HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 09-04-2001APPROVED 1 11 612 0 0 2
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
September 4, 2001
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 4,
2001 at 7:30 p.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. Gordan 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
Item 8-f was deleted. The agenda was revised to add some items that the County Commissioners
carried over from their August 30t" meeting. These would be items 9d, 9e, 9f, and 10a.
PUBLIC CHARGE
Chair Halkiotis dispensed with the reading of 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 as the Board addressed
the items on the agenda below.)
3. BOARD COMMENTS
Commissioner Jacobs asked if we are going to add to the agenda appointments to the Bond
Education Committee for item 9-e. Chair Halkiotis said yes.
Commissioner Jacobs said that on August 15t" there was an unveiling of the voluntary agricultural
district wall of fame in the Planning and Inspections building. There are photographs on the wall of six
farm properties -The Walters, the Nutters, the Barbers, two different Strayhorn properties, and the
Totes.
Commissioner Jacobs reported that the EDD workgroup transportation committee met for six hours
one Saturday several weeks ago and went through many road configurations and various transportation
options in and around Hillsborough. We will be getting a report with recommendations. They did
recommend a version with the Elizabeth Brady Road extension and an eastern bypass for Hillsborough.
There will be a meeting on Thursday evening September 6t" at 7:00 p.m.
Commissioner Jacobs pointed out that Orange County's tax rate ranks 21St in the state.
Commissioner Carey made reference to the utility costs for low-income consumers. He said that
there are groups in the County working on this problem in a proactive way and he would like a report.
Commissioner Gordon made reference to the student membership figures for the two school
systems and asked for the mast recent figures. At the Board of County Commissioners' work session,
the County Commissioners received information on the cost of new high school construction. She said
that the sheet she is distributing shows the total cost of East Chapel Hill High School phase I, at $22.7
million and the cost per student seat of $22,263. The figure for Cedar Ridge High School is $27.9 million
and the cost per student seat $27,929. The total cost for East Chapel Hill High School was $36.7 million
and the cost per student seat was $24,263.
In answer to a question from Commissioner Gordon on the Elizabeth Brady Extension,
Commissioner Jacobs said that the group felt that the preferred option was not to cross the Eno River.
They felt they needed to look further east for the bypass. One of the conclusions that the group came to
was that DOT needed to broaden its thinking. The group added to the DOT maps the 50-year water and
sewer boundary for the service area that Hillsborough has adopted.
Chair Halkiotis commended Chapel Hill Town Council member Bill Strom for proposing that the
Town of Chapel Hill request from the University 50 acres for a public works facility. He would like to
encourage the County Commissioners to send a letter signed by all of them commending them for this
action. He would like to also ask that the University provide enough land far an animal shelter operation.
Commissioner Gordon feels it is a good idea and that the County should pursue getting a footprint and
the other County Commissioners agreed.
Chair Halkiotis said that there are junk cars at the old gas station on NC86 west of the truck stop.
This also happened about seven or eight years ago. Geoffrey Gledhill said that the County's zoning
officer is on top of this and has written a letter to the owner.
Chair Halkiotis announced that on October 2"d the Faith Tabernacle Oasis of Love International
Ministries is having a 2"d annual conference at the Rogers Road facility. They are requesting a County
Commissioner to come and bring same welcoming remarks. He will not be here.
Chair Halkiotis said that he received a letter from District Engineer Mike Mills about a public hearing
on a high-speed rail service between Washington D.C. and Charlotte, N. C. at 7:00 p.m. at the Durham
Arts Council on September 18t" in Durham.
Chair Halkiotis announced that there would be an official opening of the Field of Dreams youth
baseball field at Fairview Park on September 11t" at 5:30 p.m.
4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
John Link said that about one month ago, the County Commissioners raised some questions about
comparing the tax rate for this year with the tax rate last year for the County and all of the other
municipalities in Orange County. He made a Powerpoint presentation, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS -NONE
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
a. Resolution of Appreciation for Joan Terry, Retired Orange County Clerk of Court
The Board considered presenting a resolution of appreciation to Joan Terry for her 30 years
of service to the citizens of Orange County.
Chair Halkiotis said that he worked very closely with Joan Terry when the State decided to
turn seized automobiles over to the school system. She has done a wonderful job in the Clerk of Courts
Office and as Clerk of Court he thanked her for all she did far the citizens of Orange County over the
past 30 years. He wished her the best of health and the best for her family.
Commissioner Brown said that she will miss her so much for everything she did for everyone
and the standards she set for herself.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he has been impressed with Joan's ability to always be
positive, accommodating, and cooperative with everyone in government and the citizens.
Commissioner Carey said that he has enjoyed working with Joan over the past years and
wishes her a long and happy retirement.
Commissioner Gordon thanked Joan Terry for being a wonderful public servant. She has set
examples for everyone to follow. She hopes that she will take time for herself.
Chair Halkiotis read the resolution as stated below.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordan, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve
the resolution of appreciation as stated below:
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO JOAN TERRY
WHEREAS, the Orange County Commissioners note with regret the retirement of the Honorable Joan
Terry, Clerk of Superior Court for Orange County; and
WHEREAS, this Board and its individual members past and present have long enjoyed and benefited
from a superb working relationship with Joan Terry; and
WHEREAS, throughout her three decades of service as Deputy, Assistant, and Clerk of Superior Court
Joan Terry has shown remarkable intelligence, patience, kindness, and good humor; and
WHEREAS, no question or problem posed to Joan Terry was ever too small or too large for her to
address; and
WHEREAS, Joan Terry was almost always the first to arrive and the last to leave the courthouse; and
WHEREAS, Joan Terry provided leadership by her work ethic, limitless energy and unflagging spirit; and
WHEREAS, Joan Terry was the epitome of the team player, eager to work for change that improved
service for the public while wisely, carefully and diligently managing the public's resources; and
WHEREAS, Joan Terry's memory and attention to detail are unrivaled; and
WHEREAS, Joan Terry provided practical and important instruction to generations of attorneys who
practiced in the Orange County Courthouse, helping many avoid mistakes and improving their skills in all
aspects of the legal profession; and
WHEREAS, Joan Terry has dedicated her professional life to help Orange County citizens and other
needing help in the Courts and Courthouses of Orange County,
The Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby Resolves:
That this Board and its individual Commissioners are deeply grateful to the Honorable Joan Terry for her
30 years of dedication to making the Courts and Courthouses of Orange County accessible, efficient,
helpful, compassionate, and fair to all; and
That this Board appreciates all the personal professionalism that the Honorable Joan Terry brought to
the Office of Clerk of Superior Court for Orange County; and
That the Honorable Joan Terry is a true Orange County treasure.
Let this Resolution be inscribed in the minutes of this meeting and presented to the Honorable Joan
Terry, retired Clerk of Superior Court.
Unanimously and enthusiastically adopted this 4t" day of September 2001.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS -NONE
John Link said that it had come to his attention that Jim Ritchie, Director of TTA, had come tonight
to speak to matters not on the printed agenda. He was delayed by traffic and just arrived.
Jim Ritchie, Director of the TTA, talked about the Hillsborough to Duke service, which has four trips
in the morning and four trips in the afternoon. It is intended to be a commuter route. There is a park and
ride location at the Triangle Sportsplex. So far there are only six riders per day. They would like the
County Commissioners to spread the ward. The fares are $1.00 to Durham, $1.50 to RTP and the
airport, and $2.00 to Raleigh.
8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve those
items on the Consent Agenda as stated below:
a. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Refunds
The Board approved two requests for motor vehicle property tax refunds as per the resolution
of approval incorporated herein.
b. Property Tax Refunds
The Board approved two requests for property tax refunds as per the resolution of approval
incorporated herein.
c. Property Value Changes
The Board approved value changes made after the 2001 Board of Equalization and Review
had adjourned as per the resolution of approval incorporated herein.
d. Organization Assessment -Proposed Phase 2 Information Technology Review by
Institute of Government
The Board approved a proposal for consulting services from the Institute of Government to
complete an information technology review as part of the County's organizational assessment.
e. Agreement Renewal between Health Department, the UNC School of Dentistry and UNC
Hospitals
The Board renewed an agreement between the Health Department and the UNC School of
Dentistry and UNC Hospitals for dental resident services.
f. Contract Renewal with Total Billing, Inc. for Animal Tax Mailing
This item was deleted.
VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS
9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA
a. Award of Bid, Contract Approval for Whitted HVAC Consulting Engineer
The Board considered awarding a contract to Reece, Noland, McElrath of Waynesville, N. C.
to design and provide construction oversight to HVAC renovations at the Whitted Human Services
Building.
Director of Central Stores and Purchasing Pam Jones summarized the information in the
agenda abstract. The proposed fee is $175,040, which is in line with other consultant fees. It will be
funded through the 2I3 net debt reduction bonds approved last year.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the attached memo from Public Works Director
Wilbert McAdoo and asked about item #6 and the status of the maple trees in front of the Whitted
Building. He said that he had asked staff for a report back and he still has not heard anything. He would
like to have this information.
Chair Halkiotis asked what would happen to the materials from the old Orange Industries
building. Pam Jones said that the materials are being used in other building projects that the County is
doing.
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to award
the proposal and approve a contract, contingent upon Attorney and staff review, with Reece, Noland,
McElrath, consulting engineers from Waynesville, N. C., to design and provide construction oversight to
the Whitted Human Services Building heating-air-conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) renovations for an
amount not to exceed $175,040, plus plan printingldistribution costs; and authorized the Chair to sign an
behalf of the Board.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Hillsborough Judicial Facilities Expansion Planning Process
The Board considered approving a planning process to be used in the designlcanstruction of
the justice facilities expansion project.
John Link said that he is asking County Commissioners to approve the next phase of the
justice facility expansion. A jail expansion and a new courtroom were added in 1998. However, there
are additional needs for justice facilities.
Pam Jones said that a task force was appointed in 1994 to develop a needs assessment for
the court needs. As an interim measure beds were added to the jail to bring the capacity up to 128. In
July 2001 the average daily population was 125. The Federal Marshal's Office stills uses our jails for
federal prisoners. A year ago, a master plan was developed by architects to determine haw much could
be built on the judicial facilities site. They laid out two options far that site. Each project would be built in
four phases and each would have specific parking options. One of the options is to have asix-level
parking deck, which would be in the location of the Sheriff's office. The other option had the parking
incorporated in the building and would be built in phase two. The scope of the master plan is Stillhouse
Creek to Margaret Lane to Churton Street to the edge of the courthouse parking lot. Along-term study of
County space needs was conducted recently through the Space Needs task force. One of the
recommendations is to add to the Government Services Center an Cameron Street. It seems prudent at
this point to look at the entire site as a whole. The staff has requested that the Board of County
Commissioners approve an expansion of the master plan. She would propose to ask Freeman White to
update the previous master plan, then move forward with the planning process.
Pam Jones then spoke to the planning process. Knowing that there will be an impact on
downtown Hillsborough, the process has three components. The first is the selection of the architect and
designer of the building and River Park. The second is a programming group that would look at the
exterior of the building to make sure that it does not overpower the downtown Hillsborough area. The
third is a programming group that would focus on the interior of the building. These are limited to judicial
officials, County staff, and County Commissioners that would be operating within the building. Other
users could also give input.
Commissioner Carey asked about the Sheriff's office and Pam Janes said that it could be torn
down to make room for needed parking. There are other options, but this is the best plan.
Commissioner Brown confirmed that the first phase would be a building adjacent to the
present courthouse.
Commissioner Jacobs asked to have visuals far the citizens present when information is
presented.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the Sheriff's building and said that the building
should be left intact if possible. He said that it was nice to have to presupposition that we will use what
we have. He suggested inviting Freeman White to the work session on space studies.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to endorse
the assumptions as listed on page three adding Commissioner Jacobs' words about being prudent far
the Sheriff's office and respecting the space needs study recommendation as stated by Pam Jones as
follows: "The expanded master plan would consider and leave intact the recommendation for potential
expansion of the Government Services Center and Government Services Center Annex as proposed by
the Space Needs Task Farce in March 2001."
Commissioner Jacobs mentioned that he and Chair Halkiatis met with some people from
Hillsborough and one of their concerns was that they be able to see the River Park from Margaret Lane.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Adoption of Band Qrders, Ballot Question and Referendum Date
Jahn Link said that the staff was asking that the Board consider adopting the bond orders,
formally set the ballot question language and referendum date, which is November 6, 2001.
Finance Director Ken Chavious explained the process after the adoption of the bond orders.
The questions on pages eight and nine are those that will appear on the ballot.
Commissioner Gordon said that she felt there were a couple of items left undone from the
August 30t" meeting. She needs some clarification an the action taken August 30t". She drafted a
"Resolution of I ntent to Provide Funding for Facility Planning for A New High School." She moved
approval of the motion as follows:
RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR
FACILITY PLANNING FOR A NEW HIGH SCHOOL
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners on August 30, 2001 passed a "Resolution of
Intent to Provide Funding for Facility Planning for Projected High School Capacity;" and
WHEREAS, the exact nature of that intent concerning planning for high school capacity is not completely
defined;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Orange County, North
Carolina that:
1. The Board hereby makes a commitment to fund a third high school in the Chapel Hill-
Carrboro City School district in a timely manner, as determined by the Board of
Commissioners in cooperation with the Board of Education of that school district.
2. The Board hereby declares that the $2,000,000 in alternative financing specified in the
"Resolution of Intent to Provide Funding for Facility Planning for Projected High School
Capacity" can be used for funding planning and other initial costs needed in preparation
for building a new high school in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School district.
This, the 4t" day of September 2001
Commissioner Carey said that the intent was clear on August 30t". Chair Halkiotis and
Commissioner Jacobs agreed.
Commissioner Gordon said that the other resolution does not say that the new high school
will be in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School district. It also does not say that the $2 million could be
used for the new high school. She said that the resolution on August 30t" would stay intact, but this
resolution would clarify that resolution.
Chair Halkiotis said that the resolution was clear but the newspaper reporting was fuzzy at
best because the reporter was not present at the meeting.
Commissioner Gordon said that as she read the resolution she felt it was not clear. She does
not feel the resolution is clear and she asked the Board of County Commissioners to clarify the resolution
by approving the resolution she presented.
MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND
Commissioner Carey said that he thought the resolution was clear on August 30t". He said
that the money is for planning and development of another high school in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
School district. Adoption of another resolution would be redundant.
Commissioner Gordon asked about renovations in the schools. She has heard that people in
the Orange County schools think that the Board does not support their renovations at Hillsborough
Elementary School. She said that the Board approved $900,000 for any renovations, with an emphasis
on health and safety in the Orange County School system. She moved that the Board of County
Commissioners try to find alternative financing sources to fund the renovations as recommended by the
Capital Needs Advisory Task Force (CNATF) ,but not included by the Commissioners, on the bond
referendum. This would include Hillsborough Elementary School renovations and renovations at Orange
High School but would not include the central office expansion for the Orange County schools. It would
also include the balance of the renovations recommended by the CNATF for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro
system. That means the County would try to find about $4 million in alternative financing for the much
needed renovations to these older schools. She would like to have this companion motion ga forward
with the bond referendum to let the citizens know that the Board is giving high priority to renovations
when discussing alternative financing.
Chair Halkiotis said that this issue would be addressed in item 9f.
A motion was made by Commissioner Brawn, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adopt
the Bond Orders, which are incorporated herein by reference thereby establishing the final amount for
the referendum, and to adopt the resolution formally setting the bond questions and the referendum date.
The amounts are $47,000,000 for schools; $20,000,000 for parks, recreation, and open space;
$4,000,000 for senior centers, and $4,000,000 for affordable housing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Commissioner Gordon distributed a handout with some of her reflections on the school bond
referendum.
Commissioner Jacobs pointed out that 62.7°I° of the bond money was devoted to school
capital projects - $19.4 million to the Orange County system and $27.6 million to Chapel Hill-Carrboro
City system. He thinks that people should be assured that the commitment of the Orange County Board
of Commissioners to public education remains unmatched and constant.
d. Proposed Policy Statement -Use of County Band Funds for Town parks and Open
Space Protects
Environment and Resource Conservation Director David Stancil said that this policy
statement notes the tremendous amount of work over the last four years to move toward collaborative
planning. He pointed out the policy objectives for County funding for Town parks and open space
projects in the future.
Commissioner Jacobs feels that this is a great improvement in clarifying the County's role in
the formulation of park projects and collaboration with other jurisdictions. He asked if all projects would
be referred to the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group and David Stancil said that only joint projects
would be referred to the work group. He made several other corrections, which were so noted by David
Stancil.
Commissioner Jacobs asked about the Construction Management Consultant and David
Stancil said that his understanding was that it was an attempt to cut costs.
Commissioner Brown said that the purpose of including a Construction Management
Consultant was to have a person understand the cost differential between the different parts of the
County.
Chair Halkiotis feels that there should be some kind of oversight opportunity. He said that we
might be able to achieve some economies of construction by bundling up several projects at one time.
Jahn Link suggested that the statement of intent include a provision for a Construction
Management Consultant as secured by the County to oversee the bidding process.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to item #6 and said that the provision that guarantees
that the facility be opened to all Orange County residents is an attempt to essentially limit private groups
from monopolizing a public facility. He said that he has some concerns with the wording. He asked if
the organizations were for-profit private organizations or non-profit organizations. He would make a
distinction and say that it would not be leased out for exclusive operation by anybody, but there is a
differentiation between private organizations and non-profit organizations. He asked for clarity on this.
Commissioner Carey agrees on the concept of access to public facilities and the ward
"monopolize" which means you exclude certain public the opportunity to use the facility.
Commissioner Jacobs suggested the following language: "The facility or any part thereof will
not be leased out for exclusive operation by any organization and the use of facilities will remain open for
citizens and non-profit organizations and will not be monopolized by private use or association."
Commissioner Jacobs will work with Commissioner Brown in revising the resolution
incorporating all the comments and suggestions stated above.
Commissioner Gordan made reference to item #1 and suggested a revision as noted by
David Stancil. She is wandering if the County Commissioners should adopt something so specific
without asking for comments from the municipalities. She suggested being courteous to the towns and
sending the resolution to the towns for comments.
Commissioner Jacobs said that the statement about utilizing County funds should be the
policy for all projects. He will work with Commissioner Brown to try and take the comments and rework
the policy and circulate to the County Commissioners and then circulate it to the municipalities.
Commissioner Carey agrees that this policy should apply to all County projects supported by
County funds. He expressed a concern of the Board of County Commissioners adding comments to
something before it is sent to the group. It should be sent without comments so that it is not biased.
Commissioner Brown agreed with the addition as suggested by Commissioner Gordon. She
feels that the language as suggested by John Link and Commissioner Jacobs for #5 should be included.
Also, all funds expended by the County should be included. She agrees with distributing the policy to the
municipalities for their feedback in a timely manner.
Chair Halkiotis raised a caution with respect to the hypersensitivity in today's society about
micro management. He said that prudence was the best policy to follow. He agreed with Commissioner
Carey about not submitting comments before the policy is sent to the group. He does not want to be
accused of micro managing anything. He would like Commissioners Jacobs and Brawn to work on this.
Commissioner Brown said that she is very disappointed with the press and feels that micro
management is a buzzword that the press is using. The County Commissioners are just trying to be
prudent with the County's monies.
It was decided that Commissioner Brown and Commissioner Jacobs would meet with John
Link and David Stancil and send the revised resolution to the County Commissioners for their input and
then forward to the municipalities far their input.
e. Bond Education Committee -Agenda for September S Meeting
Jahn Link said that tomorrow evening would be the first meeting of the Bond Education
Committee. He made reference to some overheads that will be shared at the meeting as an overview of
what has already been done in regards to the band referendum.
Rod Visser said that he recommends replicating the processes from 1992 and 1997 in
regards to bond education.
Commissioner Brown asked if Rod Visser would make it very clear to the members of the
Bond Education Committee that the subcommittees would be educating and not advocating.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to add
Whit Morrow and Rodney Recor to the Bond Education Committee.
DOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brown to designate
Chair Halkiotis and Commissioner Jacobs to serve on the Band Education Steering Committee.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Commissioner Gordon said that she would be glad to be on the Bond Education
Subcommittee for Information and Outreach.
Commissioner Brown said that she would be willing to help with any of the subcommittees
and willing to make presentations to educate our citizenry.
Chair Halkiotis would like to set up a tour to visit facilities.
f. Discussion of School and County Capital Needs Not Included in November 20Q1 Bond
John Link made reference to the document of examples of how to pay for needs not
addressed in the bond. He said that some of the items not included in the bond referendum may need
more urgent attention than others. He said that it would be a good idea to clarify that the money set
aside for renovations will be used far each project as designated by the school systems.
Commissioner Gordon asked how much it would cast to renovate Hillsborough Elementary
School and what would be the implications of renovating the current instructional space without
displacing the central office staff. If this was funded without the central office expansion, it would be
about $1.5 million for the Orange County system and $2.5 million for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
system to fund the renovation needs as endorsed by the Capital Needs Advisory task force. She moved
that these renovations would be given high priority.
Commissioner Jacobs asked for additional information on the undesignated fund balances of
the two school districts -what they plan to da with impact fees and if same of it could be used for same
of these renovations. He feels we have received conflicting information, statements, and efforts. He is
ready to make a commitment to talk about Orange Enterprises. He would like to see us address the
unsightly County vehicles at the Whitted facility. These two facilities would total $1.1 million.
Commissioner Brawn is interested in taking a tour of all of the facilities mentioned in the
alternative financing and would like to make her decision after seeing the facilities. She would like to see
all of the facilities that are listed for funding.
Chair Halkiotis agrees with Commissioner Brown. He would like to see the renovation needs
in both systems.
Commissioner Brown would also like to have a full understanding of the fund balance for the
two Schaal systems. She would like to understand the priority system that the two systems use far
prioritizing renovations that need to be done.
Commissioner Gordan said that she recalls that Finance Director Ken Chaviaus sent out a
memo indicating how and for what the fund balance could be used. Ken Chavious said that schools
could use fund balance for anything they desire. He thinks that it is a bad idea for the school systems to
use their fund balance for operational expenses.
John Link recommended that the County Commissioners endorse a process of sending a
letter to each school superintendent asking them to prioritize renovation projects for the bond. During
the course of the next 4-5 years the total capacity far private placement is $25-30 million, which can
address some of the schools' priorities and improvements. In the meantime, the County Commissioners
would like to visit the schools that need improvements -either from the band ar from private placement.
Commissioner Gordon made reference to projected debt capacity and asked what was
included in that capacity. Budget Director Donna Dean said that the best educated guess in August
{before the approved bond allocations) was $1 million for affordable housing, $7 million for parks and
open space, and $1 million the first two years for senior centers and $2 million the last year.
Commissioner Brown asked both school systems for the criteria used far renovations, if any.
If there are no criteria, she would like to know this.
10. REPORTS
a. Greene Tract Work Group Update
Commissioner Brawn said that she and Cammissianer Carey met with staff and came up with
a proposal for the work group.
Commissioner Carey said that the purple sheet summarizes the timeline and the process far
the work group. The other members have been appointed and there is a rather ambitious timeframe. He
said that it was important to move expeditiously.
11. APPOINTMENTS -NONE
12. MINUTES -NONE
13. CLOSED SESSION -NONE
14. ADJOURNMENT
With no further items for the County Commissioners to consider, a motion was made by
Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Cammissianer Carey to adjourn the meeting at 10:35 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
The next meeting on the approved meeting calendar will be held next Tuesday, September 11th at
7:30 p.m. at the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina. A meeting of the Bond
Education Committee will be held on September 5, 2001 at 5:30 at the Southern Human Services Center
in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Stephen H. Halkiotis, Chair
Beverly A. Blythe, CMC