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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20011002APPROVED 1 11 612 0 0 2 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING October 2, 2001 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 2, 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. Brown, Moses Carey, Jr. (arrived at 8:02}, 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 County Commissioners added to item 9-D appointments to the Human Relations Commission. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Halkiotis read the public charge. 2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters not on the Printed Aaenda Royce Hardin, Agricultural Extension Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Orange County, said that as a result of the events of September 11t", they had a master gardener who had an idea to start a program to memorialize those who lost their lives. They are calling this program "Trees of Strength". He distributed an educational packet. They would like for as many civic groups, schools, garden clubs, churches, synagogues, and all other organized programs in the County to begin to think about participating in this program. As a result of the efforts here in Orange County, the State Cooperative Extension Director directed the Head of the Consumer Horticulture program to drop everything and develop this program on a statewide level. The web site is www.treesofstrennth.org. He asked for the County Commissioners' support for the program here in Orange County and permission to plant Trees of Strength on County property in places that are appropriate. They will plant these on October 11t" and November 11t". He is also asking that the County Commissioners approve a resolution at the next meeting. Commissioner Brown suggested the Efland Cheeks park for the planting of trees and Chair Halkiotis suggested the Southern Human Services Center. Commissioner Jacobs commended Royce Hardin on leading this effort. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered as the Board addressed the items on the agenda below.} 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Brown asked if staff could provide more information on solar power. She would like to know if there is a program where utility companies buy excess electricity. Commissioner Jacobs asked for a brief presentation an high-speed rail at the October 16t" meeting. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to a letter from Lauren and Bruce Nelson about a nuisance caused by ATVs. He would like staff to review the letter and see if there is a nuisance regulation. There were some concerns raised about the high level of noise and other issues. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to a magazine article about a state program about trees. He said that Forsyth County has a treasured tree program for which they received some state money to help establish the program. He requested that staff look into this program to see if Orange County can participate. Commissioner Jacobs reported that he met with DOT officials from the district office and the state office, the Orange County Planning Director, the Hillsborough Planning Director, and an elected official from Hillsborough. He said that this is a unique instance in that DOT invited the group to come to Graham to meet and discuss the prospects for a development project. He said that DOT did an analysis that found significant adverse impacts and wanted to meet with representatives of the two governments involved to ask their thoughts and to coordinate its response. He thanked DOT for the opportunity to continue collaborative efforts. He expects a letter that will outline the adverse traffic impacts from a proposed development planned for the edge of Hillsborough. Commissioner Jacobs noted that the federal reserve board dropped the interest rate '1°~ today and that interest rates are now the lowest they have been in 40 years. He said that this is a good time to borrow money. He said that this is what bonds are all about. Commissioner Gordon said that TTA is continuing forward with phase I of the regional rail system. In that regard, they took a tour of the proposed station sites. Commissioner Gordon said that, with reference to the improved relationship with DOT, Doug Galyon, Board of Transportation member, made a point to introduce himself to her at a meeting she recently attended. She noted that the climate has improved. Chair Halkiotis thanked Commissioners Brown and Jacobs far their involvement in the Northern Center. He is excited about doing something different and non-traditional that has good long-range impact on the environment. Chair Halkiotis reminded everyone that the County Commissioners would have a meeting with Durham Technical Institute on October 11t" at 6:30 p.m. at the Skills Development Center. He read the agenda far the meeting. Chair Halkiotis asked County Manager John Link far a presentation from Health Director Dr. Rosie Summers, EMS Director Nick Waters, and Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass on emergency preparedness. Commissioner Brawn would like for these three to share with us about federal or state programs which have been rescinded or cut and areas that the County Commissioners can ask our representatives to put money into which have severely been cut back these past years. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link noted that item 9-b is consideration of a new position. He reinforced the connectivity among all emergency preparedness agencies (the towns, the University, etc.). He said that this position could be devoted to emergency preparedness. Chair Halkiotis noted that this position was brought to the Board for consideration in April by EMS Director Nick Waters and is now an the agenda because of the happenings of September 11t" 5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS a. Resolution of Appreciation to Students from the TREES Club of Chapel Hill High School for Recycling at Fiesta del Pueblo The Board considered a resolution of appreciation to the students of the TREES Club at Chapel Hill High School for work performed at Fiesta del Pueblo on September 8-9, 2001. Muriel Williman, Education and Outreach Specialist for the County's Solid Waste Department, said that it was her pleasure to recommend the TREES Club for this resolution of appreciation. She said that mare than two tons of material was recycled from the Fiesta del Pueblo. She said that members of the club not only pulled inappropriate items out of the recycling containers and put them in the trash, but also pulled items out of the trash and put them into the recycling containers. She said that this was the first time in Orange County festival history that food waste was diverted. Chair Halkiotis read the resolution. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordan, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution as stated below: RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO STUDENTS FROM THE TREES CLUB OF CHAPEL HILL HIGH SCHOOL FOR THEIR RECYCLING EFFORTS AT LA FIESTA DEL PUEBLO, 2001 WHEREAS, Orange Community Recycling has a long history of providing recycling education and collection services to select special events; and, WHEREAS, La Fiesta Del Pueblo attracts more than 47,000 attendees each year to the campus of Chapel Hill High School to experience Hispanic and Latino culture with food, music, and dancing; and, WHEREAS, EI Pueblo, Inc. in cooperation with Orange Community Recycling made ambitious plans to provide recycling for attendees and food vendors and, for the first time at a festival in Orange County, to also provide far the diversion of vendors' food waste for composting instead of landfilling; and, WHEREAS, twenty Volunteers from the TREES Club of Chapel Hill High School provided more than 75 volunteer hours working tirelessly to assist Orange Community Recycling in providing these services; and, WHEREAS, the TREES club members circulated the grounds throughout the course of the two-day event, collecting recyclables from bins, removing contamination, and retrieving recyclables from collected solid waste; and, WHEREAS, as a result of their efforts, more than two tons of recyclables that were virtually free of contamination were diverted from landfill disposal, including four hundred and fifty pounds of plastic water bottles and 1.5 tons of food waste; and, WHEREAS, the TREES Club Volunteers demonstrated that dedication, enthusiasm, and genuine care for the environment makes a difference and modeled what makes Orange County such a special place to live; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Orange County Board of Commissioners expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Heather Alger, Megan Barnett, Mary Buechler, Rachel Campbell, Beniko Capel, Katie Englund, Aja Hamden, Maggie Hellwig, Donna Kamarei, Carolyn Kylstra, Kate Lessey, Asa Long, Chris Melvin, Lucas Miles, Sumaya Qureshi, Matt Reinheimer, Lauren Rosen, Kevin Timp, Meg Warshany, and Joe Zipkin for their service to the citizens of Orange County through their recyclable collection efforts at La Fiesta Del Puebla 2001. This the second day of October, 2001 VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs would like to knave what is being done in terms of diverting food waste and recyclables in general at the schools. He thinks some of the larger institutions would be the best place to start. NOTE: Commissioner Carey arrived at this point in the agenda. b. Resolution of Recognition and Appreciation for the Orange County Capital Needs Advisory Task Force The Board considered a resolution of Appreciation to the members of the Capital Needs Advisory Task Force. John Link said that this group worked very diligently and gave great attention to every capital item that was brought forth for their review and consideration. Lisa Stuckey and Leo Allison were extremely adept at leading the task force. Commissioner Jacobs read the resolution. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution as stated below. Resolution of Recognition and Appreciation ORANGE COUNTY CAPITAL NEEDS ADVISORY TASK FORCE WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners appointed the Orange County Capital Needs Advisory Task Force earlier this year; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners charged the Task Force with reviewing and discussing various school and County capital needs and to recommend to the Board of Commissioners proposed amounts and elements of a planned November 2001 bond referendum; and WHEREAS, during a series of meetings over three months, the members of the Task Farce met and ultimately provided a final report to the Board of Commissioners outlining recommended bond amounts and proposed bond projects; and WHEREAS, the work by the Capital Needs Advisory Task Force greatly assisted the Board of Commissioners as it developed plans for the planned November 2001 bond referendum; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners recognizes and thanks the members of the Orange County Capital Needs Advisory Task Force for their willingness to serve and to provide recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for the planned November 2001 bond referendum. This, the 2"d day of October 2001 VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation The Baard considered proclaiming the month of October 2001 as Domestic Vialence Awareness Month. Program Assistant for the Commission for Women Milan Pham said that the good news was that last year congress fully refunded the Violence Against Women Act, which was responsible for funding the Orange County Family Vialence Prevention Center. The bad news is that we still need this center. Commissioner Brown read this resolution. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH OCTOBER 2001 WHEREAS, domestic violence, once a secret kept among families, is now recognized as a serious crime in our community, and WHEREAS, domestic violence has severe consequences for survivors, their children and families and impacts on the quality of life of the entire community; and WHEREAS, stopping the cycle of this crime requires not only the resolve and courage of survivors, but also support and involvement from all of us; and WHEREAS, enhanced education, prevention and intervention help increase public awareness of the severity and extent of domestic violence; and WHEREAS, violence in the home is a problem that affects every socioeconomic level in our society, occurring in wealthy and disadvantage neighborhoods and involving the employed and unemployed; and WHEREAS, domestic violence is generally learned and passed down from one generation to another; and WHEREAS, our society pays a high price for domestic violence through homelessness, increased crime rates, drug and alcohol abuse, increased medical expenses and business losses; and WHEREAS, during the month of October, local, state and national domestic violence agencies will sponsor events to help us focus public attention on the problem of domestic violence; tVOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners hereby proclaims the month of October 2001, as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We encourage all residents to dedicate themselves to learning about reducing domestic violence and violence against women in Orange County. We further encourage all citizens of our community to support the domestic violence programs in their communities, including the Orange County Commission for Woman, the Family Violence Prevention Center of Orange County, the Women's Center and the Rape Crisis Center. This, the 2nd day of October 2001. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Ms. Pham announced that the Commission for Women would be having a March for Justice October 16"' at 6:00 p.m. d. Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation The Board considered proclaiming the month of October 2001 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 19th as National Mammography Day. Human Rights and Relations Director Annette Moore said that this year the Commission for Women selected three issues. One of these issues was access to health care. She said that October 6- 16 is also pink ribbon day. There will be free and reduced breast cancer screenings at the Orange County Health Department for women who cannot afford to pay. Commissioner Gordon read this proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: Proclamation Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Mammography Day National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrating its sixteenth year of educating women about the importance of early detection for breast cancer. During this time, mammography use has increased substantially and breast cancer death rates have declined. Still, many women do not utilize mammography at regular intervals. • Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States; and • Approximately 5,500 North Carolina women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 1,100 North Carolina women will die from the disease in 2001; and • Women age 65 and older are less likely to get mammograms than younger women, even though breast cancer risk increase with age; and • Hispanic women have fewer mammograms {58 percent} than Caucasian women (68 percent} and African American women {68 percent); and • Women below the poverty level are less likely than women at higher incomes to have had a mammogram within the past two years; and • Mammography use increased between 1989 and 1997 for all groups except American Indians and Alaskan Natives. In recognition of the fact that mammography is the single most effective method of detecting breast changes that may be cancer, long before physical symptoms can be seen or felt, and that breast cancer deaths could decline further if all women age 40 and older received mammograms at regular intervals; and In recognition that "The Pink Ribbon" is the internationally recognized symbol of breast cancer and that the Governor has designated October 6-14, 2001 as "Pink Ribbon Week". We, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim October 2001 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 19t" as National Mammography Day. We urge Orange County residents to wear pink ribbons in recognition of breast cancer awareness and in honor of women who have lost their lives to breast cancer, and to those women who are now courageously fighting the battle with breast cancer. We further encourage women to consult with their health care provider about regular screening and to promote early detection of breast cancer by having regular clinical breast examinations, getting regular mammograms, and practicing monthly breast self-examination. This, the 2"d day of October 2001. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Annette Moore announced that the Human Relations Commission is sponsoring a Community Unity Gathering. It will be at 7:00 p.m. at New Hope Elementary School. This will be a gathering to discuss the events of September 11t" and its affects of our perception of each other. The discussion will focus on separating religion and ethnicity from terrorism and fanaticism. e. National Disability Awareness Employment Month Proclamation The Board considered proclaiming the month of October 2001 as National Disability Awareness Employment Month. Commissioner Carey read this proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS EMPLOYMENT MONTH WHEREAS, Congress, by Joint Resolution, has designated October of each year as "National Disability Awareness Employment Month"; and WHEREAS, This month provides the opportunity far all Americans to recognize the tremendous value and potential of people with disabilities, and to recommit tremendous value and potential of people with disabilities, and to recommit and dedicate ourselves to the empowerment, employment and full inclusion of everyone of our citizens with disabilities; and WHEREAS, People with disabilities represent one of the nation's largest pool of talented, skilled, knowledgeable and hard working persons; they are diverse -encompassing the full spectrum of race, religion, national origin, age and gender. Small business and industry leaders, labor leaders and community leaders have called for a diverse, capable work force to propel our economy into the next century; and WHEREAS, It is important for the municipalities in Orange County and the County of Orange to move purposefully toward diversity in the workplace and elsewhere in society not only because it is right and just, but also because it is economically sound. We have learned that people with the severest disabilities can learn, work, pay taxes, buy goods and be self-supporting if given the appropriate opportunities; and WHEREAS, disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals with disabilities to live independently, enjoy self determination, make choices, contribute to society, and experience full inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of American society; and WHEREAS, family members, friends, and members of the community can play a central role in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities especially when the family and community are provided with necessary support services; and public and private employers are aware of the capabilities of people with disabilities to be engaged in competitive work in inclusive settings; and WHEREAS, the goals of the County include providing individuals with disabilities the opportunities and support to make informed choices and decisions; live in homes and communities where such individuals can exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens; pursue meaningful and productive lives; contribute to their family, community, state and nation; have interdependent friendships and relationships with others and achieve full inclusion in society. NOW THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim October, 2001 as NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS EMPLOYMENT MONTH in the County of Orange, North Carolina and call upon all citizens of Orange County to observe this period with appropriate programs and activities; and furthermore the Orange County Board of Commissioners encourage all citizens to seek counsel and input from any person or group with knowledge and expertise in matters concerning disabilities. This, the 2"d day of October 2001 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. 2001 Solid Waste Program Award The Board recognized the staff of the Solid Waste Management Department for receiving the 2001 Solid Waste Program Award from the N.C. Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America. Chair Halkiotis read the inscription on the plaque, which is included in the agenda abstract. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS -NONE 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the items on the consent agenda as stated below. a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes from the following meetings: Feb. 13, 2001 work session; March 6, 2001 regular meeting; March 13, 2001 work session; March 20, 2001 joint meeting with the Town of Hillsborough; and, March 20, 2001 regular meeting. b. Change in Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting Schedule The Board approved changing the location of its scheduled meeting with representatives of Durham Technical Community College from the Seina Hotel to the Skills Development Center in Chapel Hill. c. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Refunds The Board approved four requests for motor vehicle property tax refunds amounting to $36.79 in accordance with the refund resolution incorporated herein by reference. d. Employee Health Insurance Renewal for 2002 The Board renewed the County health insurance plans and authorized the Chair to sign the implementing Interlocal Agreement with the NCACC Health Insurance Trust, subject to the review of staff and the County Attorney, effective January 1, 2002. e. Employee Dental Insurance for 2002 The Board confirmed continuation of the County's dental insurance rates for 2002 with no increase and authorized the Personnel Director to renew the County's agreement with Delta Dental as the County's dental insurance plan administrator effective January 1, 2002. f. Application for Funding - N.C. Housing Finance Agency This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. g_ Authorization to Enter into Agreements with Respite Care Providers This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. h. Memorandum Renewal with North State Legal Services The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the Memorandum of Agreement with North State Legal Services, Inc. for the provision of legal services far county residents 60 years and older. i. Bid Award: Hydraulic Excavator for Orange County Landfill The Board awarded the bid to Interstate Briggs Construction Equipment of Raleigh, North Carolina in the amount of $121,465 and authorized the Purchasing Director to execute the necessary paperwork. L Bid Award: Crawler Dozer for Orange County Landfill The Board awarded the bid to Mitchell Distributing Company of Raleigh, North Carolina in the amount of $271,744.87, and authorized the Purchasing Director to execute the necessary paperwork. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA f. Application far Funding - N.C. Housing Finance Aaency The Board considered the submission of an application far funding to the N.C. Housing Finance Agency for approximately $75,000 for the local Urgent Repair Program. Commissioner Jacobs said that it bears repeating that the Board is committed to this program regardless of whether we get state funding ar not. He said that the other day he was somewhere where it was stated that one of the issues for the urgent home repair program was that oftentimes people of law income are living in rental housing and that those are, in many cases, the units that need repair. He is wondering if this is the experience and questioned haw we deal with rental properties that are below standard. Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes said that they have not had this experience. She said that most of the housing that they come in contact with has been owner-occupied. There have been na requests for urgent repair of rental housing. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the submission of and application for funding to the N. C. Housing Finance Agency for approximately $75,000 in funding for the local Urgent Repair Program; to authorize the County Manager to submit the application on behalf of the County; to approve the Assistance Policy associated with the Urgent Repair Program and to authorize the Chair to sign the policy document. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ,g_ Authorization to Enter into Agreements with Respite Care Providers The Board considered authorizing the Department on Aging to enter into agreements with respite care providers. Commissioner Jacobs asked Jahn Link about his idea of establishing anon-profit, which would consolidate all the respite care providers under one umbrella. John Link said that they were meeting on this tomorrow with some of the leaders of the senior population that have been working on the Master Aging Plan. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to authorize the Manager to sign agreements far respite care providers. Such authorization shall not exceed the amount budgeted for this function in the operating budget for the Department on Aging. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA a. Chore Services for the Elderly The Board considered authorizing the Department an Aging to begin a chore service program far chronically ill and disabled elderly persons, and to enter into agreements with cleaning service providers. Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore said that he was here to respond to any questions of the Board. He said that it was very important to try to help people age in place. This is an exciting new endeavor in order to help people to maintain their own home and be taxpayers as long as possible without having to move to an assisted facility. Commissioner Jacobs asked if a background check is done on the people working with the cleaning services and Jerry Passmore said that a background check is included in the process of selection. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the new Chore Service for the chronically ill and disabled elderly and authorize the Manager to sign agreements for heavy cleaning services. Such authorization shall not exceed the $13,500 as recommended in the Master Aging Plan. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Establish New Emergency Management Specialist Position The Board considered establishing a new permanent, full-time emergency management specialist position in the Emergency Management Department at salary grade 69. Jahn Link said that the position would help to strengthen the already strong interconnected program between the County, the municipalities, the state, and the University as it relates to responding to disasters. He assured the Board and the citizens that the staff has been working on how to address thane kinds of events that are caused by other human beings that are trying to do harm to others. Assistant County Manager Rad Visser summarized the duties of this position. Two sources of funding have been obtained to fund this position for this first year - a grant available to counties on a recurring basis and a $40,000 domestic terrorism grant. He said that it was important to Hate that the staff and the County Commissioners have already given some thought to this position before September 11 `". Commissioner Gordan asked EMS Director Nick Waters how he would respond to something like terrorism. He said that the public education component is extremely important. This position will look at all the tasks in the multi-hazard plan and make sure the proper weight is put on each task. Commissioner Brown made reference to the June budget process and said that there were a lot of questions about this position. Commissioner Gordon asked if this position would include working with the state and adjacent counties on an evacuation plan because of Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant. Nick Waters said that the position would address all hazards that Orange County would be subject to that are identifiable. He said that this could be done by creating our own plateau of readiness separate from the state that is above the state's readiness. Commissioner Jacobs pointed out that Emergency Management is in the process of updating the emergency preparedness booklet. He thinks we should look to see if there are any pilot projects in this area that we may want to pursue. Also, we may want to approach our Congressmen to solicit their help in our efforts. Chair Halkiotis noted that the County was so much better prepared now than it was in 1996 with Hurricane Fran and he attributes this to the EMS Department. Commissioner Brown made reference to the duties listed and asked that the jab description be made mare relevant to Orange County with specific items related to Orange County. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the new Emergency Management Specialist position effective October 1, 2001 and to approve the amendment to the Classification and Pay Plan to add the new class of Emergency Management Specialist at Salary Grade 69. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. ether Solid Waste Issues This item was intended to discuss solid waste topics carried over from the October 1 ~` BOCC work session. Substantial progress was made last night on a wide range of solid waste matters, including continued progress on the Rogers Road waterline installation, progress towards a solid waste facilities master plan in the Eubanks Road area, setting a public hearing for an ordinance dealing with regulated recyclable materials, and approval of several programs and a position that would carry out programs related to in-house recycling in governmental buildings. Rod Visser said that there were two decision items left over with the first one to approve a resolution approving various aspects of a solid waste master plan. He recommended that the Board authorize the Manager to include the electronics and dry cell battery storage building in the special use permit modification application that was recommended in phase II of the solid waste master plan, which the Board approved last night. This is in paragraph five in agenda item #2 from last night's meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to authorize the Manager to include the electronics/dry cell battery storage building in the special use permit modification application recommended for phase II of the solid waste master plan. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The second decision item is related to alternative financing for the solid waste initiative. The Solid Waste Advisory Board will be reviewing the County's current solid waste management plan that was approved by the Board of County Commissioners and submitted to the state. One of the things included in the solid waste management plan right now would be the creation of a materials recovery facility. The SWAB has asked that the Board of County Commissioners consider authorizing up to $16,000 to have RRSI to came in and provide information for the Solid Waste Advisory Board to consider in terms of looking at the needs in terms of capital, programming, and the casts of programs. Commissioner Gordon asked if this was the group that made a presentation to the County Commissioners a couple of years ago and Rod Visser said that it was. She has no problem with providing to the Solid Waste Advisory Board someone to help them but it struck her that a lot of the information was already prepared several years ago. She asked what new things would be done. Rod Visser said that the staff had done a lot of work in revisiting the information from two and three years ago and it has been provided to the SWAB. Some of the numbers and assumptions are dated. Blair Pollock, Solid Waste Department, said that there have been a lot of technical changes. He said that it was important to look at some of the efficiencies gained in collection against the kinds of additional capital expenditures incurred by having a mare sophisticated sorting. He said that spending this money upfront to get same scientific basis for the analysis would serve the County well in terms of figuring out how much to finance and how to finance. Gayle Wilson said that the assumption that the SWAB is proceeding on is that the adopted plan is the plan that they will evaluate and update with additional operational and financial details. The SWAB is not going back and reevaluate the consultant's work. The SWAB is only looking within the adopted plan. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to material recovery facilities {MRF's) and said that although he feels there is support on the Board of County Commissioners far a MRF, he is not sure the County Commissioners have made a decision that a MRF is the best solution. He said that it would seem that the consultant would not give a neutral analysis because their specialty is MRF's. Blair Pollock said that once all the numbers are laid on the table, there is a good basis for a decision. The decision could be MRF with partners, MRF with others, etc. as opposed to having a MRF or not. He said that the analysis provides strong cost details. Jahn Link said that all jurisdictions have set solid waste reduction goals. Since the County Commissioners now have control over this activity, the County Commissioners have the opportunity to set goals for the reduction of solid waste and determine what it will cast and what is best far Grange County citizens. Commissioner Brown asked if RRSI is the firm that will be hired and it was confirmed that RRSI would be the firm that would be recommended to look at the MRF and the collection analysis. She said that this seems like a lot of money to get a few technical questions answered. Rod Visser said that the work of the consultant HDR is still valid and the solid waste staff has updated the numbers. This information has not gone to waste. Chair Halkiotis said that he has given up three weeks of vacation to visit solid waste facilities over the last fourteen years. The workers at all these plants were either prisoners, drug rehab patients, Vietnamese women, etc., all being paid minimum wage for the smelly, dirty work they were expected to do. He has a problem with this. He said that the Board needs to have a discussion about this. John Link suggested that the Solid Waste Advisory Board share with the County Commissioners what they are operating under as assumptions and let the County Commissioners respond to those assumptions. Commissioner Gordon said that there are some important questions that need to be answered such as what are the assumptions, key questions, and work products. Commissioner Carey said that he would encourage the County Commissioners to consider not adding a lot of other options to the list because it makes the time and cost increase. He would rather spend the money upfront to get the best advice an which the County Commissioners can make an informed decision. Commissioner Brawn agreed with what Commissioner Carey said. She remembers the KRIS presentation and said that we have a responsibility to the taxpayers and the fees are ultimately going to come out of whatever is done. This concerns her greatly. She does not want to buy into a MRF ar an intermediate processing facility as the only alternative. She does not want to go back over the same things, but would like to hear same new things and understand some other possibilities. Other Solid Waste Matters -Informational Reports aj SWAB Subcommittee on Solid Waste Financing Alternatives {Includes one decision item) Rod Visser summarized the information in the agenda. Because the County Commissioners had several questions, it was decided that this item would be delayed so that the SWAB could share with the Board of County Commissioners the assumptions under which it is operating and what questions it would like to have answers to relative to financing alternatives. b) SWAB Future Priorities Rod Visser summarized the information in the agenda. He will provide the County Commissioners with copies of all Solid Waste Department educational materials that are provided to the public. c) Carrboro Plaza Recycling Center Rod Visser made reference to the Carrboro recycling center at Carrboro Plaza and said that the County's Solid Waste Department is close to construction and should be ready with a recommendation within a few weeks. The lease will be for ten years. In answer to a question from Chair Halkiotis about the location and if the ABC store has been responsive, Gayle Wilson said that there has been na contact with the ABC store yet. The recycling center is not on the ABC property at all. Commissioner Brown made reference to Southern Park and that Chapel Hill wants to have a recycling center there. She asked how this would work. Gayle Wilson said that, at Southern Village, when the park and ride lot was originally constructed, there was a wide driveway through the middle that was heavily reinforced with the expectation that a recycling center would be located where the road dead ends to the woods. The Town of Chapel Hill wanted to reconsider the location and is committed to providing property for the recycling center which will be afull-service recycling center. The staff will come back with a request for funds to develop the site. He added that there is also a site set aside at Meadowmont. d} Hillsborough Commercial Solid Waste Collection Rod Visser said that the Town of Hillsborough recently made a formal decision to discontinue commercial solid waste collection as of July 2002. The solid waste staff is working on a proposal to take over this service. There is no commitment at this point. e} Recurring Solid Waste Contracts This list was included in the agenda packet for the Board's information. There was no discussion. f} Toxicity Reduction Improvement Program Proposal Rod Visser said that this item involves the Solid Waste staff putting some additional emphasis on existing programming -combining and enhancing them. This would also involve some internal efforts by the staff. Chair Halkiotis said that, instead of making the citizens pay for recycling some items (i.e., computers), the producers should pay for it. Commissioner Brown said that she recalls that the LOG passed two documents trying to move towards companies taking responsibility for the packaging of products that have to be recycled. The staff will find these documents. g} Preliminary Concept Analysis - Co-operation of Transfer Station and current Mixed Solid Waste Landfill; Landclearing and Inert Debris Recycling Center This information was included in the agenda packet far the Board's information. No discussion was held. h} Composting This information was included in the agenda packet. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the land clearing debris and noted that Hillsborough has an operation next to the County's public works facility. He asked Gayle Wilson if he had talked to Hillsborough about working in collaboration. Gayle Wilson said that his understanding was that the site was a yard trimming site and not aland-clearing site where there are large trees and logs. The Town Manager of Hillsborough said that they might not continue the operation because there was a lot of contamination and people were bringing in trash. Commissioner Jacobs said that he feels that a partnership should at least be pursued an the 60 acres. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the passibility of putting solid waste operations an Seven-Mile Creek. He said that this land is in a protected watershed and should not be considered as a place for solid waste. He suggested some coordination with the Planning Department. d. Appointments The Board considered appointments to the Economic Development Commission, Hyconeechee Regional Library Board of Trustees, Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Agency, Visitors Bureau of Chapel HilltOrange County and the Human Relations Commission. Economic Development Commission A motion was made by Commissioner Brawn, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to appoint Chandler Burns and Stacy Koon for the term ending June 30, 2003 and Ruffin Slater for the term ending June 30, 2002. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Hycaneechee Regional Library Board of Trustees A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appoint Andrea F. Tullos for the term ending March 31, 2003. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to appoint Leslie Weaver for the term ending March 31, 2007 and to reappoint Stuart Wallace for the term ending March 31, 2007. Visitors Bureau of Chapel HilllOrange County A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appoint Sam Hobgood and Bill Crowther for the term ending December 31, 2002. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Human Relations Commission A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appoint Maria Erlinda Fernandez, Barbara Harviala, Donald Monroe, Jr., Jerome A. Alexander II, Kim Ross, Susan Foley Pierce, and Patrick Reiss for the term ending June 30, 2002. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs pointed out that all of these people were from Chapel Hill and that some recruiting should be done. 10. REPORTS -NONE 11. APPOINTMENTS -NONE 12. MINUTES -NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by 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). VOTE: UNANIMOUS 14. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The next Board of County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for October 11, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. at the Skills Development Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Durham Technical Community College is hosting this meeting. Stephen H. Halkiotis, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, CMC