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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 02-14-2000Approved 5/16/2000 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING February 14, 2000 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, February 14, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. in the boardroom of the Southern Human Services Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr. and Commissioners Margaret W. Brawn, Alice M. Gordon, Stephen H. Halkiotis and Barry Jacobs COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT; Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., 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 -NONE 2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters on the Printed Agenda Audience comments will be heard when the item is presented on the agenda below. b. Matters not on the Printed Aaenda Bab Clapp, a resident of Chapel Hill, said that he has a concern about the upcoming budget process for the two school systems. His concerns are based on the discussion between the Board of County Commissioners and the two school boards at their December 13, 1999 meeting. There is a concern that there may be a wedge driven between the County Commissioners and the two school boards in budget matters in particular, and this will cause education to suffer. He said that the concept of capping the budgetary categories based on percentages is a poor precedent far budget setting. He said that the implied direction of capping is contrary to national and state priorities. He pointed out that Representative David Price is in Washington, D. C. actively seeking federal funds to support the local school systems goal to reduce class size. He pointed out a number of implications to the taxpayers in Orange County as a result of the proposed capping. He included a petition in his package signed by 75 members of the public. The petition indicates that the undersigned are critical of the concept of capping or formula-based budgeting in contrast to needs-based budgeting. It also said that the undersigned are critical of the appearance that the County Commissioners have made up their minds on this issue, and the negative tone and message given to the respective school system leaders and the school boards. Chair Carey assured the public and Mr. Clapp that the concept of capping is not something that the County Commissioners have been considering. He said that the County Commissioners are considering same parameters for long term planning by the school systems and the County. Sherri Toler Murrell, a board member of ABODE and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the InterFaith Council, spoke about the idea of a housing trust fund for Orange County. She reiterated that there is a lot of public support for this idea in Orange County. She listed some organizations and individuals that support affordable housing and a housing trust fund in the County. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Carey dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Halkiotis asked that a meeting not be scheduled on Valentine's Day again. He asked that a meeting be scheduled with a DOT official to explain DOT's snow and ice removal priority list. He said that a lot of people assumed that snow and ice removal was a County function. Commissioner Jacobs agreed with having DOT explain their priority list for snow and ice removal. He made reference to the County's facility on Homestead Road and asked why there is not potable water. He asked County Attorney Geoffrey Gledhill to contact the Mebane Attorney to see if Orange County could help with the litter problem around the entrance to Lake Michael. He made reference to an Emerging Issues Forum indicating that he could only attend the second day, and he asked if another County Commissioner could attend the first day of this conference. He mentioned that there were three things in March happening as a result of the Agricultural Summit. There will be a tour of area greenhouses the first week in March, an evening meeting about organic production the second week and a meeting about forestry practices the third week. Commissioner Gordon said that there are three new members of the Schools and Land Use Council. Edith Wiggins is the new member from the Chapel Hill Town Council, Bryan Bowen is the new member from the Hillsborough Town Council, and Teresa Williams is the new member from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board. She mentioned attending the District 9 meeting in Raleigh about Smart Growth and said that Representative Hackney and Senators Lee and Wellons spoke, among others. She said that she does not think Counties are going to get a menu of options, but the concerns were heard. Commissioner Brown said that the Skills Development Center has several office spaces available and wondered if there could be a list of people who may be interested in using these offices. John Link will let the Board know about the leases on the offices and any interest expressed. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link made reference to the snow that fell on January 24t" and highlighted some of the accomplishments of the County staff and the volunteer fire departments. He said that when the County offices were finally open, the parking lots and driveways were cleared. The Sheriff and Emergency Management Director worked together in getting assistance from the state. The state was able to send some Hum-V's for emergency use. He said that the Department on Aging, Social Services, and Health kept in touch with clients to make sure that any frail or homebound people were okay. Through this effort, 165 individuals were contacted. The EMS and OPT programs carried 24 dialysis patients to and from their homes to a treatment center. 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS a. Resolution to Form an Intensive Livestock Operations Study Committee The Board considered forming a committee to study the health and environmental effects of intensive livestock operations in Orange County. Health Director Rosemary Summers said that this is a Board of Health initiative for studying the issue of intensive livestock operations in Orange County. The Board of Health would like to have the County Commissioners' concurrence with this work. There will be some recommendations from the Board of Health by June 2000 on how to proceed. Commissioner Brown made reference to lagoons in Orange County and asked if these would be studied. Rosemary Summers said that specific studies of lagoons would not be done, but the overall picture of the County would be studied. The goal of the Board of Health is to prevent issues of compromised water quality. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to page five of the report and asked who purchased Fred McPherson's swine farm in 1999. The staff will research this and come back with an answer. Commissioner Jacobs clarified that the Board of Health is not saying that there is a problem, but they are just going to find out if there are any public health concerns. Commissioner Brown asked what the linkage would be for information about the state monitoring of these facilities and why the County does not know about them. Rosemary Summers said that she usually gets the information from the state, but it is a week to ten days after a written report has been completed. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution to form an Intensive Livestock Operations Study Committee as stated below: Resolution to Form an Intensive Livestock Operations Study Committee For Orange County WHEREAS, the number of livestock animals has increased significantly in North Carolina during the 1990's, with the total population of hogs in North Carolina totaling just under 10 million; and WHEREAS, the production of chickens and turkeys has also increased dramatically in the state; and WHEREAS, there are numerous studies detailing possible adverse mental andlor physical health effects and degradation to air, groundwater, and surface water quality due to intensive livestock operations; and, WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners and the Orange County Board of Health support and encourage traditional farming and agricultural methods; and, WHEREAS, realizing that newer methods of high density confinement of farm animals and the associated problems with waste disposal may be detrimental to human health, mental well-being, and the environment; and, WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners joins with the Orange County Board of Health in desiring investigation and further study of the issues surrounding the development of intensive livestock operations in Orange County; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of County Commissioners delegates the investigative study of these issues to the Orange County Board of Health Intensive Livestock Operations Ad Hoc Study Committee, with such Committee to include members and representatives from: • Orange County Agricultural Districts Advisory Board • Orange County Board of County Commissioners • Orange County Board of Health • Orange County Commission for the Environment • Orange County Cooperative Extension • Orange County Farm Bureau • Orange County Health Department, Animal Control Division • Orange County Health Department, Environmental Health Division • Orange County Natural Resources Conservation Service • Orange County Planning Department • Orange Dairy Herd Improvement Association • Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Board • Representative of Poultry Farming Community • Representative of Livestock Farming Community BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT said Ad Hoc Study Committee should report to the Orange County Board of Health and to the Orange County Commissioners no later than June 1, 2000 with their findings. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS -NONE 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. CDBG Housing Development Program -Efland Estates The Board held a public hearing to hear public comments prior to the closeout of the Efland Estates housing development program and to authorize execution of a certificate of completion by the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes said that the purpose of this public hearing was to receive citizen comments prior to the official closeout of the Efland Estates Housing Development Program. She said that in late 1996, the County received $145,759 in State Community Development Block Grant funds to assist Habitat for Humanity with the construction of five homes in the Efland Estates subdivision. She said that Housing and Community Development completed the infrastructure by paving the street and extending water and sewer. Habitat for Humanity sold the five houses to low income families. She said that the total project only cost $137,011, resulting in a savings of $8,739. There are no additional CDBG funds available at this time, so the staff is recommending that the $8,739 be returned to the State CDBG Office. It is important to return these funds in order to be eligible for future CDBG funds. Commissioner Gordon asked how there could have been $8,739 left over. Tara Fikes said that the bid for the work came in lower than anticipated. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to authorize the Chair to sign the Certificate of Completion for Efland Estates. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as stated below a. Indirect Cost Allocation Plan Contract This item was placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. b. Advertisement of Liens on Real Property for Failure to Pav Taxes This item was placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. c. Procedures for Boards and Commissions -Ethics Guidelines The Board approved adding to the application for participation on County boards, commissions, and task forces, a statement regarding ethics guidelines that will need to be signed in order to be considered for a volunteer position. d. Contract between the Orange County Human Relations Commission and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for Fiscal Year 2000 This item was placed at the end of the consent agenda far separate consideration. e. Bid Award for General Construction Renovation at the Planning and Agricultural Center The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract for Patriot Builders in the amount of $54,464 for construction and renovations at the Planning and Agricultural Center. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA a. Indirect Cost Allocation Plan Contract The Board considered a contract in an amount not to exceed $9,000 far fiscal years ending June 30, 1999; June 30, 2000; and June 30, 2001 with DMG MAXIMUS, Inc., for preparation of the County's indirect cost allocation plan. Commissioner Jacobs asked that when dealing with consultants it would be nice to track whether or not satisfactory service was received by a firm hired by the County. He would like to have a centralized tracking system of experiences with some of the County's consultants. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign a contract in an amount not to exceed $9,000 far fiscal years ending June 30, 1999; June 30, 2000; and June 30, 2001 with DMG MAXIMUS, Inc. for preparation of the County's indirect cost allocation plan. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Advertisement of Liens on Real Property for Failure to Pay Taxes The Board considered approving and authorizing the Chair to sign the advertisement of liens on real property for nonpayment of taxes. Commissioner Brown clarified that the list of unpaid taxes in the agenda abstract was only the first page of the report. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the advertisement of liens on real property far nonpayment of taxes. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the County does business with companies that owe the County money. Finance Director Ken Chavious said that if a company owes the County tax money, that amount is deducted from what the County owes the company for services. Commissioner Gordon asked John Link to check if the County requires that individuals have to pay their taxes before serving on a board or commission. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Contract between the Orange County Human Relations Commission and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for Fiscal Year 2000 The Board considered approving and authorizing the Chair to sign a contract with EEOC in the amount of $28,000 for casework and intake work perFormed by the Human Relations Commission. Commissioner Gordon asked about the average cast per closed case and per intake. The staff will provide historical information on cost allocations for casework and intake work performed by the Human Relations Commission for the EEOC. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign a contract with EEOC in the amount of $28,000 for casework and intake work performed by the Human Relations Commission. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA a. Contract for IS Support Center Staffing with Alternative Resources Corporation The Board considered a contract in an amount not to exceed $38,976 with Alternative Resources Corporation for support phone center staffing. Rod Visser said that the 1999-2000 budget includes funds to contract with external support to help respond to hardware and software users in the County. Alternative Resources Corporation located in the Research Triangle Park has agreed to provide on-site IT support in the County's IS Department at a rate of $29 an hour. This proposal is to continue this contract through next fall. Commissioner Gordon asked haw the process would work and Rad Visser said that the Alternative Resources Corporation staff would answer the phone and respond or go out in the field to help solve problems. Commissioner Halkiotis wants to know how much the County's IS Department is costing. He has a concern about this contract because he does not like going out of the County to provide this service. He is concerned about the people who use this service as a crutch every day. Rod Visser said that the goal is that people will be more inclined to call with problems rather than being frustrated with their computer. An increase in productivity is expected through this contract. There has been positive feedback with the temporary staff person who has been providing IT support. There is a detailed tracking system of where calls are coming from. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve and authorize the Chair to sign a contract in an amount not to exceed $38,976 with Alternative Resources Corporation for support phone center staffing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Windfall Subdivision - Preliminary Plan The Board considered a preliminary plan for the proposed Windfall subdivision, located in Eno Township near the intersection of Old N.C. 10 and Lawrence Road. Planning Director Craig Benedict said that this item was tabled at the previous meeting so that the following four issues could be addressed: • The amount of open space. The new plan increases open space four times over what it was previously. • The interconnectivity of the streets from the subdivision to some adjacent land. On the new plan, Windfall Lane goes from the primary access through the project and provides a stub out to the east. Also, there is no direct access from driveways onto the major local road and the new plan cuts down the amount of stream crossings from four to one. • The amount of open space along the roadway corridor. In the new plan, the green space can create an open space buffer that will be controlled by a homeowner's association instead of being wrapped into the adjacent lat. • The suitability for septic areas on these lots. After further investigation, there was one less lot that was suitable for sewer and septic, so there is one less lot on the plan. Phil Post said that he represents the developer and he welcomes any questions. Commissioner Gordon suggested that it be stated specifically that the two roads would be connected and built to NCDOT standards. Commissioner Brown thanked the developer and Planning Director for making this a better project. She asked what would be the best method to look at some of the hardwoods and try to protect as many as possible. Phil Past explained that the best method is to put the roads in the right location. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the resolution of approval for Windfall Subdivision Preliminary Plan. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Community Revitalization Program The Board considered approving operational guidelines for the Community Revitalization Loan Program. Tara Fikes said that the Community Revitalization Loan Program was designed in 1997 under the County's HOME Program. The program is designed to assist low to moderate-income families purchasing existing housing for first time homeownership. Specifically, the funds are used to acquire property, to rehab the property, or to provide direct second mortgage assistance. Last year, this program was suspended to be certain that the program complied with all of the regulations. There were some revisions made to the original policy that clarifies the following items: Eligible Activities, Loan Requirements, Recapture/Resale Provisions, Environmental Requirements, Appraisal Requirements, and Submission Requirements. The staff asked that the Commissioners look at the revisions with the exception of those pertaining to Recapture/Resale Provisions. Tara Fikes said that she would like to wait until after the affordable housing discussion to discuss the Recapture/Resale Provisions. Commissioner Brown asked that the staff include houses that are in the floodplain under Environmental Requirements. The staff will come back with some language to include houses in the floodplain under Environmental Requirements. Commissioner Gordon asked if Tara Fikes could include the revisions to the RecapturelResale Provisions before the Board approves the program. The Recapture/Resale Provisions will be delayed until after the long term housing affordability summit. Commissioner Jacobs said that one environmental condition that could be added is, "where possible, deconstruction and green building principles will be followed in rehabilitation." He said that there are ways in which maximal use and minimal environmental impact could be made regarding the materials that are removed from a rehab property and the materials that are used to rehabilitate it. Commissioner Gordon asked for a list of how the money had been expended. She asked why this is being reexamined. Tara Fikes said that one reason this program was being examined was to be sure that the program complies with HUD guidelines. The second issue was there were concerns about haw the program was flowing logistically. This was an attempt to clearly spell out what the submission requirements were and what the HUD requirements were. Commissioner Brown asked for a list of all the nonprofit organizations that have received monies from the HC}ME program. Chair Carey made reference to the Loan Limitations category and asked if this means that a family could not refinance to get a lower interest rate. Tara Fikes said that the language on this issue was so strong because there have been requests for refinancing for debt consolidation. John Link suggested that the staff work on establishing some criteria by which the Board can approve to give guidance to the process of refinancing. Commissioner Gordon feels that there should be a package of guidelines for when the County has to give approval. Commissioner Jacobs said that there should be some recommendations about the affordable housing summit for the Board at the next meeting. Commissioner Gordon asked for a total picture of what the County is spending on affordable housing. Commissioner Brown clarified that she is talking about new construction in the floodplain and not renovation projects. d. The Board considered adopting a resolutionlorder setting basic cable service rates for Time Warner Cable. John Link made reference to the article in the Herald related to Carrboro's addressing the merger of AFL and Time Warner. He indicated that this issue will be coming to the Orange County Board of Commissioners as well. Michael Patrick, Chair of the Orange County Cable TV Citizens Advisory Committee said that the only authority the County has is to review and act on the basic cable TV tier and some equipment charges. The County has no regulatory authority under the FCC statutes for higher premium channels or upper tiers of the regular cable TV service. The annual process is that Time Warner comes in and files a rate increase based on inflation and other variables and that is reviewed by the County staff. The Board is being asked to approve the rate setting only in the lowest tier of the basic cable and the equipment add-on. Bob Seppe, Attorney for Triangle J Council of Governments, said that there are three cable TV systems all operated by Time Warner and each system has its own set of costs. He explained how Time Warner calculated the rates and how it was different from what the County ordered. This resulted in an increase of 13 cents for Carrboro subscribers, an increase of 76 cents for Hillsborough subscribers, and a decrease of 26 cents for Durham subscribers. He explained the equipment add-on increases. He said that the reason Time Warner had a problem with incorrect calculations was because they changed Finance Officers in the middle of the process. Time Warner is going to recalculate the rates and bring them back for Board approval. Commissioner Brown asked about the automatic inflation increase and Bob Seppe said that it was 1.35 cents for the latter part of the year, .78 cents for October through December, and 1.6 cents for January through September. Several Commissioners expressed their concern about the process of the automatic inflation increase. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adopt and authorize the Chair to sign aresolution/order setting basic cable service rates for Time Warner Cable as stated below: STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ORANGE COUNTY BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IN THE MATTER OF: Review of FCC 1205, 1235, and 1240 Annual Rate Adjustment Requests filed by Time Warner Cable for NC-0256 and NC-0276 ORDER FINDING TWC's 2000 CABLE SERVICE FCC1240-1235 RATE METHODOLOGY AS REASONABLE AND ORDERING A RATE TRUE-UP FOR 2001. BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WHEREAS, Time Warner Cable submitted three FCC 1240 Updating Annual Maximum Permitted Rates filings for Regulated Cable Services with the County. Time Warner's filing covers external costs, inflation, and cable system upgrade costs for the true up period of October 1998 through September 1999 and the projected period of January through December 2000; and WHEREAS, Time Warner Cable submitted an FCC 1235 Abbreviated cost of Service For Cable Network Upgrades with the County. Time Warner's filing covers capital expenses directly related to system infrastructure improvements prior to January 1, 2000; and WHEREAS, the County received a report stating that Time Warner's FCC 1205, 1235, and FCC 1240 rate calculations comply with Federal Communications Commission rate making rules and that the requested maximum permitted Basic Service Tier rate is reasonable; and WHEREAS, the County received a report stating that Time Warner's FCC 1240 BST rate calculations comply with Federal Communications Commission rate making rules, and that the requested monthly maximum permitted Basic Service Tier rate is excessive by 15 cents for Carrboro System served customers, 2 cents far Chapel Hill system served customers, and 40 cents for Durham System served customers; and WHEREAS, FCC rules grant local franchise authorities an initial ninety day review period, measured from the date of receipts of said filing by the franchise authority, with which to review the cable operator's FCC 1240 rate filing. If said ninety day review period expires before the rates go into effect, the franchise authority retains review and refund authority past the initial ninety day review period as long as all inquiries from the cable operator regarding said review are responded to in writing within fifteen days of said inquiry; and WHEREAS, Time Warner's rate filing includes cast estimates for the calendar year of 2000, and said estimates shall require adjustment (true up), due to changes into the 2000 projected period's inflation factor effects the 2001 BST MPR in TWC's subsequent FCC 1240 rate filling for 2001; and WHEREAS, the County is certified with the FCC to regulate basic service tier rates provided by Time Warner Cable in franchise NC-0256 and NC 0276. IT IS A FINDING THAT time Warner Cable's Basic Service Tier rate assessed subscribers within the County shall not exceed the maximum permitted rate, subject to modifications in subsequent findings by the cable operator or franchise authority, and Time Warner's FCC 1240 BST MPR shall not exceed $8.60 monthly for Carrboro System served customers, $8.74 monthly far Chapel Hill System served customers, and $10.18 monthlyfor Durham System served customers and Time Warner's FCC 1235 Add-on Network Upgrade Charge cannot exceed $1.81 monthlyfor Chapel Hill system served customers and $2.11 for Durham System served customers during the 2000 calendar year; and THAT Time Warner Cable may charge a Basic Service Tier rate below the approved Maximum Permitted Rate, but not above it; and THAT Time Warner may charge a Network Upgrade Charge rate below the approved Maximum Permitted Rate, but not above it; and THAT Time Warner Cable has by in large substantiated the other adjustments to its Cable Service rates based on past and estimated cost elements; and THAT Time Warner has complied with FCC rate making rules, and its requested Maximum Permitted BST and COS "Add-on" rates are found to be reasonable and subject to any refund liability due to for the projected period's inflation factor adjustment at the time the FCC 1240 BST filing for 2001 is submitted. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED THAT Time Warner's FCC 1240 BST MPR shall not exceed $8.60 monthly for Carrboro System served customers, $8.74 monthly far Chapel Hill System served customers, and $10.18 monthly for Durham System served customers and Time Warner's FCC 1235 Add-on Network Upgrade Charge cannot exceed $1.81 monthly for Chapel Hill System served customers and $2.11 for Durham System served customers during the 2000 calendar year, subject to subsequent findings by the County to the contrary, during the 2000 calendar year; and THAT Time Warner may charge a Basic Service Tier rate below the approved Maximum Permitted Rate, but not above it; and THAT the County retains its authority to issue refunds or rate roll backs after the initial ninety day review period with respect to the restructured rate set out in the FCC 1240 or FCC 1235 filings; and THAT Time Warner must keep a full and accurate account of all revenues and costs associated with the aforementioned cable rate adjustment VOTE: AYES, 4; NO, 1 {Commissioner Brown) 10. REPORTS a. Report on Fairview Park Ball Field Options The Board heard a report on options to provide a ball field at Fairview Park. These options are listed in the agenda materials. John Link said that some options were researched to provide a ball field at Fairview Parkin the interim in response to the Commissioners' request. He summarized the options as listed in the agenda materials. The staff is recommending that the present field be considered as an option for the upcoming season. If the environmental assessment is not suitable, the staff recommends pursuing the combination of using the two elementary school fields at least far practice, and hopefully using the Orange County High School softball field far games. Chair Carey noted that the options mentioned by John Link are short term. The Town of Hillsborough will be included in the long-term plans. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he understands that there will be another group coming before the Board of County Commissioners about peewee football. He feels there needs to be some cohesive planning about athletic fields and how they can be shared. He feels a group should be convened to address a plan for the future. Commissioner Gordon questioned option one of using the existing ball field and asked how the County was going to become the lead coordinator of activities involving the Fairview Park ball field. John Link said that the most straightforward approach would be for the County to provide in- kind services to this community and have the operation conducted by the Fairview community. Commissioner Gordon suggested setting up an unofficial moratorium on requests for athletic fields until the Master Parks and Recreation Plan is considered further. Chair Carey feels that the County needs to rethink how the public can use all the athletic fields available in the County regardless of who invested in improving the fields. With regard to the use of the elementary school fields, people in the community are using the fields for other things besides scheduled activities. Commissioner Brown would like to have information on the availability of the elementary school ball fields. She would also like for the Recreation and Parks Board to look at some things and bring forward the task force report at a work session. The County Commissioners could also look at other requests for bond monies that have been received from Chapel Hill and Carrboro. John Link said that the staff would work on both options and bring back a recommendation. Commissioner Jacobs said that the County needed to figure out what resources are available and how these resources are going to be allocated. Commissioner Gordon emphasized that there needs to be active planning for recreation in the County. She thinks it is important to articulate in some farm, (i.e., news release or letter), that the request was received and the Board will take it into consideration in the planning process. John Link suggested that Commissioner Brown and David Stancil include this item in the presentations they are giving to each jurisdiction in the next few weeks. 11. APPOINTMENTS The Board considered appointments to the Board of Health. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to accept the Board of Health's recommendation to appoint Lee Werley, II I as the pharmacist representative for a term ending June 30, 2001 and Sandra Quinn as an at-large representative for a term ending June 30, 2002. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 12. MINUTES Commissioner Gordon made reference to the minutes for June 15th on page 3, line 43. It should say, "The Board has no intention of using the 60 acres for solid waste burial." Also, on June 22"d, the sentence should be added to line 14 and not line 24. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve as amended the minutes from the following meetings: March 22, 1999 work session; April 14, 1999 JPA public hearing; May 11, 1999 budget work session; June 8, 1999 budget work session; June 15, 1999 budget work session; June 21, 1999 regular meeting; June 22, 1999 special meeting; Sept. 21, 1999 C&D public hearing; Oct. 5, 1999 regular meeting; Oct. 12, 1999 work session; Oct. 19, 1999 regular meeting; Nov. 3, 1999 regular meeting; Nov. 9, 1999 work session; and, Nov. 16, 1999 regular meeting. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 13. CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to go into closed session, "To discuss the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and County Attorney on the negotiating position regarding the terms of a contract to purchase real property," NCGS ~ 143- 318.11(a}(5} and "To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee;" NCGS § 143-318.11 {a}{6}. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the Board to consider, a motion was made by seconded by to adjourn the meeting at 11:10 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on February 21, 2000 at x:00 p. m. in the Chapel Hill Town Chambers in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Moses Carey, Jr., Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk