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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 06-25-2001APPROVED 1 211 1 12 0 01 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING June 25, 2001 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, June 25, 2001 at 6:04 p.m. in the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Stephen H. Halkiotis and Commissioners Margaret W. Brawn, Moses Carey, Jr., Alice M. Gordon 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. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA The Board added to the consent agenda under "Appointments", a reappointment of Dee Gamble to the Department of Social Services Board for another three-year term. Also, there is a new roster for the Commission far the Environment because a page was missing from the other raster. County Manager John Link made reference to additional information that relates to item 8-h, HUD Cooperative Agreement. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Halkiotis read the public charge. 2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters not an the Printed Agenda Peter Childers presented a letter to the Board of County Commissioners. He said that he was here in an attempt to get fair and equal treatment. He said that he has been dealing with this issue with Orange County staff for over a year now without satisfaction. In summary, he said that his property is located in Alamance County, but the property is taxed by Orange County. He has tried for over a year now to get the same treatment that is afforded other taxpayers in the same situation as their property. He gave evidence that his property is within Alamance County. He said that, to date, no one has sat dawn and explained to him why he is being taxed in Orange County and why other taxpayers can receive services and be taxed by Alamance County in the same situation. He is proposing that he meet with the County Commissioners and have an opportunity to present evidence that his property is located solely within Alamance County. He said that this has been a frustrating process and no one has given him an explanation. All he is asking for is fair and equal treatment. Chair Halkiotis recommended that the County Manager, County Attorney, and he sit down and look at this situation and allow the Manager to come back with a recommendation. Mr. Childers said that he wants to be sure that the County has all the information he has obtained over the last year. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered as the Board addressed the items on the agenda below.) 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Jacobs asked that during the summer a sign is placed at the new Bolin Creek Park that indicates that it is the "future home of Bolin Creek Park." Commissioner Jacobs asked that the Board talk about the Arts Commission request for additional hours for the Arts Director. He said that he has received about five emails from people who think that the decision that the Board of County Commissioners made the other night was to cut the Arts Director position from 40 hours to 30 hours. He did not think that this was the intention. Commissioner Carey said that he thought they left this position as is and did not increase the hours as requested. John Link said that the proposal in the budget was to make this a 40-hour position. He assured the Board that there is enough money to fund this position for 40 hours throughout the summer. Commissioner Jacobs congratulated Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore on his marriage this weekend. Commissioner Brawn expressed her delight and pleasure to serve on the Board of County Commissioners and the opportunity to serve the citizens of Orange County. She said that the County Commissioners would take a summer break until August 14t". Chair Halkiotis made reference to a letter sent from Senator Edwards regarding the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant and the request for Senator Edwards to intervene in the storage issues. He said that he is disappointed that Senator Edwards did not support a field hearing. He encourages the Senator to rethink the field hearing process because he feels that it is a very viable way to get at some of the information that we would like to see. He said that it was not that we distrust any elected official, it is just that we would like to have a fair and open hearing. Chair Halkiotis and Commissioner Brown will respond to Senator Edwards. Chair Halkiotis made reference to Highway 70A and Lawrence Road and said that there was a terrible accident there with four people being transferred to the hospital. He has asked the County Manager to schedule a meeting with DOT so the urgency of this issue can be addressed. Chair Halkiotis made reference to the emails suggesting that the County Commissioners have not spent enough money in the budget. He spoke about the tax increases from the municipalities, the County, and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district tax. He said that he was trying to be very sensitive to the issue of the total tax picture for all citizens of the County. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT -NONE 5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS a. Amendment to Orange County Educational Facilities Impact Fee Ordinance The Board considered a proposed amendment to the Orange County educational facilities impact fee ordinance. John Link said that the Board authorized a study by Tischler and Associates to determine the maximum supportable impact fees for housing units in both school districts. In a recent budget work session, the findings were discussed as well as various scenarios. He spoke about the staff's recommendation. He said that far the Orange County system, the recommendation was to pursue 56°l0 of the maximum supportable fees. Regarding the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, whatever amount that is determined should at least address the budgeted funding in the CIP. He said that the ordinance far impact fees calls for the Board of County Commissioners to arrive at a fee in a reasonable manner and pursue that fee from both school systems. Assistant County Manager Rad Visser said that the staff felt it was important that whatever level of impact fees the County Commissioners end up setting, it should be set to at least produce as much revenue as is currently budgeted in the CIP. He said that 50% of the maximum supportable impact fee would generate about $700,000 more than is currently programmed in the CIP for the Chapel Hill- Carrbora City Schools. Fifty-six percent would generate about $950,000 more. Commissioner Gordon said that she was surprised at this information from staff and thinks it is a mistake. In answer to her question, Rod Visser confirmed that the impact fee revenue amounts programmed in the CIP are different from the actual impact fee revenue since the programmed amounts are based on projections made in the past. Commissioner Gordon distributed an analysis of different impact fee scenarios that had been previously generated by the staff. These revenue figures showed actual revenue amounts to be obtained from impact fees (based on the Tischler report). Fifty percent of the maximum supportable impact fee for the Orange County Schools (OCS} would generate $585,000 in additional revenue. For the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools (CHCCS} fifty percent would generate $249,658 less than the current impact fee would generate. She said that one way to give each system an equitable amount of revenue is to provide each system with approximately the same amount of additional revenue. If the OCS is given a fee that is 56% of the maximum supportable fee and CHCCS is provided with 75% of the maximum supportable fee, each system would gain about $700,000 in actual additional funds. She said a calculation of the actual additional revenue is the amount that should be used, rather than the figure that happened to be programmed in the CIP since the latter amount was an old projection. Chair Halkiotis said that he would not support a percentage level that would produce a lower amount from impact fees than what is presently budgeted as revenues from the impact fees. John Link said that the impact fee ordinance indicates that the fee can be set at what the County Commissioners believe is reasonable. Being reasonable includes a fee that is defendable. He asked what is the reasonable amount. Staff has recommended starting with 56% of the maximum supportable fee. He said that, for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schaals, it could be brought up to 60°~ to ensure that there is no revenue lost as explained by Commissioner Gordon. Commissioner Carey calculated the amounts for 60% - $4,407 for single-family homes and $1,979 for all other housing. He does not want either school system to lose any money that they are currently projected to receive. He said that the bottom line is that the impact fee is not going to support the costs for new schools. It is the responsibility of the County Commissioners to provide capital needs far bath school systems. He said that he would support 56% for the Orange County school system and 60% for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City school system, but no higher. In answer to a question from Commissioner Jacobs, Planning Director Craig Benedict said that the maximum supportable fee in 1996 when the present fee was set was near $11,000 or 30°~ of the maximum allowable amount. For the Orange County Schools, the $750.00 fee was approximately 10% of the maximum allowable amount. Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to do the best we can for both school systems. He said that to the greatest extent possible he would like to bring the two school systems together, treating them as equally as we possibly can. He would start looking at haw we can da a better job in dealing with funding. He said that we need to start looking at this as one whole package. He would like to treat each system the same if possible. He supports 56% of the maximum supportable fee for both school systems. Commissioner Brown said that she would like to see the impact fees generate as much new revenue as possible for each school system. She said that impact fees do not generate the revenue that people might think. However, it is the only way we have for new development to make a contribution to the schools and to make new growth help to pay for itself. The affordable housing issue is more complex than the simplistic approach that somehow impact fees will have a detrimental impact on private developers building affordable housing in either school district. She has not seen any private development build any affordable housing in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district in many years. The non-profits have made an effort to do so in the Chapel Hill area. She thinks there is an impact on affordable housing in the Orange County School district. She supports moving the impact fees higher for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and approving the Orange County schools' recommendation. She asked Nick Didow to come up and speak specifically about what the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board has asked the Board of County Commissioners for in terms of the impact fee. Nick Didow, Chair of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board, said that the school board has requested that the impact fee be set at 100% of the maximum allowable amount as found in the Tischler analysis. This is $7,345 for single-family and $3,298 for all other residential units. Commissioner Jacobs asked how affordable housing was being handled by the Town of Chapel Hill. Commissioner Brown said that her understanding was that the developers actually subsidize the units for the maximum affordable price, which is $120,000. There is also funding-in-lieu that is being turned over to the housing corporation by developers. Commissioner Gordan said that historically in setting impact fees, we have asked the school boards for a recommendation and we have followed that recommendation. Secondly, she asked why we would not want to increase the revenue for CHCCS instead of keeping it the same. She supports the Orange County School Board recommendation of 56°~ and supports 75°l° at a minimum for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools so that they will have the same amount of increased revenue as the Orange County Schools. Commissioner Carey said that when he voted for the impact fee in the past, he was not voting on the level that was approved because the School Board asked far it. That was not the basis on which he made his decision. He serves the citizens in this County in a reasonable manner. He feels that the proposal he put on the table is a reasonable one. Chair Halkiotis said that he would support the 60°~ level far impact fees for the Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools system and 56% for the Orange County schools. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve 56% of the maximum supportable impact fee far the Orange County Schools, which was requested by the Orange County School Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve 60°l0 of the maximum supportable impact fee for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. This is $4,407 for single-family housing and $1,979 for all other housing. VOTE: 3 - 2 (Commissioner Brown would like far the impact fee to go to the maximum fee requested by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. Commissioner Gordan said we should support something close to what the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board requested and set the fee at $6,000 for single-family housing and $2,694 for all other housing {a reduction from the current $3,000 fee) because the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools desperately need the money due to the rapid influx of new students. These impact fees will be effective July 1, 2001 for building permits issued July 15t and later. 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS -NONE 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Public Hearing on the Issuance of Refundina Bonds and Adoption of Refundina Bond Orders The Board conducted a public hearing on the advisability of issuing refunding bonds and considered authorizing the issuance of refunding bonds. Finance Director Ken Chavious said that this public hearing was established by the Board at the June 12th work session when a bond order was introduced that would allow the County to pursue a refunding of same bonds that were sold in 1994 and approved by the voters in 1992. It is estimated that the County will save approximately $50,000 annually and over $700,000 aver the remaining life of the bonds. Bond Attorney Bob Jessup said that this public hearing was the next required step in the process set out in the statutes. If the bonds are approved, then they will be combined with the next installment of bonds from the 1997 referendum for a sale at the end of July with the closing set for the middle of August. There were no comments from the public. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brown to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adopt the bond order providing for the issuance of up to $24 million in refunding bonds, in accordance with the resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brown to adopt the resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference, directing the Clerk to publish the notice of the adoption of the bond order. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt the resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference, providing for a bond sale. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below: a. Appointments This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. b. Minutes The Board approved minutes for the Oct. 10, 2000 continued meeting. c. Budget Amendment #12 The Board approved budget ordinance amendments and capital and grant project ordinances far fiscal year 2000-01. d. Nutter Soccer Field at Mapleview Farm: Authorization to Proceed This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. e. Exemption of Survey Services for Land Lease The Board exempted surveying services in preparing a lease agreement with Bob and Chris Nutter from requirements of N.C. General Statute 143, Article D. f. Exemption of Survey Services for Land Acquisition The Board exempted surveying services in the acquisition of a conservation easement from Victor and Lucille Walters from the requirements of N.C. General Statute 143, Article D. ,g_ Organization Assessment -Proposed Phase 1 and Phase 2 Work by Institute of Government This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. h. HUD Cooperative Agreement FFY 2041 The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for services performed during FFY 2001. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA a. Appointments The Board considered appointments to the Adult Care Community Advisory Committee, Advisory Board on Aging, Agricultural Preservation Board, Economic Development Commission, Orange County Board of Adjustment, and Personnel Advisory Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the following appointments: Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee: Lucy Wilson for the term ending June 30, 2002. Advisory Board on Aging: Florence G. Soltys, Vicki Tilley, and Beth Barba -reappointment for the term ending June 30, 2004. Agricultural Preservation Board: Whit Morrow -reappointment for the term ending June 30, 2004. Economic Development Commission: Commissioner Jacobs said that it would appear that there is a vacancy that is indicated one place and not another. In one place it says that someone has resigned, yet the position is not shown as open. He asked for staff to check this so that we can advertise as appropriate for this position. Grange County Board of Adjustment: Howard McAdams, Jr. -reappointment for the term ending June 30, 2004. Personnel Advisory Board: Commissioner Jacobs said that this is a board of citizens that works with us on personnel issues. He does not take great satisfaction in the fact that they do no have any work to do. He thinks that things are not reaching them. He would like to understand more about what this board does and why it only has three members and why the director of the department makes the recommendations for board members. He would be content to do this in August. He trusts in the ability of the Personnel Director, but he would like more information. The staff will report back in August. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Nutter Soccer Field at Mapleview Farm: Authorization to Proceed The Board considered authorizing the development of a proposed soccer field at Mapleview Farm. Commissioner Brown said that she felt it appropriate to look at the cost of this soccer field. She thanked Mr. Nutter for giving this site at the rate of one dollar. Jahn Link said that staff will proceed immediately to do the site survey and have Soil and Water Conservation develop a plan far direct service water. The staff will come back in August to inform the Board specifically when the next steps will be taken. This work is being done with money that is in the CIP. Commissioner Brown asked about the cost estimates and Recreation and Parks Director Bob Jones said that the cost estimates came from the organizations that have been meeting to work on soccer fields throughout the County. Commissioner Brown said that the variation in the costs of building athletic fields is astonishing. She would like to be very efficient and careful in building athletic fields. Commissioner Brown asked for a list in August of the proposed soccer fields that are going to be built within the next two years in Orange County and the soccer fields that have been built in the last five years. Chair Halkiotis said that it would be good to include all County fields and who is playing on those fields. Commissioner Jacobs asked for information on looking at the possibility of having one of our turf growers from northern Orange County help us with this field. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to authorize the development of the proposed soccer field at Mapleview Farm. VOTE: UNANIMOUS g_ Organization Assessment -Proposed Phase 1 and Phase 2 Work by Institute of Government The Board considered approving a Phase 1 proposal for consulting services from the Institute of Government (IOG) to complete initial work an a planned organizational assessment (organizational study and communications review), and receive information on a possible Phase 2 information technology review by the IOG. Commissioner Gordon said that her understanding is that this study is an a government-wide level with a focus on communication. She asked if there was not also a survey of organizational studies completed by OWASA, City of Winston-Salem, etc. Personnel Director Elaine Holmes said Phase I does include two parts -communications review and the survey of other organizational studies. Commissioner Gordon asked Kevin Fitzgerald from the Center for Public Technology about also doing phase 2. Kevin Fitzgerald said that he wants to get into the interviews in the first phase and would be happy to do the second phase also. A proposal will be brought back at the August meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve Phase I for consulting services from the Institute of Government to complete initial work on a planned organizational assessment (organizational study and communications review}, and receive information on a passible Phase 2 information technology review by the IOG. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA a. Appointments The Board considered appointments to the Carrboro Board of Adjustment, Carrboro Planning Board, Commission for the Environment and Solid Waste Advisory Board. Carrboro Board of Adjustment: The Board decided to advertise for this position since there was only one application. Carrboro Planning Board: A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Brown to reappoint Susan H. M. Poulton for the term ending February 1, 2004. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commission for the Environment: A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Brown to appoint Chris Wachholz for position #1 for the term ending December 31, 2004; Johnny Randall for position #11 for the term ending December 31, 2002; Rebecca Vidra for position #13 for the term ending December 31, 2004; and Jean Wright for position #15 for the term ending December 31, 2003. Commissioner Jacobs would like some more time to look at the applications. He noted that there were no African American applicants. He would like to see the staff develop some creative advertisement to broaden the pool of applicants. Commissioner Gordon would like to at least appoint Chris Wachholz and Johnny Randall. Chair Halkiotis would like to have additional time also. Commissioner Brown withdrew her second and made a motion to appoint Chris Wachholz for position #1 for the term ending December 31, 2004 and Johnny Randall far position #11 far the term ending December 31, 2002. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Gordan. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Solid Waste Advisory Board: A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to appoint James Arndt for the term ending June 30, 2004. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to reappoint Albert F. Vickers and Brian Ketchem for the term ending June 30, 2004. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Adoption of FY 2001-2002 Budaet Ordinance. Grant and Capital Project Ordinances Classification and Pay Plan, and Personnel Ordinance Chanaes John Link explained what was in the agenda packet. He made reference to his pledge at the last meeting to cut $200,000 from the general fund and said that this was cited on page 15. Most of the reduction is derived from cutting travel budgets 50%. Commissioner Carey emphasized that we should consider doing what we can to provide the school nursing positions over the next few years. He asked the Board to take another look at this issue to see what additional funding could be provided to make the burden more equal between the two school systems. Commissioner Brown congratulated the County Manager on cutting this much money and said that this should be a challenge to the school boards to do the same. Chair Halkiotis said that he feels that the County Commissioners should send a letter to the two school boards (a copy to each member) and tell them that when the budget is put together the Board of County Commissioners has to think about all citizens. In this particular case, we can cite the tax issues in the municipalities. Also, the County Manager asked for 12 positions but was only funded far 7.5 positions. The letter could also say that the County Commissioners are putting some of the fund balance into the budget far this year and that we, under the leadership of the County Manager, are cutting back $200,000 in current appropriations and expenditures. This is an effort to keep the tax rate dawn with full knowledge that we are going back to the people with a bond referendum. He thinks that the Board should encourage bath boards of education to accept the free services of the Segal Group to do an assessment of how efficient the schools are running. He will work with John Link to put this letter together. Commissioner Carey expressed a concern about the amendment from Senator Helms and the impact on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. He has heard that there will be no impact, but he would like to see this in writing and the implications of the amendment. He would like to hear from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. Commissioner Jacobs pointed out that there were actually 12.5 positions requested because there were two that were in limbo. The way he looks at it, the Board funded eight out of the 12.5 possible positions, and of the eight we agreed to, one has already been totally paid for in the current budget, two will pay for themselves through fees, and one is half-funded by grant monies. He thinks the Board has been very frugal. Motion 1 -A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adopt the 2001-02 Orange County Budget Ordinance to include a Countywide tax rate of 80.5 cents and a Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools District Tax of 20.2 cents. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion 4 - A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt the 2001-02 Salary Schedule, including the 2.5 percent Cost-of-Living increase effective July 1, 2001. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion 5 - A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to adopt the Personnel Ordinance and Classification and Pay Plan Amendments related to the following: • To continue the in-range salary increases of one half step {approximately 2.5%} for employees with WPPR Review Dates of July 1, 2001 and after. • To increase the Supplemental Retirement Plan Contribution from $15 per pay period to $20 per pay period far each eligible employee {effective July 1, 2001}. • To increase the County's Living Wage for employees from $8.45 per hour to $9.11 per hour. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Matian 6 -A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to adopt the County Fee Schedule. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion 2 -Commissioner Gordon said that it was worth mentioning that the County was receiving grants equal to more than a penny on the tax rate. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve the 2001-02 Grant Projects as presented in the County Manager's Recommended Budget (with approval of the Ordinances on June 25, 2001). VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion 3 - A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the 2001-02 Capital Projects as presented in the County Manager's Recommended Budget {with approval of the Ordinances on June 25, 2001). VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Resolution Authorizing Sale of 1997 Bonds and Refunding Bonds The Board considered adopting a resolution formally authorizing the July sale of 1997 referendum bands and refunding bonds previously approved by the Board. This was adopted previously in item 7-a. A motion was made by Commissioner Brawn, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt the resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference, formally authorizing the sale of the 1997 bonds and the refunding bonds. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. RFP Award: Countywide Classification and Pay Study The Board considered awarding a request for proposals to Condrey and Associates for a countywide classification and pay study. Personnel Director Elaine Holmes said that four proposals were received. A committee made up of Purchasing Director Pam Jones, Personnel Analyst Elgin Lane, and Personnel Director Elaine Holmes reviewed the proposals and interviewed each consultant. The committee recommends that the RFP be awarded to Condrey and Associates. Dr. Steve Condrey, President of Condrey and Associates, will serve as project manager for the study and will be present throughout all phases of the study. Excellent references were received on Condrey and Associates' work. Regarding the pay equity study, three proposals were received. All of the consultants that submitted proposals emphasized their belief that the classification and pay study, if well executed, would address most if not all equity issues. Condrey and Associates offered, at no additional cost, for the base cost in the classification and pay study, to do a statistical analysis to evaluate the relative equity of the job evaluation structure that is recommended. The committee is recommending that the County approve the classification and pay study, take advantage of Dr. Condrey's offer for the statistical analysis, then identify the specific pay equity issues that remain and develop an RFP that would be tailored to the specific needs. Elaine Holmes satisfactorily answered several questions from the County Commissioners. Commissioner Jacobs would like to include OWASA, Carrboro, and Hillsborough in addition to Chapel Hill in the labor market survey. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to award the RFP for the classification and pay study to Condrey and Associates, authorize the Personnel Director to draft the contract far services, subject to the review of staff and the County Attorney, and authorize the Manager to execute the contract. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The other three consultants that submitted proposals were DMG Maximus (formerly David M. Griffith Associates}, Fox Lawson, and Springsted, Inc. (formerly Municipal Advisors, Inc.}. e. ivouce or inieni to rursue a ~sona rcererenaum on ivovemoer ~, ~uu~i The Board considered proceeding with legal requirements following the Local Government Commission guidelines necessary far the proposed November 6, 2001 bond referendum. John Link said that the County Commissioners would need to decide the upper limit for a proposed band referendum. Ken Chavious said that the process is to set maximum amounts for each of the four bond categories. Commissioner Gordon Hated that there is a green sheet that shows the recommendation from the Capital Needs Advisory Task Farce. She feels we need to discuss this report. Chair Halkiotis said that there has been much discussion of the Capital Needs Advisory Task Force recommendation. Senior Centers - A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brawn to include in the November 6, 2001 bond referendum the amount of $4 million far Senior Centers. Commissioner Jacobs asked why the Manager recommended only $4 million when the initial request was for $6 million. John Link said that if the senior centers cost more than $4,000,000 than the remainder of the money could come from Certificates of Participation. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Affordable Housing - A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to include funding in the November 6, 2001 bond referendum of $4 million for affordable housing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Parks and Open Space -Commissioner Brown suggested setting the amount rather than being specific about the projects. Commissioner Jacobs agreed. Discussion ensued with the County Commissioners and Bob Jessup about the configuration of bond funding for parks and open space. Commissioner Gordon suggested having one parks and open space bond that would encompass everything we can do. If we cannot get farmland preservation an the bond we need to plan to fund it in another way - CIP or certificates of participation (COP). Anything that cannot be funded could be put in the alternative financing column. Bob Jessup said that if financing by COPs was done for other projects, the County can add in other money for other programs. Also, money can be put in the CIP in the Lands Legacy Program. Commissioner Jacobs said that a key component of the Lands Legacy program is the acquisition of easements. It is a relatively inexpensive way for the County, often working with other funding sources, to do some of the protection that we believe is so important. His concern is that to leave something like that out of the bond package means that we are left with everything being outright purchase which seems to be the most expensive way to go and limits our options. He would be comfortable with proceeding but asking our staff to develop something parallel so that we can use some of our Lands Legacy monies budgeted for the coming fiscal year toward easements and develop a plan to gear up a more aggressive easement acquisition program to achieve some of the watershed protection and some of the farmland preservation goals. He said that one possibility would be to separate out an amount for easements. Bob Jessup recommended making it as broad as possible. Instead of separating an amount out for easements, state it as purchasing land for County purposes. Commissioner Jacobs would like to take time to work it out in the bond package between now and August if possible. He does not want to get people confused with a standalone bond. He would like to identify it as a separate subset now but give staff some time to work it out. Commissioner Brown said that the Lands Legacy Program was certainly not completely devoted to easements or watersheds. She verified that Commissioner Jacobs was suggesting a parallel funding mechanism far thane parts of the Lands Legacy Program that would not be applicable to a category within these bands. However, the Lands Legacy Program would be left under Parks and Open Space band. Environment and Resource Conservation Director David Stancil said that in the Capital Needs Advisory Task Force report it included $1.4 million for conservation easements and water supply watersheds. He said that this is the only one of those types of acquisitions and the rest of them have some component of open space and public use. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon to put the bond amount for Parks and Open Space as $20 million and to have a placeholder for farmland at $1.4 million. Commissioner Jacobs said that he supports the motion as $20 million if it included a subset not to exceed $5 million for purchase of interest in land far County purposes, with the understanding that we are not going above $20 million no matter what happens. Commissioner Gordon said that she does not want to ga above $2 million for the placeholder. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to have a $20 million Parks and Open Space band. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to reaffirm that the bond package will not exceed $75 million. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to designate an amount not to exceed $3 million far the purchase of interest in land for County purposes, and that amount will be included in the total $75 million package. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Public School Facilities - A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to reserve $47 million in the band package for public school facilities. Commissioner Gordon asked that a placeholder be set for $6 Million for a new high school for Chapel Hill-Carrbora City Schools. She distributed some information about the necessity for a new high school in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brown to adopt the resolution stating the intent to proceed with a referendum for Orange County general obligation bonds. VOTE: UNANIMOUS f. Resolution of Intent to Create a Bond Education Committee and Proposed Charge and Structure of the Committee The Board considered a resolution of intent to create a bond education committee to develop and disseminate information to voters on the proposed November 6, 2001 band referendum, and considered a proposed charge to and structure of the committee. Rod Visser explained the structure of the committee. Commissioner Jacobs suggested that we solicit the people who served on the Capital Needs Advisory Task Force. He asked if there was any money to do any polling to see what the voters' concerns are. John Link will include information on passible surveys in August. Commissioner Carey said that it would be helpful to know what the public is thinking about and what information they need to make an informed decision. Commissioner Brown said that there must be caution in the education committees that the members do not became advocates of the bond. The advocacy efforts should be done separately from the committee work. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordan, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt the resolution of intent to create a bond education committee to develop and disseminate information to voters on the proposed November 6, 2001 band referendum, and approved a charge to and structure of the committee. The Clerk to the Board will begin advertising far citizens interested in serving on the committee. Commissioner Brawn and Commissioner Gordon volunteered to work with the schools, specifically regarding elementary school #10 and the master plan far the school and parks site. VOTE: UNANIMOUS g_ Bid Award: Franklin Street Pocket Park The Board considered awarding a bid and approving a contract for construction of a pocket park at 503 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill. A motion was made by Cammissianer Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to authorize the staff to negotiate with the low bidder to bring the scope of work within the available funding; award a bid and approve a contract, contingent upon staff and Attorney review, in an amount not to exceed $123,000 for the construction of the pocket park and right-of-way work at the County's property at 501-503 West Franklin Street; and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 10. REPORTS (For informational purposes only) a. Northern Human Services Center Future Use Plan The Board received a report on an assessment and proposed future plans for the Northern Human Services Center. Management Analyst Sharron Hinton said that this is the only County-owned building in the Cedar Grove area and it serves a variety of needs to the citizens in the area. Two community surveys were conducted and both revealed that there was a high level of interest in the community for some job readiness, employment training, computer classes, English classes, Spanish classes, health screenings, and social services needs in this area. Durham Tech is extremely interested in establishing a presence at this facility. They are specifically interested in establishing a computer class, and possibly two classes. EI Centro Latino has also requested space at this facility. Space has also been identified for a potential library or "cybrary." The most pressing need at this facility is the replacement of the wastewater treatment system. It is presently operating in excess of 45°~ over capacity. The task force feels that this is a prime opportunity to look at various solar and other energy efficient methods. Commissioner Jacobs extended his appreciation to the two County Commissioners who served on this task force and the staff support. Commissioner Gordon thanked Chair Halkiotis and Commissioner Brown for their work on this task force. Chair Halkiotis said that this has been an effort on the part of a lot of people. He thanked Pam Jones, Paul Thames, David Stancil, Rich Shaw, Bob Jones, Ron Holdway, and the people from Environmental Health. This has been a total team effort. He said that the most exciting recommendation to come out of this was the development of the Northern Human Services Center Management Team to be sure that the operation is run smoothly. He will keep a fire burning during July with respect to getting people involved early. This was received as information. b. BOCC Meeting Follow-up Action Lists The Board received copies of follow-up action lists from regular Board meetings and non- budget work sessions from January 19, 1999 through June 19, 2001. 11. APPOINTMENTS -NONE 12. MINUTES -NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, Commissioner Carey 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 give instructions to the County Attorney concerning the handling of the judicial action under NCGS 143-318.11 {a){3}. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the County Commissioners to consider a motion was made by Barry Jacobs seconded by Commissioner Gordon to adjourn the meeting at 11:10 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. at F. Gordon Battle Courtroom in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Stephen H. Halkiotis, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, CMC