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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 12-09-2000APPROVED 6/5/2001 AGENDA ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ANNUAL PLANNING AND GOAL SETTING RETREAT SOUTHERN HUMAN SERVICES CENTER December 9, 2000 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a goal setting retreat an Saturday, December 9, 2000 at 9:00 a.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Stephen H. Halkiotis and Commissioners Margaret W. Brown, Moses Carey, Jr., Alice M. Gardon, and Barry Jacobs 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} A. Review A enda and Agree on Process for Conducting Retreat The Board decided to take afive-minute break at 10:30 a.m. The Board also decided to add three subheadings under "Bond Process" as follows: Timeline, ParameterslGuidelines for bonds, and Structure of Bond Committee. There were five carryover items from the previous meeting -Chapel Hill-Carrboro Elementary School #9 Planning Funds, Upcoming Meeting with Duke Officials, Fairview Park Ballfield, regular appointments, and Mobile Source Emission Reduction Grant Application. B. Fiscal ReviewlOutlook for FY 2000-01 and FY 2001-02 Budget Director Donna Dean made a Powerpoint presentation. In summary, she said that the County's undesignated fund balance exceeded the Local Government Commission's recommended target of eight percent of expenditures. Regarding the General Fund, the Tax Collector's office indicates that property tax collections for the current fiscal year are in line with past years. The County is confident that it will continue to have one of the best tax collection rates in the State and that collections will exceed 98 percent. There has been a slowing of retail sales in the State, and there is a potential that the County's sales tax collections for both the current and upcoming fiscal years may be negatively impacted. She said that it is becoming increasingly important to maximize those County revenues as much as possible -particularly with charges for County services. It is also important to implement a regular review schedule for in-depth, detailed analysis of County related fees. The Tax Collector's Office has been successful in collecting unpaid delinquent bills from those persons who have the ability to pay. These remedies have produced to date, about $25,000 with an additional $90,000 secured. The fees that are currently being studied are Planning, Inspections, and Development related fees and Emergency Medical Services related fees. There will be reports to the Commissioners in the spring of 2001 on these fees. There are new federal regulations related to Medicaid and Medicare that prompt the County to restructure the current EMS fees. Revenue Collector Jo Roberson said that from what Ken Chavious and Nick Waters have looked at, they are being very reasonable in their recommendation for an increase in the current fees for emergency medical services. The increases will also be based on what Medicaid and Medicare are currently paying and are not drastically increased. Donna Dean continued by talking about the revaluation process. At this point, revalued real property valuation totals about $7.8 billion. This is about 27°~ more than the currently budgeted valuation. There are still several unknowns since budget requests are not due from departments until March. However, it is known that increased funding will be needed for additional debt service and education. Other items that may require additional funding are the Master Aging Plan and Public Assistance. Regarding the November 2001 possible bond package, the total package would be 60 to 70 million dollars. It is assumed that debt service would be paid with increased property taxes in the neighborhood of five to seven cents on the tax rate. John Link said that in looking at sales tax revenues he would encourage the schools to also keep abreast of this revenue because it affects what schools would receive for capital. C. CHCCS Elementary School #9 Planning Funds Assistant County Manager Rod Visser explained the handouts for this item. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the memo from Steve Scroggs and the additional money that the County is going to be asked to provide. He said that the Town of Cary, in trying to improve its relationship with the schools and the excellence of schools, has started giving money to the school system. He would like to suggest that the County Commissioners make a formal request to the Town of Chapel Hill to consider waiving development application fees for school projects within their jurisdiction. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to request that the Town of Chapel Hill waive development application fees for the construction of schools which are constructed within their jurisdiction. Commissioner Gordon made a friendly amendment to add all jurisdictions within Orange County and the Board agreed. Chair Halkiotis expressed his concern for giving prior knowledge to the public on how much money the County has allocated or budgeted to build a school. He is still concerned that it is telegraphed to the private construction community the amount of money the County has to spend on school construction. He would like to have discussions with the school systems about how the County and the school systems can, within the context of the law, be as protective as possible of the tax dollars. Commissioner Carey asked for clarification about the $25,000 fee that is going to be waived, and the concept pre-planning phase that was going to be increased. John Link said that the recommendation was that the Board approves the concept pre-planning phase funding, which was $107,184, to be increased to $132,184. Chair Halkiotis made reference to the policy that was approved last month in which the County Commissioners were given an opportunity to look at property that the school systems are considering for a future school site. He said that the Commissioners need to be involved in the pre-planning phase of school construction. Commissioner Brown clarified that the approval of this is the approval to move forward with an elementary school at Meadowmont. She asked what the entire amount would be and John Link said that $13.7 million was the total budget for the elementary school at Meadowmont. John Link said that they would be acting on each phase of the construction project and that this approval does not commit the County Commissioners to build a school. Commissioner Brown feels that the Board's approval of the pre-planning phase does make a commitment. Her issue is that she does not know the total amount that this school will cost. Her concern is that a prototype cannot be used. She wants to understand the equity issue for spending in each school district and understand what the budget is for this school. Rod Visser said that the standards based on 95,200 sq. feet is $12,275,000 which is based an a per square foot cost of $90.00. There is a subcommittee working on school standards Commissioner Brown asked if it would be possible for the group working on standards to come back to the Board with the information before we make a commitment to build this school. She feels that this information is really important. She would like to know the exact square footage and the exact number of students that would be attending the school at Meadowmont. Chair Halkiotis feels that it may be time to bring back information from the subcommittee to the Board. Commissioner Carey feels that there is a substantial amount of agreement on cost, square footage, etc. and he asked that members of the Board of County Commissioners give to him any issues that they want considered by this subcommittee. He would not preclude the Board acting on this particular school until the report is completed by the subcommittee. The school systems already know the standards that are in place. He said that committing to the pre-planning phase was not a commitment to a multi million-dollar school. This step does not preclude him from supporting this to move the process along. The site is not perfect, but it does not mean that it is not suitable for a school. Commissioner Jacobs agreed with moving forward but agreed also that other information is needed. He feels that the inflation factor needs to be reconsidered and the amount of contingency needs to be reviewed by the subcommittee. Commissioner Carey said that the subcommittee is discussing both of these items. Cammissianer Jacobs said that he agrees that the County should not be releasing information on future school sites before they are purchased for that use. Commissioner Gordon clarified that the decision today would mean that the Board has approved the Meadowmont site and the funds for planning but not the funds for the school. She feels that, using the present standards, the cost of the facility can be estimated by subtracting out the cost of the property since we did not have to purchase the property and the infrastructure. She thinks that there should be an estimation of the cost. Also, she agrees that there should not be a change in the capacity unless the school system works with the County. She thinks that this is not an ideal site but is not sure what the Board can recommend at this time if this site is not approved. She agrees with moving forward. She would like to see some type of plan and a collaborative process where the County Commissioners are involved. Commissioner Carey said that the Board has talked about and the schools have agreed that there should not be a change in the capacity of a school without talking with the County Commissioners. The change in class size needs to be jointly discussed. Commissioner Jacobs said that we should not forget the Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. Chair Halkiotis distributed some handouts and asked that the Clerk prepare notebooks about the school construction standard issues. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the expenditure of $132,184 in concept/pre-planning phase funds for Elementary School #9; adopt the attached CHCCS Elementary School #9 Capital Project Ordinance; and appoint one Cammissianer to serve as the Board of County Commissioners liaison with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education for the Elementary School #9 project. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs suggested that a Commissioner be appointed to serve in the capacity related to the policy on planning and funding school capital projects. This appointment will be made in January. D. Review of All ,(or Selected Proposed Goals for FY 2001-02 (by and Large, these are updates to previously adopted goals) Commissioner Gordon made reference to the timing of adopting the goals and suggested that the Board adopt the goals no later than March 2001 because the goals and objectives are supposed to inform the budget process. Affordable Housing The Board is waiting on a report from the affordable housing task force. Commissioner Jacobs feels that a goal should be formulated to provide all residents with indoor plumbing. The staff will address as a component how to deal with the fact that land may not perk, people may not be able to afford indoor plumbing, haw to deal with non-owner occupied housing or people who do not want indoor plumbing, etc. Communications Commissioner Gordon feels that strides have been made. She made reference to page 3 and the fact that the Information Specialist in the Commissioners' office would develop a Strategic Communications Plan. She made reference to the Commissioners' task force of Commissioner Gordon and Commissioner Jacobs and suggested that they get together again and address any other items that have not been addressed. Commissioner Jacobs agreed with that. Commissioner Jacobs would like to do a comprehensive review of notices that are sent to citizens because he still has same concerns about the tone and intent. He would like to identify the types of notices that the County sends out, make sure the Commissioners are okay with them, etc. Commissioner Brown agreed with Commissioner Jacobs. She said that the County does not have anyone on staff to develop brochures and creative publications. Commissioner Carey feels it is time to move in the direction of considering a Public Information Officer. (page 10} Beverly Blythe explained the memo about the PIO dated December 8, 20Q0. She talked about the need for a PIO. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the last paragraph of the memo and asked for more clarity on what the staff committee would do to help coordinate communications efforts. He said that this would be a good time to have staff create some focus to be coordinated short term and then figure out what to do long term through either a new position or a reorientation of an existing position. John Link feels that we need to take a look structurally at how we want to address communications. Commissioner Gordan and Commissioner Jacobs will work with the staff on the issue of the PIO. Economic Development Districts Commissioner Gordon made reference to the language on page 4, objective 2, "Research, Propose, and Implement Refinements to the Hillsborough EDD Area." She said that the language was similar to the language used for the Buckhorn EDD. She asked if, by using the same language, the County was making a commitment to allocate money. Commissioner Brown suggested that this objective be rewritten to say that the Buckhorn EDD will track with the Board of County Commissioners' review and the Planning Department's development of the small area plan for Efland, the water issue, etc. Planning Director Craig Benedict said that this language was not intended to be a commitment of funding. It is just an examination of one of the elements of providing water and sewer -when it will be extended, etc. Commissioner Jacobs said that the County did have an interest in discussing water and sewer systems with Hillsborough. He said that this issue should be addressed under Cooperative Agreements for water and sewer service. Commissioner Gordon suggested deleting the statement about water and sewer systems on page 4. She suggested that the staff bring the goal back to reflect the statements as made by the Commissioners. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to page 7 and noted that there are no dates on when the County would be working with Durham. He said that last year Durham agreed to coordinate with Orange County in respect to the land use plan. He said that it would be nice to have some dates so the County Commissioners would have some sense of what is going on. Effective and Efficient School Fundina Commissioner Brown has a concern about expenditures for each school system and funding equity. She is not sure that the new standards will provide equitable funding. Chair Halkiotis said that one school system has made a decision to get prototype schools to cut costs and the other school system has same serious concerns about using prototype schools. He made reference to the report from the Manager about bringing in a playing field at Smith Middle School for $90,000. He would rather wait to bring in a playing field if it is going to cost $90,000. Commissioner Gordon feels we are making a big step forward in having standards for construction of new schools and following the standards, but the standards do not apply to existing schools. She made reference to her proposal about substantial equivalency far older schools. She said that there should be some way to make older and newer schools substantially equivalent. She said that the gap is between the newer and the older schools and not between the schools in each district. Commissioner Brawn made reference to maintenance and said that the school systems should have an ongoing maintenance plan in place to maintain the facilities. Chair Halkiotis made comments about maintenance of buildings and how difficult it is to retrofit a building for air conditioning that was not built for air conditioning. He said that there is a lot of jealousy between the older and newer schools in both school systems. Commissioner Carey said that the idea of substantial equivalency did not resonate very well because there was a suggestion of compensating the staff in a way that might bring in some inequities on the operating level. He said that we have to be careful about comparing older and newer schools. Commissioner Gordon clarified that she did not mean to say anything negative about the older school buildings but wanted to emphasize ways building improvements could support this curriculum. Commissioner Jacobs pointed out that within the amount that is budgeted for the schools, the school systems can make a determination about how they want to address their existing facilities. Commissioner Carey said that, in the area of recurring capital, there should be some clear expectations of the school systems. Commissioner Brown would like to see a tracking of ongoing maintenance far each of the new school buildings to see how well the buildings were built. Commissioner Brown said that she did not understand the programming issue. The standards include after school programming and she would like to see a list of those schools that provide before school care and after school care. Human Services Regarding the HispaniclLatino Relations goal Commissioner Gordon suggested changes to make it more readable. Also, Commissioner Jacobs' name should not be put in the goal for translating signs into Spanish. Commissioner Jacobs has a question about the multi-lingual hiring policy and the analysis of the Los Ninos report on page 5. Commissioner Brown would like to understand all of the efforts going on in all of the County departments. Commissioner Gordan pointed out that Spanish was not the only other foreign language that was represented in Orange County. Elaine Holmes will work with Commissioner Brown, Commissioner Jacobs and John Link on a report showing what is going on with foreign relations in the County. Joint Master Aging Plan Commissioner Jacobs made reference to page 8 of the Master Aging Plan and asked if reports had been made to other elected boards. Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore said that they have presented the plan to the Carol Woods Retirement Center. It will be presented to the Chapel Hill Town Council next week and to the Carrboro Board of Aldermen and the Hillsborough Commissioners in January. Commissioner Jacobs would like to see a realistic schedule for implementation of the plan so that it can be incorporated into the budget cycle. Public Health Emergency Preparedness Commissioner Gordan made reference to page 2 and asked if approving this goal meant that two new positions would be approved. It was determined that the approval of this goal would not mean that two new positions would be approved. Youth Services Commissioner Brown asked to whom the services were directed. She does not get the whole picture of what we are trying to do with the youth services -how many children we are trying to serve and what the services are. She would not mind bringing together all of the participants and discuss how everything is connected. Commissioner Gordon made reference to page 3 and said that she feels we need to add back in the language in paragraph one, which said, "The objective of this goal is to identify and promote available recreation and educational programs for youth ages 13-19 as well as identify gaps in service and address them accordingly." She made reference to pages 6 and 7, objective 2, and said that it should read the same way. The key thing is to look at a program far what youth ages 13-19 can da in our community. Commissioner Jacobs feels that maybe Commissioner Brawn and Commissioner Carey should get together and revise this goal to reflect more adequately the goal that is stated. This goal needs more clarity. The Manager is to came back with an outline on how to move forward. Commissioner Carey said that he put Youth Services Advisory Commission on the agenda with the intention of phasing this group out. The function of the YSAC has been absorbed by the Justice Partnership Board. He recommends that we abolish YSAC. He feels we could utilize a group other than the Justice Partnership Board to focus on youth activities and services. Commissioner Brown said that she is also interested in the agencies we fund in the budget that have to do with youth services and what the needs are in the community -both for youth at risk and the youth that need leadership and more support. Commissioner Gardon feels we should go back to the original goal of providing activities for teenagers and call it a teenage group. She suggested changing the wording from Youth Services Bureau to Teenage Services Bureau. John Link reinforced the suggestion that two Commissioners sit down with staff and discuss this issue. It is not a simple issue. He feels the County Commissioners should look at what they want to volunteer for. Commissioner Carey and Commissioner Brown volunteered to work with the staff. Commissioner Gardon offered to help out. Commissioner Jacobs mentioned that the Human Relations Commission was also interested in this. Jahn Link said that it was not only the County's responsibility for providing for youth activities but also the schools and other agencies as well as the municipalities. Innovation and Efficiency Improvements Commissioner Gordon made reference to space needs and suggested that the structure follow the function. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to purchasing practices and also bidding practices and said that an economy of scale may be able to be realized by collaborating with the two school systems. Growth and Development Impacts Analysis Commissioner Gordon feels that this needs to be kept on track. She said that it would really be helpful to have the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and the development impact analysis in the same time frame. Commissioner Jacobs would like for the goal to state why we are doing this. Commissioner Gordon said that the reason we are doing this is that the County incurs great costs for the impacts of growth and development. Commissioner Jacobs would like for the goal to state this information. Discussion ensued about the erroneous belief that increasing the tax base will help the County financially; it will not. Jahn Link asked that Planning Director Craig Benedict bring back a timeline. Chair Halkiatis cautioned the Board that there are a lot of initiatives that have been stated in the goals -initiatives that have been requested by the Board of County Commissioners and also initiatives that the Planning staff has identified. Comprehensive Plan Commissioner Gordon made reference to page 3 and suggested a change in the language in the second paragraph to say, "Use Commissioner-approved goals and objectives from Shaping Orange County's Future as basis for defining goals and objectives to guide planning process." She made reference to page 4, the first paragraph, and suggested a change in the language to say, "Use BOCC's approved draft alternative plans, etc." She also suggested that for places where Commission for the Environment could be involved that it be explicitly listed. For example, an page 3, objective 1, it should say, "Coordinate with ERCD and Commission for the Environment to evaluate the effect on the environment of the proposed land use element, and solicit input from ERCD and Commission for the Environment on preparation of the land use element." The same language would apply on page 5, objective 2 regarding the transportation element. In answer to a question from Commissioner Jacobs, Commissioner Gordon suggested that the language be Board specific -indicating whether or not it is the Commission for the Environment or another board. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the transportation goal and asked if we are assuming that when we work with the Town of Hillsborough that the I-85/I-40/NC86 triangle is both new and old NC$6. He said that the language should specify that it is both old and new NC 86. Commissioner Brown made reference to public transportation an page 5 and asked if it has any potential to be expanded to accommodate other needs. People want to use public transportation for all kinds of needs. She would like some additional information on the services. Also, with reference to Shaping Orange County's Future, she would not want to assume that the report would be used for County goals until the County Commissioners have reviewed and adopted the plan. Commissioner Jacobs said that the advent of the Rural Planning Organization should be mentioned in this goal because it could have a major impact on what is expected of Orange Public Transit. The staff will bring back an overview of Orange County public transportation. Commissioner Gordan made reference to the Proposed Schedule, specifically the environmental analysis, the transportation system, the land suitability analysis, and any other issues related to the environment and said that the intention would be that the staff would cooperate with ERCD and the Commission for the Environment. Lunch Commissioner Jacobs asked that Craig Benedict address the schedule itself. He feels that this is very important and that consideration should be given to hiring a consultant or a temporary planner to help with this goal. Craig Benedict mentioned that some changes have already been made because of immediate needs. He went aver the foundation of the comprehensive plan process. He said that there has beer a layering of new regulations without getting rid of the old regulations. He said that he does not want it to take two years to formulate a plan and another two years to write the regulations because the development pressures are here and sometimes there is a goal and then a regulation two years later. He proposes bringing back regulatory changes at the first two public hearings scheduled in 2041. Craig Benedict said that there are 12 Commissioner goals that are uniquely planning and another 9 goals that the Planning Department has secondary responsibilities for. He cannot accomplish these goals with his present staff. He feels that the Comprehensive Plan could be accomplished with temporary staff. He said that the Planning staff would be working more closely with developers doing subdivisions so that when they come before the Board, most of the concerns have been addressed. Commissioner Brown said that she thought the County Commissioners made it clear that whatever help Craig Benedict needs for this project, he should get it. It was decided that Craig Benedict and John Link would bring back a recommendation on additional staff in January 2001. Chair Halkiotis reminded the Board of his suggestion to farm a task farce of two Commissioners to work with the Planning Director, the Manager, the County Attorney, and possibly a Planning Board member in resolving issues with planning items before they are presented to the County Commissioners. He suggested that Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioner Gordon serve on this task force. Commissioner Gordan suggested that it might not be necessary far County Commissioners to review everything dealing with planning items. There may be same items that would not need reviewing before being placed on the Commissioners' agenda. The Manager will bring back a proposal concerning this matter. John Link made reference to temporary help and said that he feels that the County can find funds for an additional Planning Department position. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to hire a temporary employee to assist the Planning Director in developing the Comprehensive Plan. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Gordon made reference to the Proposed Schedule chart and said that for Objectives 2-7 there should be a line that says, "Recommended plan/ordinances" that would show when the whole thing would be finished. She would like to see the bottom line. E. Review of Advisory Boards and Commissions 1. Transportation Advisory Commission 2. Youth Services Advisory Commission 3. Others as Needed F. Review of Board Operating Procedures 1. Inventory of Present Commissioner Task Forces (see Appendix 2 in notebook) (Note: there is an addition to this list -Open Space Task Force with Commissioner Brown and Commissioner Gordon as the Commissioners serving on this Task Force.} 2. BOCC Rules and Regulations 3. Board Member Appointments Chair Halkiotis said that he had a discussion with Ted Laws from the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce and suggested that they have a Commissioner representative. Commissioner Carey will serve as the Commissioner representative for the HillsboroughlOrange County Chamber of Commerce. Discussion ensued about the difference between a member and a liaison. A member has full voting rights. John Link said that in every case the Commissioner representative should vote unless he or she specifically does not want to so that the group takes the Commissioner's presence seriously. It was decided that Commissioner Carey would serve as the liaison on the Cable TV Advisory Committee. It was also decided that Commissioner Brown would serve on the Skills Development Center Board. She will not serve as the alternate far the Economic Development Commission. Commissioner Gordon mentioned that the Greater Triangle Regional Council no longer requests that the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners serve. Chair Halkiotis said that he would like to see two County Cammissianers working with Craig Benedict in developing and looking at transportation issues in Orange County. Commissioner Gordon and Commissioner Jacobs will serve an this task force. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs that the Board of County Commissioners will appoint members to the Research Triangle Regional Partnership. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 4. Upcoming Meeting with Duke Officials Chair Halkiotis, Commissioner Jacobs, and David Stancil started visiting Duke officials about a year and a half ago. The meetings were as a result of the County's purchase of the land on US 70, which was a satellite piece of Duke property that they wanted to sell. Duke wanted to offer the land first to the County before making it available to the private market. The meeting will be December 21 Sc and Commissioner Jacobs and Chair Halkiotis will attend. 5. BOCC Meeting Seating Arrangements The Board agreed that seating will be rotated for each meeting except that Commissioner Brown will not rotate at the Southern Human Services Center for regular meetings. 6. Review of Work Session List G. Review of Input from Advisory Boards/Commissions Adult Care Home Advisory Board -Cherie Rosemond, Chair Cherie Rosemond said the Adult Care Home Advisory Board has lost three longstanding members and is recruiting for new members. Because of their shortage of members, they have had to decrease their visitations to the homes far the developmentally delayed and this has been distressing to them. A nice addition has been Commissioner Brown's help in focussing their efforts. They have talked with the DSS Board and the Health Board and Sanitation Board to try and encourage them to be on schedule in visiting homes. They have seen a turnover in the caregivers each year of about 140%. This year there are additional problems with the operators of the homes changing hands frequently. She said that they need the County Commissioners' help with recognizing those homes that are doing a good jab and to penalize those not providing a high quality of care. She will send the County Commissioners information on an Ordinance that may help to move forward their efforts in regulating the homes. Commissioner Jacobs said that when this came up before he had asked the Attorney to come back with information on what statutory authority the County has. She spoke about what was happening at Willow Springs. Commissioner Brown said that the evaluations of the homes should be easier to access on the County's website. She would like to move forward with an ordinance to regulate the homes. Commissioner Jacobs is pleased that there is coordination with other boards. He said that it sounds like we are treating people better who are in our jails than those who are in our nursing homes. He thinks the Board needs to be more assertive about this issue. He asked about health inspections and Cherie Rosemond said that the inspections are supposed to be unannounced. Chair Halkiotis noted that this is a very important item that we need to keep on the front burner. Advisory Board on Aging -Florence Soltys, Chair Florence Soltys said that the Aging Board appreciates Commissioner Jacobs' participation on that Board. She asked that the County Cammissianers approve the Master Aging Plan so that the committee can move forward with implementation. She read the goals of the Advisory Board on Aging: • Plan far two multi-purpose senior centers -one in northern Orange and one in southern Orange • Plan and develop an adult day health center {central Orange) • Promote and establish dental care services in institutional settings • Expand certified nursing assistant (CNA) training for institutions and homebound • Assist family homes with required paperwork to operate • Identify alder persons who are Medicaid eligible and are not being served Commissioner Jacobs complimented Florence Saltys for all she does for seniors in the County. Commissioner Carey complimented Florence Soltys far all her hard work. He made reference to the Charles House in Carrboro and asked if there was a health model anywhere in the region and Florence Soltys said that there might be one in Raleigh. Commissioner Brown asked about the CNA training, which is 80-120 hours with a focus on task orientation. Cherie Rosemond said that it is being taught at the Skills Development Center. However, the training does not include behavior attitudes and how to deal with the aging population. Also, there are not enough people to take the class. John Link suggested working with Economic Development and some of the other advisory groups and agencies an helping the private nursing and adult care homes with the various issues. Commissioner Jacobs said that another possibility that we could look at is helping someone establish a nonprofit to organize this because a nonprofit could apply to the County for help to assist the homes. Jahn Link said that there are an amazing number of people who would like to be a caregiver far $10.00 an hour. He noted that the private agencies require the caregivers to sign a document, which says that they cannot work for a competitor for six months after they leave employment. Board of Health -Jonathan Klein, Chair Dr. Jonathan Klein said that the most important thing is that they have developed and are in the process of finishing their strategic plan. Because this is a large amount of material, it would be helpful to have a work session with the County Commissioners to go over this strategic plan for Health services. They have a very energetic Health Director and a highly professional, hard working staff to deliver important public health services. Their concern is that they know they do not have the adequate health resources to carry out the public health services that the County needs. As a result, they have focused on mandated services, which is the minimum level of services and are not adequate. They feel that even though money is expended that they do not save that much money in the long run. Financially in the long run it is more expensive not to have adequate public health services. Some of the inadequacies are that the salaries are low so there is a high turnover rate. The salaries should at least be partially adequate. In the Environmental Health division, they need three additional people to staff that division. Commissioner Brown made reference to page 21 and noted that 121 swimming pools were inspected in the County but a reference was not made to adult care facilities. She would like to bring forward the issue of more inspections for nursing care facilities. Commissioner Carey made reference to the Health Board's goals for next year and asked if they will meet state standards for inspections and re-inspections. Ron Holdway said that they are running about 85°~ within the timeframes and he expects that to be worse next year. Commissioner Carey wants to know what is necessary to meet those levels 100°l0. Dr. Klein said that they have the information on haw many people they need to bring up their service level. Commissioner Brown made reference to the draft strategic plan that was in the retreat notebook and complimented the Health Board on this initiative. John Link made reference to communicable disease and the increase of 350°~ since 1969. He asked about the major incidences in Orange County. Rosemary Summers said that one thing they seem to experience each year is the outbreak of one disease or another. There is an increase in TB cases, which take extra time to treat. Commissioner Brown said that the number reflects the vaccinations that were needed for the different outbreaks. Rosemary Summers said that there is something every year that keeps those numbers going. Every year the number of communicable diseases is high but it is for different things. Chair Halkiotis said that these problems are not going to go away with the increase of immigrants into this country. Arts Commission -Jeffrey Cohen, Chair Jeffrey Cohen said that while the issues they deal with are very different than the other boards and commissions, the arts are very important to Orange County and its citizens. As time has gone by, they have taken an a larger mission to promote the arts to make connections between artists, organizations, and the citizens of Orange County. One of the major things they accomplished this year is that they have taken their newsletter and partnered with the Herald Sun and expanded their circulation from 2,000 to 25,000. They plan to have a centrally located arts center next year. They are looking for an environment where artists can keep portfolios, where artists can keep their work, and a central point where people can come and we can help grow the artist community in Orange County. They have on their agenda next week about using the Southern Human Services Center for hanging pictures in that facility. One of their other big goals is to promote the arts in the County to people outside of the County - a kind of Chamber of Commerce for the arts. They have started working with the Chapel Hill Visitor's Bureau. They will be looking at creative ways for promoting the arts in Orange County. In answer to a question from Commissioner Brown, Jeff Cohen said that one of the grants they receive is the Grass Roots grant and the other money comes from Orange County. In choosing their recipients, the only criteria which is different is that in order to receive Grass Roots money, an organization must be a 501 (c} 3 agency. Chair Halkiotis encouraged the Arts Commission to work with Pam Jones an risk management issues associated with hanging artwork in the Southern Human Services Center. He also encouraged them to consider displaying artwork outside of buildings. Commissioner Brown suggested that next year the Arts Commission come back with a report on what other governments do in terms of art when public buildings are built. H. Discussion Of TOPICS Not Already Addressed Through Discussion Of Proposed Goals 1. Fairview Park Ballfield (see Appendix 7 in notebook) John Link said that the County and Hillsborough staff and officials have been working on this. The sail tests revealed that there was not any significant contamination in the area. The estimated cost of fixing the field is $30,000. The staff needs the Board's authorization in concept so they can proceed with bids. The funds will come from the County's CIP funds designated for Fairview Park. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brown to: • Endorse in concept the construction of an improved playing field at Fairview Park; and • Authorize staff to proceed with the "Field of Dreams" improvement project; and • Direct staff to use County and Town trucks to haul fill material from the Eubanks Road landfill to the extent feasible: and • Solicit bids on required contract work; and • Authorize the Manager to execute contracts with the responsive low bidders} for all components of the work, total not to exceed $30,000; and to initiate construction. VOTE: UNANMIOUS 2. Soccer Facilities -Delayed 3. Proposed Land Legacy Action Plan (see Appendix 6 in notebook} -Delayed 4. Transportation Services -Delayed 5. Spanish Language Signage (see Appendix 8 in notebook} -Delayed 6. CountylNCACC Legislative Goals -Delayed 7. Public Information Officer (Information will be available before retreat} This report was given above. 8. 2501h Anniversary of Orange County -Delayed 9. Types of Wastewater Septic Collection Systems (see Appendix 9 in notebook} 10. Regulations for Offsite Septic Easements Environmental Health Director Ron Holdway made this presentation. There are two different categories of permitting regarding wastewater systems -local Health Department permits and State permits. The only type of system that Orange County approves for new subdivisions is the conventional septic tank system. The three types of conventional systems that are used are shallow placement, ultra-shallow placement, and pumps. He described the types of non-conventional technologies. The Department of Environmental Health gets involved in subdivision approval at the preliminary plan stage. This is when individual lot evaluations are done. All of the lots must have enough area for athree-bedroom conventional system and repair area. In answer to a question from Commissioner Gordon about four bedroom homes, Ran Holdway said that they would permit it for that number of bedrooms. They da not approve any lots unless they have an area for three bedrooms and a repair system with use of conventional technologies. Several questions of the Commissioners were answered by Ron Holdway. Geoffrey Gledhill said that if someone has a minor subdivision and wanted to use the concept plan for the approval, then the ordinance requires them to go through the preliminary plan process to get concept plan approval. Mast minor subdivisions go right to the final approval process. Commissioner Brown asked if there has been some change at the state level and Ron Holdway said that the ultra-shallow system was approved in 1992 or 1993. Commissioner Brown asked if the capped system allowed mare septic sites in the County than the way it used to be done. Ron Holdway said that the depth of the usable soil is what determines which system should be used. Commissioner Brown asked about the ultra-shallow and if there are any problems with the soil being washed away and Ron Holdway said that the drainage was controlled with the cap. The system is crowned out 8 to 10 feet from any of the drain lines, which actually helps maintain the sail. Commissioner Brown asked Geoffrey Gledhill if the County had the power to limit easements for off-site systems. Geoffrey Gledhill said that the County's Zoning Ordinance restricts the use of off-site systems to certain watersheds for environmental health purposes. Commissioner Brown asked about systems going over creeks and Geoffrey Gledhill said that a pipe from the house to the detached drain field could cross a creek. Commissioner Brown expressed a concern that this Board is somehow responsible far systems that are affsite if something goes wrong. She feels that the County will be held responsible and that bothers her. Ron Holdway said that all easements were required to be recorded. Commissioner Brown would like the Board to move toward permitting offsite systems if it contributes to a better design of the property in terms of open space. Commissioner Jacobs asked if it was in the Board's purview to set the standards far offsite repair areas. For example, the County would agree to permit an affsite repair area if permitting it would improve the open space ratio. Geoffrey Gledhill will get back to the Commissioners on this issue. Chair Halkiotis said that there is a perception issue that we have moved away from low- pressure pipe (LPP} systems and are moving toward ultra-shallow systems. He said that the perception was that maybe we were facilitating the work of some of the people that wanted to put homes in areas that, perhaps beforehand, would not be permitted. Ron Holdway said that LPP systems are now very rare except on sloping lots. He said that it is because LPP systems require a private operator. 11. Bond Process -NONE 12. Indicator Program -NONE 13. Definition of Bona fide Farm -NONE 14. Erosion Control update -NONE 15. Appointments -Regular {from 1214100 BOCC Meeting} Alcoholic Beveraae Control Board A motion was made by Chair Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appoint Bill Thorpe for the term ending June 30, 2001. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to reappoint William Brashear and Howard Lansford, Sr. far the term ending June 30, 2003. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chapel Hill Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appoint Margaret Brown for the term ending to be determined. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chapel Hill Stormwater Utility Advisory Committee The Board decided to hold this appointment until the meeting on December 12, 2000. Hillsborough Planning Board The Board decided to hold this appointment until the meeting an December 12, 2000. Orange County Planning Board Commissioner Jacobs nominated John Mayfield for Little River Township. Commissioner Gordan nominated Theodore Triebel for Little River Township. Theodore Triebel was appointed for the term ending March 31, 2003. (Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioner Carey voted for Jahn Mayfield and Chair Halkiotis, Commissioner Gordon, and Commissioner Brown voted for Theodore Triebel}. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to appoint Hunter Schofield from Cedar Grove Township for the term ending March 31, 2001. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 16. Mobile Source Emission Reduction Grant Application Information Director of Central Stores and Purchasing Pam Jones made this presentation. The grant would provide $22,000 in funding toward the proposed compressed natural gas (cng) refueling station at the Public Works facility. Commissioner Brawn asked about the public education information portion and David Stancil said that something could be put an the car to indicate that the car was powered by compressed natural gas. Chair Halkiotis hopes that a Sheriffs car would be considered as an alternative fueled vehicle. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to proceed with the Mobile Source Emission Reduction Grant application as presented in the agenda abstract with an amendment that the refueling station will be open to the public. VOTE: UNANIMOUS I. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to adjourn this meeting to the work session on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 at 5:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Stephen H. Halkiotis, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, CMC