, 2000. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below: a. Minutes The Board postponed this item to the next meeting. b. Economic Development Funding by the General Assembly The Board authorized the release of funds appropriated to the Councils of Government by the N.C. General Assembly to assist in County economic development efforts and authorized the Chair to sign the resolution as stated below: RESOLUTION 99100 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, in North Carolina the Lead Regional Organizations, as voluntary organizations serving municipal and county governments, have established productive working relationships with the cities and counties across the state; and WHEREAS, the General Assembly continued to recognize this need through the appropriation of $990,000 to help the Lead Regional Organizations assist local governments with grant applications, economic development, community development, and to support local industrial development activities and other activities as deemed appropriate by their local governments; and WHEREAS, these funds are not intended to be used for payment of members' dues or assessments to Lead Regional Organization or to supplant funds appropriated by the member governments; and WHEREAS, in the event that a request is not made by a unit of government for release of these funds to our Regional Council, the available funds will revert to the State's General Funds; and WHEREAS, in Region J funds in the amount of $55,000 will be used to carry out the economic development plan approved by the COG Board of Delegates and especially to improve the economy of the counties and towns of the Region by strengthening ties to, and consequently, the benefits of the Research Triangle Park. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Orange County requests the release of its $7745.50 share of these funds to the Triangle J Council of Governments at the earliest possible time in accordance with the provisions of section 16.27 of House Bill 168, the 1999 ratified budget bill. Adopted this 1St day of February 2000. c. Windfall Subdivision -Preliminarv Plan This item was removed and considered at the end of the Consent agenda. d. Advertisement for Joint Planning Public Hearing -February 21, 2404 The Board approved a legal notice for the February 21St joint planning area public hearing correcting the starting time to 7:00 p.m. e. Change in Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting Schedule The Board approved changing its regular meeting schedule to change the location of the February 21St joint planning area public hearing from the Southern Human Services Center to the Chapel Hill Town Council chambers and the time from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; changing the location of the May 30t" budget public hearing from the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom to the Southern Human Services Center; and changing the location of the June 1St budget public hearing from the Southern Human Services Center to the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA c. Windfall Subdivision -Preliminarv Plan The Board considered a preliminary plan for the proposed Windfall subdivision in Eno Township near the intersection of Old N.C. 10 and Lawrence Road. Commissioner Jacobs said that he calculates 3°l0 open space in this subdivision. He said that the developers are trying to squeeze as many lots on land as they can. Commissioner Brawn asked about the creek and about the development process that is on these lots. Craig Benedict said that the developers would work with DOT and an erosion control officer to find out what size pipe needs to be used to bridge the creek with a driveway. Commissioner Brawn said that she couldn't understand why this project was designed to destroy a creek. She asked what the relationship is when the town provides water and the County approves a septic tank. She was told that this subdivision is outside the city limits and water rates would be double. She asked about making another road connection. Craig Benedict said that the additional road connection was a requirement. Commissioner Halkiotis said he has serious concerns about stream destruction. Commissioner Jacobs clarified that the Board of County Commissioners has 45 days from January 5t" to make a decision on this preliminary plan. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to table this item and to ask the developer to consider the concerns expressed in the comments above. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA a. Revisions to the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Proaram (VFPP1 Ordinance The Board considered revisions to the Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program ordinance. Environment and Resource Conservation Director David Stancil made a presentation. He said that the general intent of these revisions was to clarify warding changes where different departments have changed names and to broaden the base of the existing Agricultural Preservation Board. Commissioner Brown said that she would like to have a position for people who are simply interested in this topic and not actually in this type of business. Commissioner Gordan said that she would like some of the categories of appointments to be broader. She asked why there was a specific position for someone in the land development field. The Board agreed that there would be a minimum quorum of five for the board. Commissioner Gordon suggested deleting item 'e' on page four, which states: "In making appointments to the Board, the Orange County Board of Commissioners shall consider the recommendations of the Agricultural Preservation Board." She said that this should be in the Board of County Commissioners' procedures, not the Agricultural Preservation Board's procedures. Commissioner Halkiotis asked that this ordinance be reviewed and cleaned up. Commissioner Jacobs asked if this tracked any legislation, and Geoffrey Gledhill said yes. Geoffrey Gledhill said that the legislation should be included with the ordinance when it comes back to the Board. The Board agreed that the ordinance should be consistent with the Board's procedures. The staff will revise the ordinance and bring it back to the Board for consideration. b. Community Revitalization Loan Program The Board was to consider approving operational guidelines for the Community Revitalization Loan Program, however, this item was postponed to a future meeting. Commissioner Brown has questions about this item and will submit those in writing. c. Orange County Fair Housing Plan The Board considered approval of the Orange County Fair Housing Plan. Human Rights and Relations Director Annette Moore made this presentation. She explained how much aloes-income family would have to pay above their annual salary to buy a home in Orange County. She also said that there was a general lack of awareness about the Fair Housing Act and the Orange County Civil Rights Act. Based on the findings, the Human Rights and Relations Department recommends: 1) providing one-on-one consultation to landlords to encourage participation in the Section 8 Program; 2) working with the University to promote development of adequate campus housing in order to free up local rental units and make them more affordable; 3} working with HUD to ensure that fair market rents reflect actual market rents in Orange County; 4) meeting with local bank executives to formalize participation in publiclprivate partnerships that further housing opportunities; 5} creating public policies that link public deposits to financial institutions that commit to meeting community reinvestment needs of the County; 6} developing reasonable and evaluative criteria and producing an annual report for the Board of County Commissioners on lending practices of financial institutions operating in Orange County and ceasing to do business with institutions failing to employ inclusive lending practices; 7) building incentives and prescriptions into Orange County regulation for planned unit development that promote affordable, non-segregated hauling; 8) studying and promoting other land use strategies that encourage development of affordable housing; 9) increasing educational opportunities through fair housing workshops, forums, and presentations; and 10) adding source of income to the civil rights ordinance in conducting fair housing testing to ensure compliance with the civil rights ordinance. Commissioner Brown was concerned with the accuracy of the data, since it was based an the 1990 census. She noted several statements that did not seem accurate. She said that she would submit some questions and she would like this information corrected and brought back. John Link suggested that the County Commissioners share written comments with Annette Moore. Commissioner Gordan made reference to the paragraph about impediments. She said that this is talking about impediments to affordable housing, and fair housing is different from affordable housing. Annette Moore said that the plan is supposed to give an open choice to all individuals. She said that she would work with Tara Fikes to clarify the statement about impediments. Commissioner Jacobs said that this document predisposes that the government is always at fault and developers are not at fault. He is pleased that same of the goals were some that he suggested. These goals have to da with trying to address some deficiencies in the way barriers were identified. He asked the staff to look in the document for places that imply that unfair housing is the government's fault. He said that the County is looking for ways to provide fair and affordable hauling, but the development community is not always cooperative. Commissioner Brawn said that one important issue is that it needs to be clear where the expensive housing is located and the staff should obtain some good information from the tax office. This document will came back revised an February 14tH d. Proposed Public Hearing Advertisement -February 28, 2000 The Board considered approving an advertisement far the February 2$t" quarterly public hearing. Planning Director Craig Benedict said that this public hearing would involve a series of amendments that would further the County Commissioners' goals from June 1999. Some of the goals are watershed protection, environmental protection, efficient urban services, soil and land holding capacity, rural character, and sustainability. Mare specifically, the public hearing will address issues of density reductions in the upper Eno watershed and development of a functional roadway classification that is consistent with the DOT standards. Commissioner Gordon said that it would be helpful to have the actual text of what would go to public hearing. Craig Benedict said that he could provide background information well in advance of the public hearing. Commissioner Jacobs questioned Craig Benedict on the goal of efficient urban services. He thought the goal should be efficient provision of services. It was decided to change this goal to read "efficient public services". Commissioner Brown made reference to the Cane Creek cluster option and said that she thought this idea and concept of clustering was going to be brought back to the Commissioners to discuss at a work session. Craig Benedict said that there was some confusion about the issue of clustering the last time it was discussed by the County Commissioners. Commissioner Brown said that she would like to see the pros and cons of clustering. She would like for the County Commissioners to discuss clustering and what it really means before it is taken to public hearing. Geoffrey Gledhill pointed out that when the Cane Creek changes were approved, the County Commissioners did Hat approve any changes to the clustering regulations so the existing regulations are still in place. The County Commissioners decided that the Cane Creek clustering option would be discussed at a work session and brought back to a future public hearing. Commissioner Halkiotis pointed out that this situation is an example of how the Board needs to improve internal communication. The Board decided to table the decision an the public hearing advertisement until the work session on February 8t". It was the consensus that Craig Benedict would get the full text of the public hearing agenda to the County Commissioners as sawn as possible. e. Procedures for Boards and Commissions -Ethics Guidelines The Board considered ethics guidelines for town advisory boards and commissions. Commissioner Carey disagreed with the second paragraph of the Ethics Guidelines that if a member has a conflict of interest, the advisory board or commission should vote on whether ar Hat to excuse the member. Geoffrey Gledhill said that the board or commission votes on whether or not to excuse the member because some people will abstain from voting on a controversial issue. Commissioner Brown had problems with the third paragraph, which indicates that, a board or commission member may seek the counsel of the County Attorney on questions regarding the ethics guidelines. It was suggested to replace "County Attorney" with "Staff" in the third paragraph. After ensued discussion and suggestions for changes, it was decided that this would be brought back an the Consent agenda at a later meeting. 10. REPORTS a. Annual Report -Voluntary Agricultural District Program The Board received the annual report an the County's Voluntary Agricultural Districts program. Environment and Resource Conservation Director David Stancil said that 1999 was the mast productive year for this program that started in 1992. He said that the amount of acreage in the voluntary agricultural districts program was doubled in 1999. There is currently 1,340 acres in the program. The Ag Board is planning to have an annual voluntary agricultural district's day for farmers who have agreed to enter into this program. Commissioner Jacobs asked for information on how Orange County's program compares with programs in other counties. b. Wastewater Treatment Management Program Expansion Proposal The Board received a report on the proposed wastewater treatment management program expansion. Jahn Link said that the Commissioners discussed this program with the Board of Health last March. The Commissioners indicated at that meeting that they would like to see further refinement and expansion of the educational plan component. The Board of Health has addressed this expansion in the report. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to page 31 regarding the Institute of Government's study and the costs for environmental health services, and asked that information be provided from 1999. He said that the Land of Sky Regional Council has set up grants and he has email addresses. Commissioner Gordon asked how the obstructions to transfers of property due to failing systems would be minimized. Health Director Rosemary Summers said that if the life of the septic systems could be extended then it prevents that from being a barrier to transfer the property. Commissioner Brown would like to have another work session on this issue. It was decided that this issue would be addressed at the work session on March 23rd Commissioner Gordon asked if the costs of the expansion would be laid out and if any more recommendations would be made about the source of funding this program. Rosemary Summers said that the funding would be addressed further in Phase I. 11. APPOINTMENTS The Board considered appointments to the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitor's Bureau; Community College Task Force; Innovation and Efficiency Committee; Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee; Soccer Symposium Task Force; and, Water Resources Committee. Community College Task Force A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to appoint Randy Ridges, Pam Bello, Sarah L. Cooley, Joel Harper, Craig Lloyd, Fletcher Barber, and Jerry M. Passmore for the Community College Task Force for terms ending February 1, 2003, and Eric Nelson and Michael Carson for the two at-large positions. Also, the staff will note on the finalized list of the Community College Task Force the appointees who are citizens of Orange County, non-resident consultants, and staff. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Innovation and Efficiency Committee A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to appoint Michael T. Carson, Norman Gustaveson, Joel Harper, Anthony Larson, Gwendolyn D. Price, Jack Vogt, and Stuart Wallace to the Innovation and Efficiency Committee for terms ending February 1, 2003. Commissioner Gordan made a friendly amendment to the motion that Norman Gustaveson's appointment will be subject to his resignation from another board since Board policy allows citizens to serve on only two boards. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee A motion was made by Commissioner Gordan, seconded by Commissioner Brawn to set the terms for the following individuals on the Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee: Jay Bryan for a term ending February 1, 2003; Kathy Kaufman for a term ending February 1, 2001; and Jean Andrews Earnhardt for a term ending February 1, 2002. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Soccer Symposium Task Force A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Marianne Nicholson, Rick Kennedy, Victoria Brawley, John Hunter, James Q. Ward, Kenneth Hardy, Newton Holden, David Klein, Bruce Murray, and Peter Matischak for the Soccer Symposium Task Force for terms ending February 1, 2003. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The Board decided to postpone appointments to the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitor's Bureau and the Water Resources Committee until the next meeting. 12. MINUTES -NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION -NONE 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the Board to consider the meeting was adjourned. The next scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. in the Government Service Center meeting room in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Moses Carey, Jr., Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk