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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 08-14-2001APPROVED 1 211 1 12 0 01 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING August 14, 2001 The Orange County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. in the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom in Hillsborough, 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 deleted item 6-a, Resolution of Appreciation for Joan Terry Retired Orange County Clerk of Court, because Joan's mother passed away this weekend. This presentation will be rescheduled. The Board also deleted item 8-n, Local Travel Expense Reimbursement, because additional information will be forthcoming from the County Attorney. This will be placed on the August 21St agenda. Chair Halkiotis said that items 9-a and 9-bare being presented as decision items because public hearings have already been held on both items. There will be no additional public comment on these issues. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Halkiotis read the public charge. 2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda -NONE b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered when the Board addressed those items on the agenda below.) 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Carey said that he represented the Board of County Commissioners at the recent North Carolina Association of County Commissioners meeting in Fayetteville. He could not stay for the entire meeting, but was able to stay for the election of the District Nine Representatives -including Orange County, Durham County, Wake County, Johnston County, Lee County, and Chatham County - to elect him to represent the district for the next two years on the Board of Directors. Commissioner Carey said that the Orange-Chatham Justice Partnership Board is planning an orientation forum for members of the public as well as members of the elected boards of Orange and Chatham Counties on August 28th from 4-6 p.m. The County Commissioners should be receiving a sample program for this orientation. Commissioner Carey asked the staff about a letter from Judge Joe Buckner about human resource needs for the security of the courtrooms. John Link said that staff is setting up a meeting with the Sheriff to look at the implications. Commissioner Carey asked far a status report an the small business loan program.Cammissianer Jacobs made reference to a letter of August 2"d from Orange-Alamance Water System and asked far an analysis from staff on this information. Commissioner Jacobs announced that the HSAC is holding their forum on September 12t" and the topic is Poverty in Orange County. He encouraged the Commissioners to attend. Chair Halkiotis and Commissioner Jacobs had a meeting on July 6t" with Mike Mills, Division engineer with DOT, along with several of his subordinates, and talked about several issues including the traffic situation around Grady Brown Elementary School and the new high school, Lawrence Road and US 70A, Buckhorn Road, air quality concerns, Nick Waters' concerns about the break in the interstate barrier for emergency vehicles to turn around more quickly, walkways in subdivisions, children at play signs, etc. Commissioner Jacobs said that he traveled a lot this summer and he realized how fortunate he is to live in Orange County. This especially struck him when he was in Selma, Alabama where there are some major racial issues. Commissioner Gordon asked for an update on the progress of the group looking at the uses of the Greene Tract. John Link said that they were moving aggressively to get the group together. Chair Halkiatis said that he represented the Board two weeks ago at the memorial service far Kirsten Tredway, 35-year old wife of Communications Specialist Buck Tredway. He said that the family was extremely moved that employees of Orange County government took up half of the seating. He recognized Clerk to the Board Beverly Blythe, who, along with Evelyn Cecil, went to Buck's home to help at this time. Chair Halkiotis announced that A Southern Season would be moving their warehouse operation into the old Flynt Fabric building. He highlighted Commissioner Jacobs for suggesting a tour of this facility after it was vacated to look at the possibilities. He is trying to put together a celebration with the Town of Hillsborough and A Southern Season. Chair Halkiotis said that he would be calling a meeting with the Manager, the Sheriff, and the EMS Director to talk about personnel issues because we are losing EMS and law enforcement staff. There are challenges to meet in setting salaries for these departments because they are competitive. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link made reference to the Orange/Chatham Criminal Partnership forum and encouraged all of the County Commissioners to attend. He made reference to an article in the Chapel Hill Herald about a deficit in anger management courses or programs in this County. He said that this partnership should know about these deficits. Commissioner Carey said that the joint partnership program was receiving less money because there was a significant cut -approximately 30% -from the state to carry out the programs. 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS a. Tax Collector's Annual Settlement John Link said that the overall collection rate for the entire County is 98.5%. This includes collection of real property taxes, personal property taxes, and motor vehicle taxes. The actual collection of real property taxes is over 99%. Revenue Director Jo Roberson highlighted the activities in the Revenue office far the last year. She said that the credit card system that the Board approved last year handled approximately 1,018 transactions totaling $512,000. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the resolution as stated below: RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TAX COLLECTOR'S ANNUAL SETTLEMENT FOR THE CURRENT YEAR 2000 AND PRIOR YEARS BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Orange County that the following documents attached hereto are received and approved, consisting of the following: (1) Tax Collector's Report of 2000 Unpaid Taxes on Real Property (2) Tax Collector's Report of 2000 Unpaid Taxes on Personal Property (Insolvent List) (3) Tax Collector's Report of 2000 Unpaid Taxes on Motor Vehicles (4) Tax Collector's Report of Minimal Property Tax Bills (5) Report of Collections of Non-Tax Revenue and Miscellaneous Taxes (6) Settlement of 2000 Tax Accounts (7) Settlement of Prior Years (1990-1999) Tax Accounts ADOPTED this, the 14th day of August 2001. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Introduction of Bond Orders and Public Hearing Resolution John Link presented for Board confirmation the introduction of bond orders and public hearing resolution. He said that this resolution does not require the Board to make any decision tonight as to the final amount of any particular bond. Finance Director Ken Chavious said that the required steps include the introduction of the bond orders and adoption of the related resolution. Commissioner Gordan would like to discuss on August 21St the preliminary list of actual projects in the bond. Commissioner Brawn read the bond orders as follows: "I hereby introduce the fallowing band orders: 1} Bond order authorizing the issuance of general obligation school bonds in the maximum amount of $47,000,000; 2) Bond order authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds for parks, recreation, and open space in the maximum amount of $20,000,000; 3) Bond order authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds for senior centers in the maximum amount of $4,000,000; 4) Bond order authorizing the issuance of general obligation low and moderate income housing bonds in the maximum amount of $4,000,000; and 5) Bond order authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds for land acquisition in the maximum amount of $3,000,000. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adapt the resolution setting forth the public hearing date of August 27, 2001 and the filling of the Sworn Statement of Debt for the November 6, 2001 Bond Referendum, which is incorporated herein by reference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Resolution of Appreciation for Joan Terry, Retired Orange County Clerk of Courts This item was delayed because of the death of Joan Terry's mother this past weekend. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS -NONE 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below: a. Appointments The Board approved the following appointments to the Workforce Development Board: Reappoint Sandy Sanchez, Cleon Currie, and Keith A. Norwood for terms ending June 30, 2004 and appoint Nancy Colton for a term ending June 30, 2003. b. Chance in Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting Schedule The Board approved two changes in the County Commissioners' regular meeting calendar for year 2001. c. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Refunds The Board approved a refund resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference, related to five requests for property tax refunds amounting to $541.05. d. Supplemental Bond Resolution This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. e. Extension of time-Limited Senior Public Health Educator Position The Board extended the time-limited status far a Senior Public Health Educator position in the Health Department through June 30, 2002. The position presently is filled. f. Jail Inspection Report The Board received the jail inspection report for July 19, 2001 from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. g_ Amendment to Household Hazardous Waste Contract The Board approved the Amendment to the contract with Safety-Kleen (TS), Inc. and authorized the Chair to sign the attached Amendment subject to final review by Staff and the County Attorney. h. Contract with Triangle J Council of Governments far Household Hazardous Waste Support Services The Board approved the contract with Triangle J Council of Governments through June 30, 2002 for the provision of household hazardous waste support services and authorized the Chair to sign the contract subject to final review by Staff and the Caunty Attorney. i. Signature Authority for Hurricane Floyd Grant program Implementation The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a resolution authorizing staff to sign documents and financial instruments related to the grant agreement with the State of North Carolina for the potential acquisition or repair of Hurricane Floyd-damaged homes, and associated grant programs. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DESIGNATED AGENTS TO ACT ON BEHALF OF ORANGE COUNTY TO IMPLEMENT VARIOUS FEDERAL AND STATE HURRICANE RELIEF GRANT PROGRAMS WHEREAS, on January 18, 2001, the Orange County Board of Commissioners approved an application for federal and state Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds and authorized the County Manager to execute any other agreements or documents pursuant to the full implementation of the HMGP and related grant programs; and WHEREAS, certain residents of Orange County have since been determined to be eligible for additional federal and state grant funds that must be administered by the County as the "RecipientlSubgrantee"; and WHEREAS, it has become evident that the timely and efficient implementation of the HMGP and other Hurricane Floyd-related grant funding programs will be enhanced by the appointment of additional designated agents, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby appoint John Link, County Manager Roderick Visser, Assistant County Manager Kenneth Chavious, Finance Officer As its designated agents to carry out all necessary administrative and financial tasks as may be required by the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety andlor the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that eligible Orange County residents receive the grant funded benefits applied for by the County and approved by FEMA andlor the State; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the designated agents are hereby authorized from program inception to conclusion to take actions including, but not limited to: preparing, signing, andtor submitting applications for grant funding, activity reports, cost reports, requests for disbursement of funds, program agreements, other financial instruments, agreements with Board of Commissioner-approved subcontractors, and the like; and that this authorization applies to all Hurricane Floyd-related grant funding programs, including but not limited to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), State Acquisition and Relocation Funds (BARE), Crisis Housing Assistance Funds (CHAP), and the like. This, the 14th day of August 2001. L Continuation Agreement Between UNC Hospitals and Orange County for the Senior Wellness Program This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. k. Request for Change in Register of Deeds Hours of Operation This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. I. HOME Program -Community revitalization Loan Fund The Board approved the Development Agreement with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, NC, Inc. for HOME funding available under the Community Revitalization Loan Fund and authorized the Chair to execute the Development Agreement on behalf of the Orange County HOME Consortium. m. Community Development block Grant Award -Housing Rehabilitation program The Board approved: 1. Execution of the Grant Agreement; Funding Approval Farm; and Signatory Form and Certification Cards; 2. The adoption of the Grant Project Ordinance for this grant award; and 3. The approval of the Resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference, giving signatory authority to the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. n. Local Travel Expense Reimbursement This item was deleted. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA d. Supplemental Bond Resolution The Board considered a supplemental resolution related to the recent sale of refunding bonds authorized by the Board of Commissioners on June 25, 2001. Ken Chavious answered a clarifying question for Commissioner Carey. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the supplemental resolution related to the recent sale of refunding bonds authorized by the Board of Commissioners on June 25, 2001 as stated below: SUPPLEMENTAL BOND RESOLUTION WHEREAS: On June 25, 2001, the Board of Commissioners {the "Board") of Orange County, North Carolina (the "County"}, adopted a resolution providing for the sale of certain refunding bonds, among other matters {the "Bond Resolution"}. The Band Resolution provided that the refunding bonds would be subject to prepayment by the County prior to their maturity. After consultation with the staff of the North Carolina Local Government Commission and upon recommendation from the County's financial advisor, the Finance Officer determined it would enhance the savings to the County if the refunding bonds were not subject to prepayment. By this resolution, the Board ratifies this determination by the Finance Officer. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina, as follows: 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Bond Resolution, the Refunding Bonds (as defined in the Bond Resolution} will not be subject to redemption or prepayment prior to their date of maturity. The prior actions of the Finance Officer and any other County representatives consistent with this provision are ratified, approved, and confirmed. 2. Except as provided above, the Board confirms the provisions of the Bond Resolution. This, the 14th day of August 2001. VOTE: UNANIMOUS L Continuation Agreement Between UNC Hospitals and Orange County for the Senior Wellness Program The Board considered an agreement to receive $47,910 from the University of North Carolina (UNC} Hospitals for their co-sponsorship of the Department on Aging's Senior Wellness Program from July 30, 2001 through June 30, 2002. Commissioner Carey asked if this proposal included wellness activities in all of the sites in the County. Health Director Rosemary Summers said that this proposal does include wellness activities in all of the sites in the County. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the agreement renewal between UNC Hospitals and Orange County for the continuation of the Wellness Program and to authorize the Chair to sign the Agreement renewal. VOTE: UNANIMOUS k. Request for Change in Reaister of Deeds Hours of Operation The Board considered a request from the Register of Deeds to approve a change in hours of operation of the Orange County Register of Deeds office. Commissioner Jacobs expressed a concern about reducing the hours that the public is served. Register of Deeds Joyce Pearson explained that 4:00-5:00 p.m. was the heaviest time of recording. There is a problem in getting everything registered properly by 5:00 p.m. The time from 8:00- 8:30 a.m. would give staff time to prepare for the day. She said that the intent was not to cut services but to give citizens a more efficient service from the staff. Commissioner Jacobs asked Joyce Pearson to keep track of those citizens who come between 8:00-8:30 a.m. who would be turned down if this is approved. Joyce Pearson said that the slowest period was between 8:00-9:00 a.m. Commissioner Carey asked that Joyce Pearson give some lead time in making this policy effective. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the change in office hours requested by the Register of Deeds to 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the cutoff time far registering instruments at 4:30 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA a. Proposed: An Ordinance Prohibiting the Display of Wild and Exotic Animals Within the Unincorporated Areas of Orange County The Board considered adapting the proposed ordinance prohibiting the display of wild and exotic animals within the unincorporated areas of Orange County. This only applies to the unincorporated areas of Orange County. Commissioner Brown asked that these ordinances and amendments be sent to the municipalities within Orange County far their consideration of adoption. Rosemary Summers assured the Board that this would be done. Commissioner Brawn said that she is proud of the Health Board and staff for working out the ordinance. A motion was made by Cammissianer Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the Ordinance Prohibiting the Display of Wild and Exotic Animals Within Unincorporated Areas of Orange County, with the effective date as specified in the ordinance. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Proposed Amendment to An Ordinance Prohibitina the Keepina of Wild Animals Dangerous to Persons and Property Within Unincorporated Areas of Orange County The Board considered adopting the proposed amendments to the ordinance prohibiting the keeping of wild animals dangerous to persons and property within the unincorporated areas of Orange County. Rosemary Summers reminded the Board that this is an amendment to a 1983 ordinance that was passed. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Cammissianer Carey to approve the language in the proposed attached Ordinance Prohibiting the Keeping of Wild Animals Dangerous to Persons and Property Within Orange County as the amended ordinance, effective upon passage. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Halkiotis asked Rosemary Summers to provide information on the feeding of dead chickens to alligators that was mentioned at a previous meeting. c. Recommendations from Little River Park Advisory Committee interim Report The Board considered the interim report of an advisory committee charged with determining the appropriate uses for the Little River Regional Park and Natural Area. Land Conservation Manager Rich Shaw said that the advisory committee was formed last fall by the project partners to evaluate the 391-acre property. This is a partnership with Orange County, Durham County, Triangle Land Conservancy, and the Eno River Association. There are 136 acres of the land in Orange County and 255 acres in Durham County. The County received two state grants far purchase of the land- $377,000 from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and $250,000 from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. The Land and Water Conservation Fund has also given $262,000 in grant funding to the County for park development. The County has one year to use the money for development of the park. The recommendations of the committee include three categories -allowed uses, conditional uses, and prohibited uses. The timetable has construction beginning in the spring and completed by no later than August 2002. He summarized the three recommendations of the Manager. Commissioner Jacobs reminded the Board that it has been almost two years ago that a meeting took place in Caldwell regarding the use of this acreage for a C&D landfill, which shows that the County has moved swiftly. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the award that Orange County received as Co- Conservation Government of the Year in North Carolina along with Durham County. He said that the County Commissioners take their role as stewards of the land very seriously. He asked that when the two groups are formed for horseback riding and mountain biking that we make sure that we solicit Orange County residents to be part of any group making the conditional rules for uses of the park. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there are any concerns about the mussels in the streams. He asked if we are going to try to discourage people from being in the streams. Rich Shaw said that the committee discussed this with staff. The staff did not see any reason to restrict the fishing for now. The staff really does not have enough information to evaluate the impact of fishing. Commissioner Carey said that it should be made clear that motorbikes ar dirt bikes would not be allowed, but only non-motorized bicycles. Commissioner Brown made reference to the camping aspect and asked if there are people interested in camping and Rich Shaw said that they did not have a group approach them but because of the lack of camping available in Orange County and Durham County, they could allow camping by reservation only for larger groups. Commissioner Brown said that she feels we need people on the committee who are experienced with camping -both individual and group camping. She would not like to exclude a use based on nations that do not reflect reality. She would like to see individual camping allowed. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the conditional uses as listed in the agenda abstract. One of the conditions has to do with adequate funds being available. She asked how much additional funding would be required for the three conditional uses. Rich Shaw said that some funding would be needed for infrastructure, such as additional signage, additional space to unload the horses, etc. Oversight of this park would be needed regardless of the conditional uses. Some additional oversight would be required if these other uses were allowed. When it rains, there may be a need to close certain trails, etc. Commissioner Gordan said that it might be premature to consider the equestrian trails if there is only going to be 1-2 miles, which is not sufficient according to the report. Commissioner Carey said that he agrees with allowing individual camping but does not want to hold up the planning process because of this issue. Individual camping can be added at a later time. With reference to trails, he would like to see some of the money {$262,000) used for this purpose, even if it is only for a short distance at this time. Commissioner Jacobs said that he agrees with allowing individual camping. Regarding the equestrian possibilities, there is a good probability for an agreement with neighbors that are used to using this site and who might allow others to use their property far horseback riding. He said that there were citizens that were willing to provide same sweat equity to help make some of this happen that will reduce some of the costs. He said that by December, after the next committee meeting, staff would have a better idea on the issues with supervision, camping, and equestrian. Commissioner Gordon accepted Commissioner Jacobs' suggestion to flag this and have the staff come back with more information on the equestrian possibilities. Commissioner Gordon would also like more information on the pros and cons of fishing. Chair Halkiotis said that any reckless person, with or without a fishing pole, could cause a significant amount of damage to marine life in this area. He said that signage, park management, and stewardship should be put in place. He said that the issues of who is going to provide the funds and staffing {Durham or Orange County} should be addressed. John Link said that dialogue has taken place with ERCD and Recreation and Parks and the staff will come back to the Board of County Commissioners with projections on how to address this park and other facilities in regards to operations and maintenance. Commissioner Brown made reference to the recommendation and said that she does not want to use this funding without some guarantee that this is serving the public interest and that the funds are being used appropriately. She wants to make sure that this report is not considered final. Jahn Link said that the staff would come back to the Board in September with a proposed solicitation for bids. Commissioner Brown said that educational signage is very important. She feels that providing trails for horseback riding for such a small group may not be the best use of this money. She feels that horseback trail riding is a separate issue and should be paid for by the small segment of people that actually use it. No action was taken on this item. It will be brought back on September 4th for further discussion and decision. d. Lease Approval for Central Orange Senior Center Location The Board considered approving a lease with Horton Enterprises LLC fora 4,000 square foot suite within the Meadowlands complex {515 Meadowlands Drive} on Highway 70A, Hillsborough, in which to establish the Central Orange Senior Center. Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore presented this item. He recognized the Friends of the Senior Center for Central Orange, which has been raising support funds and looking for additional rental space. Pete Langdon spoke on behalf of the Friends organization. He thanked the County Commissioners for addressing the needs of the seniors in Orange County. He asked that, at another time, the County Commissioners consider senior housing. He invited the County Commissioners to attend Western Night at the senior center. Director of Purchasing and Central Services Pam Jones gave the financial information on the five-year lease. She said that 3,000 square feet of the space would be for active senior center activities and 1,000 square feet would be for the adult day care. There was a negotiation with Hartan Enterprises for $11.85 per square foot by taking afive-year term. In addition, Carol Woods has offered $12,500 per year as an offset for the rent cost, making the cost for the County $7.83 per square foot for the rent. The Friends will likely be paying for the utilities. The County will be assuming normal maintenance costs. Commissioner Gordon said that she is appreciative of what the Friends organization is going to pay and far the $12,500 that Carol Woods is going to contributing each year toward the lease. Commissioner Jacobs said that he admires and appreciates Carol Woods for their generosity and community spirit. Commissioner Jacobs asked about OPT and if there would be routes serving this facility. Jerry Passmore said that OPT would be serving this facility. He said that it would also be an the TTA route. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the rates at the SportsPlex and a differential rate for the seniors. Jerry Passmore said that there is a meeting on the 21St with the Executive Director of the Sportsplex to talk about this and other issues regarding the use of the Sportsplex. Chair Halkiotis would like to consider some special recognition for Carol Woods and their involvement. Chair Halkiotis asked about the janitorial services and the financial impact. Pam Jones said that there would be a contract or a volunteer system. Chair Halkiotis asked for a diagram showing current janitorial services and what is being provided at each facility. Commissioner Brawn expressed a concern about the program at the Whiffed Center. She asked if there is a plan to bring those folks to the new facility. Jerry Passmore said that the Whitted Center is the best place for arts and crafts and the seniors will be encouraged to go there for these activities. The luncheon program will be at the new space once or twice a week. There will also be other activities at the new space. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve in substance a lease with Horton Enterprises LLC fora 4,000 square foot suite at the Meadowlands for the establishment of the Central Orange Senior Center per the terms and conditions and included in the attached lease, contingent upon final review by the County Attorney and Staff and authorized the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. outstanding budget and Capital PlanninglFunding Issues Discussion The board considered outstanding budgetary and capital planning and funding issues for the County and both school systems and appropriate work session dates to discuss and finalize the issues. John Link discussed his memorandum, which is incorporated herein for reference. He said that the category 1 issues relate to the November 2001 bond referendum. The other issues can wait until after the decisions are made on the band. Final decisions need to be made on the projects and final amounts far schools, parks and open space, and land acquisition. These decisions need to be made by September 4th. He made reference to #3 on page three -new construction of schools and renovation of older facilities -and said that these issues need to be discussed. He pointed out 9-a, "Determination of best methodologies to project future student membership," and said that this was very important to address. He made reference to #8, which is the potential for sharing school facilities and sharing between the two districts. Commissioner Gordon made reference to #1 on the 2001 bond referendum -schoals and John Link clarified that the original recommendation from the Capital Needs Advisory Task Force was over $70 million for schools and his recommendation was $52 million. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to item 4-b, "Additional options for pay-as-you-go revenues," and asked for an explanation of the vacuum cleaner approach. John Link said that the idea was that any of the residual capital projects that have waned in importance or have no further need for any additional funding, the funding would be swept back into the capital fund "pot." Commissioner Gordon said that in the agenda packet, the County Commissioners received projections for both school systems. She said that the County Commissioners need to use the five projections -the Tischler method, the Orange County Planning Department method, and the three Cohort Survival methods (three, five, and ten-year historical growth}. She said that the question was what schools should be put on the bond issue that need to be built right now and what schools are needed but do not need to be built right now. Commissioner Gordon made reference to sharing facilities and said that the County Commissioners have gone on record saying that they support sharing facilities. She said that this would mean sharing facilities both within school systems and between school systems. If sharing of facilities took place, it could affect the timing of construction of new facilities. Commissioner Gordon stated there was a need far four new schools in the next four to five years in the two school systems: two elementary schoals in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS), one middle school in the Orange County Schools (OCS), and one high school in the CHCCS. Commissioner Gordon said that she feels it is reasonable to support elementary school #9 and #10. In 2003 the high schools in the CHCCS will be over-capacity. She would like to buy a high school site and da some planning and other pre-construction activities. Regarding the middle school in the OCS, she does think it is necessary to buy a site and do planning and other pre-construction activities. However, if there were sharing of facilities within the OCS, it would not be necessary to put a middle school on the bond now because there are currently several hundred extra student seats in the OCS that could be used temporarily for middle school space. After the opening of Cedar Ridge High School, there will be well over 1,000 extra spaces in the OCS. For the bond she suggested including the two elementary schools with a commitment to Orange County Schools for the middle school and a commitment to Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools for a high school. She feels that renovations are necessary in bath systems and funds should be included in the bond for renovations. Commissioner Brown made reference to the school projections and said that in June the County Commissioners left at least recognizing that sharing space was something that needed to be discussed fairly soon. She asked for some clarity on how the discussion was left on the sharing of facilities. She is open to any considerations on sharing facilities countywide. Commissioner Carey said that he recalls the County Commissioners asking both school systems to begin a dialogue on sharing facilities. He said that we need to plan how we are going to utilize the funds not raised in a bond referendum. Not everything can be placed on the bond referendum. He feels we need to decide which student projection method the County Commissioners are going to use for future planning purposes. He cautioned people to not think that their project is not going to be supported simply because it is not an the bond. Commissioner Jacobs distributed an article about Union County opening a new elementary school. Two more elementary schools are going to be opened in 2002-2003, with three more expected between 2003-2005. He also gave other examples of counties opening new schools. He said that Orange County has done a good job in anticipating the needs and trying to meet them in a proactive way. He pointed out that the projections and the charts were not given to the Capital Needs Advisory Task Farce until the County Commissioners received them and that therefore no information was held back from the task force. The Board will continue this discussion on August 21St at its next meeting. 10. REPORTS -NONE 11. APPOINTMENTS -NONE 12. MINUTES -NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to go into closed session pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 {a)(3) "to consult with an attorney retained by the Board in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the Board," in the case of Williams vs. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina vs. Orange County. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to discuss, a motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Barry Jacobs to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The next meeting an the County Commissioners' meeting calendar will be held on August 21, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Stephen H. Halkiotis, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, CMC