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MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
October 16, 2001
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 16, 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
Chair Halkiotis added to the agenda, "A Change in the Board of County Commissioners' Regular
Meeting Schedule" as item 8-i, changing the beginning time of the October 22"d meeting to 6:00 p.m.
There will be food available at 5:30.
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 reported that the Housing Board held its first meeting last evening. They will
be meeting the third Monday of each month. He feels that they will be aggressive and good advocates
for affordable housing.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to a green sheet distributed and suggested raising the
possibility of the County splitting the cost of the water study with the Town of Hillsborough. He feels that
the County Commissioners represent a lot of the citizens who pay out-of-town rates and that the County
Commissioners will represent these citizens. He said that the meeting on the 22"d would be a good time
to consider this issue. This is not to undercut or control what Hillsborough does, but just to help facilitate
some of the studies in order to move forward collaboratively with the multiple players in the central part
of the County in regards to water issues.
Commissioner Jacobs thanked and encouraged the staff about using recyclable and reusable
materials at meals. He asked that we continue to tell vendors to address this issue. As the entity in
charge of solid waste, we need to set an example.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he met Michael Lanier who began work yesterday as the Orange
County Agricultural Economic Coordinator. He will be coming to the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Lastly, Commissioner Jacobs mentioned that UNC has now been serving ice cream from the Maple
View farm.
Chair Halkiotis distributed a memo from Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools' Superintendent Neil
Petersen and read the letter. In summary, it said that potential sites for a third high school have been
identified by the Chapel Hill-Carrbaro City Schools. The school board invited the County Cammissianers
to a meeting this Thursday night, October 18th, at 7:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill High School.
Commissioner Gordon said that she would try to ga to this meeting and volunteered to be the
representative.
Commissioner Brown would like to make sure that the school board understands that many of the
locations on Smith Level Road are in an area that is not within the water and sewer boundary area.
Chapel Hill has identified this area as a "rural buffer" area. Half of these properties drain into the
watershed. She thinks these locations are inappropriate.
Chair Halkiotis asked that Planning Director Craig Benedict show on a map the location of these
seven potential sites for a third high school. Craig Benedict said that he has not yet been able to study
all of the utility boundaries of this area. He showed the sites on the map.
Chair Halkiotis made reference to the yellow handout and said that this outlines the agenda for the
October 22"d work session. The green handout is in regards to the water rate study.
Commissioner Carey said that he supports helping Hillsborough pay for a water study.
Commissioner Jacobs said that we can broaden the study to include additional issues than the state of
the water system within the corporate limits of Hillsborough.
Chair Halkiotis thanked the County staff far putting together the volunteer recognition ceremony.
Chair Halkiotis made reference to the proclamation declaring Stage III water shortage saying that
he authorized this to go into effect today. The proclamation is stated below:
PUBLIC PROCLAltiIATION
REG.~RDING USE OF ~~~'ATER OBT.~INED FROM THE PiJBLIC WATER SYSTEM SUPPLIID BY THE
ORANGE-ALAI4IANCE WATER SI'STE11I, INC. AND THE TO~~rN OF HILLSBOROUGH AND FROM ANY RAVG'
RTATER SUPPLY WITHIN ORANGE COUNTY USED BY THE ORANGE-ALAMANCE WATER SYSTEM, INC.
AND THE TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH
Pursuant to the provisions of the ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CONSERVATION OF WATER DURING A
WATER SHORTAGE, RESTRICTING THE USE OF WATER AND WATER WITHDRAWALS, AND ALLOCATING
AUGIv1ENTED STREAM FLOI~~ FROM RESERV"OIRS,
I, Stephen Halkiotis, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, having been provided with information that the
water level of Lake Orange is more than 37 inches below full do hereby issue this PUBLIC PROCLAIvIATION declaring to all
persons that a stage III water shortage WARNING is now in effect applicable to users of water from the public water system
supplied by the Orange-Alamance Water System, Inc. and the Town of Hillsborough. The following mandatory water
conservation restrictions are now applicable:
It shall be unlawful to use water from the public water system supplied by the Orange-Alamance Water System, Inc. and
the Toivn of Hillsborough and from any raw water supply within Orange County used by the Orange-Alamance Water System,
Inc. and the Town of Hillsborough for the following purposes:
1. To water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flower and vegetable gardens except between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and
9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
2. To fill newly constructed swimming and/or wading pools or refill swimming and/or wading pools which have
been drained. A minunal amount of water may be added to maintain continued operation of pools which are in operation at the
time the provisions of a stage III ttiARNING are placed into effect.
3. To operate water-cooler air conditioners or other equipment that does not recycle cooling water, except when health
and safety are ad~~ersely affected.
4. To wash automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, or any other type of mobile equipment, including
commercial washing.
5. To wash down outside areas such as streets, driveways, service station aprons, parking lots, office buildings,
exteriors of existing or newly constructed homes or apartments, sidewalks, or patios, or to use water for other
similar purposes.
water.
6. To operate or introduce water into any ornamental fountain, pool or pond or other structure making similar use of
7. To serve drinking water in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food establislunent, except upon request.
8. To use water from public or private fire hydrants for any purpose other than fire suppression or other public
emergency.
9. To use }voter for dust control or compacting.
10. To intentionally waste l~~ater. The ot~mer or occupant of any land or building which receives
water from the Orange-Alamance Water System, Inc. or the Town of Hillsborough and that also
utilizes water from a «-ell or supply other than that of Orange-Alamance Water System, Inc. or
the Town of Hillsborough shall post and maintain in a prominent place thereon a sign furnished
by Orange County giving public notice to the use of the well or other source of supply.
This proclamation, and the mandatory conservation restrictions imposed pursuant to it, shall be in effect until the
Ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CONSERVATION OF WATER DURING A WATER
SHORTAGE, RESTRICTING THE I?SE OF «-ATER AND ~?4~ATER ~?4rITHDRAV~~ALS, AND ALLOCATING
AUGMENTED STREAItiIFLOW FR011~I RESERVOIRS" is amended or repealed or until the Chair by Public
Proclamation, declares that the Stage III ~.~later shortage WAR_N1NG is over. By order of Stephen Halkiotis, Chair of the
Orange County Board of Commissioners, this the 16th day of October, 2001.
Commissioner Brown commented that she left early from the ceremony to represent the Board at
the Commission for Women march against family violence. She reported that it was very well attended
this year. This is the month against family violence.
4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
John Link said that he is pleased to bring to the Board's attention that Finance Director Ken
Chavious has been elected to lead two State financial organizations -President of the North Carolina
Association of County Finance Officers (first African American to be elected as an officer) and President
of the North Carolina Government Finance Offices Associations {both city and county}. He congratulated
Mr. Chavious.
6. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
a. Trees of Strength Month
The Board considered proclaiming November 2001 as Trees of Strength Month.
Royce Hardin, Horticulturist for the Extension Service read the resolution that is stated below
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve
and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below:
PROCLAMATION
TREES OF STRENGTH MONTH
WHEREAS, Orange County, the state, nation and world mourn the loss of thousands of people who died
in the tragedies of September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, Orange County recognizes the need to honor the heroic actions taken by firefighters and
police officers on September 11, and always; and
WHEREAS, service men and women from Orange County have been deployed to protect and defend
our nation and many more stand ready to do so; and
WHEREAS, trees have long been seen as an enduring symbol of life and renewal; and
WHEREAS, trees enhance the appearance of our communities; increase property value; provide food
and shelter for wildlife; reduce energy costs, soil erosion and storm-water runoff; and, thus enhance our
mental and physical well-being; and
WHEREAS, Orange County's Master Gardener Volunteers and North Carolina Cooperative Extension -
Orange County Center educators are helping citizens plant trees as an enduring reminder of those lost
September 11 and to honor those who protect and defend us, as well as a means to celebrate our unity
as a nation;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
do hereby proclaim November 2001 as "Trees of Strength Month" in Orange County, and urge all citizens
to commend this observation.
This, the 16t" day of October 2001.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
a. Presentation -November 6, 2001 Bond Referendum
Staff presented educational materials, including a PowerPoint presentation, developed by the
Bond Education Committee in preparation for the November 6, 2001 bond referendum.
John Link said that there would be public service announcements and letters to the
newspapers regarding the bond. There is also a brochure about all aspects of the bond as well as
brochures on each issue.
Budget Director Donna Dean made the PowerPoint presentation. The presentation outlined
each aspect of the bond referendum and how the funds would be used. Forty-seven million dollars is
dedicated to public school facilities, $4 million for two new senior centers, $4 million for affordable
housing, and $20 million for parks, recreation, and open space. The Chapel Hill-Carrbora City School
system will receive a total of $27.6 million, which will fund two new elementary schools and
improvements to indoor air quality at older school facilities. The Orange County School system will
receive a total of $19.4 million, which will fund a new middle school and to renovate Hillsborough
Elementary School. The band provides $18.5 million for the construction of this middle school. The
remaining $900,000 will be used to renovate Hillsborough Elementary School.
Four million dollars of the band will be used to construct two senior centers that will allow
convenient access for seniors throughout the County. Both centers will be served by public
transportation. The first site will be located at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, and
the second site will be located in Hillsborough. The location has not yet been determined.
Due to the high cost of home ownership in the County, $4 million dollars of the bond has been
dedicated to affordable housing. The average price for new and existing homes in Orange County has
increased from $197,000 in 1997 to just aver $235,000 today, a 20°~ increase. Almost 19,000 residents
in Orange County currently rent their homes. Of these residents, about 60% pay more than 30% of their
income for housing, and about 24°~ pay more than 50°r6. The County can use these bond funds to
leverage federal, state, and private funds.
The bond also includes $20 million to support needs far parks, recreation facilities, and open
space located throughout the County. Bond funds totaling $1.2 million have been designated to create
Cedar Grove Park, located at the Northern Human Services Center in northern Orange County. The
park will likely offer soccer fields, nature trails winding to an adjoining lake, a playground, and a picnic
area. Bond funds totaling $1.2 million have been designated for development of the first phase of the
park located on Eubanks Road in Chapel Hill Township. Bond funds of $2 million will be combined with
existing funds to develop the Town of Chapel Hill's Southern Park. This park will probably include soccer
fields, trails, and a mix of active and low impact recreation. Also included in the bond package are
$$50,000 for Fairview Park, $250,000 for Efland-Cheeks Park, $3.5 million for an aquatic center at
Homestead Park, $250,000 far Smith Middle School fields, $1.75 million far two greenways in Chapel Hill
and Carrboro, $2 million for a soccer superfund, and $7 million for Orange County's Lands Legacy
program.
With approval of all bond components, the projected maximum tax rate increase is 7.5 cents.
This amount would be phased in over a number of years as the bonds are sold.
b. Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
The Board recognized Finance Director Ken Chavious and his staff far receiving the
Government Finance Officers' Association {GFOA) Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting.
The Finance Department has received this Certificate of Achievement every year far the past twenty
years.
Ken Chavious commended his staff, namely, Howard Fitts, Dorothy Hurdle, Joyce Holmes,
Debbie Smith, and Debbie Hurtz. He also thanked Pam Jones, Donna Dean, Jill Robeson, John Smith,
and Elaine Holmes who also contribute to the audits and financial statements.
c. Orange County Emergency Preparedness
The Board received a special report on the state of Orange County's preparedness to deal
with emergency situations, including natural and manmade disasters and public health emergencies.
Deputy Director of Emergency Management Kent McKenzie reviewed the County's Multi-
Hazard Plan. He said that the County's multi-hazard plan is based an an analysis of risk and addresses
prevention, mitigation, and consequence management. Amulti-hazard plan is also department specific.
The plan is reviewed at least quarterly and is updated as needed. Assistance may come from local,
state, and federal agencies or other special sources. The focus of tonight's presentation is on terrorism.
Terrorism is different from other events because of the law enforcement focus and the possibility of
covert chemical or biological events. A terrorist event may involve civil unrest, weapons of mass
destruction (chemicals, explosives, biological or radiological exposure), and attacks on infrastructure or
technology. He summarized the Terrorism Program for the Sheriff's Department, Health Department,
and Emergency Management Services. In summary, County departments are approaching terrorism by
applying usual readiness to unusual times. They are operating with a heightened awareness and
alertness and conducting unified planning and response efforts. The preparation focuses on
interdepartmental cooperation.
Commissioner Gordon asked how the County would handle an overwhelming number of
casualties. Nick Waters, EMS Director, said that the concentration would be on saving the most number
of people in the shortest period of time.
Commissioner Gordon asked about an evacuation plan. Nick Waters said that the County did
not have an evacuation plan, but evacuation procedures far specific threats. Commissioner Gordon
would like to see an evacuation plan for an accident at Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant.
Commissioner Brown asked about specific coordination with the local hospitals and Nick
Waters said that there is good coordination at the disaster level. Hospitals have good coordination with
each other.
Commissioner Carey asked haw rapid you could get specimens analyzed by the State or the
CDC. Health Director Rosemary Summers said that the State public health laboratory is doing all the
analyzing of samples sent in and the preliminary results are usually available within 24 hours and final
results within four days.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if additional plans were being made regarding the Smith Center.
Nick Waters said that the possibility of using the Smith Center for a mass gathering place is being
investigated.
Commissioner Jacobs said that the County Commissioners have felt that as a Board that
there ought to be an enhanced evacuation plan for Shearon Harris. He thinks that the appropriate state
agency ought to be involved and we should also be asking CP&L to fund that kind of planning. Also, we
need to contact our Congressmen to see if there are federal funds for the emergency planning. The
citizens of Orange County should feel confident that the County has staff that is experienced and well
coordinated and that we have the resources to address these concerns in a sufficiently proactive
manner.
Chair Halkiotis spoke to Rosemary Summers, Nick Waters, and Lindy Pendergrass and said
that all three of them have had a strong history of being proactive and the citizens of Orange County
need to know this.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS -NONE
8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve those
items on the consent agenda as stated below:
a. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Refunds
The Board approved a request for a refund of vehicle property taxes amounting to $402.75.
b. Pyrotechnics Permit Approval -Blue CrasslBlue Shield Family Day
The Board approved a pyrotechnics permit for the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Family Day,
scheduled for October 27, 2001.
c. Renewal of Contract for Yard Waste Grinding
The Board renewed and authorized the Chair to sign a contract with Henson's, Inc. for
grinding of collected yard waste.
d. Collaborative Stormwater Education Campaign
The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract with Triangle J Council of
Governments as the mast cost effective way to conduct the Public Education component of the Neuse
Rules.
e. Increase in Hours for Arts Commission Coordinator from Part-time to Full-time
This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
consideration.
f. HOME Program Second Mortgage Assistance
This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
consideration.
,c,~. Housing Rehabilitation Contract Award
The Board awarded two housing rehabilitation contracts for the HOME housing rehabilitation
program.
h. Stillhause Creek Wetlands Restoration Praiect Option Agreement
The Board granted and authorized the Chair to sign an option to the state of North Carolina
Division of Water Quality to secure a conservation easement with the County along Stillhouse Creek
between Margaret Lane and the Eno River
i. Change to the Board of County Commissioners' Meeting Schedule
The County Commissioners approved a change to their regular meeting schedule, which
changes the beginning time for their October 22, 2001 work session from 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
e. Increase in Hours for Arts Commission Coordinator from Part-time to Full-time
The Board considered increasing the hours of the Orange County arts coordinator from
permanent part-time (30 hours/week) to full-time (40 hours/week).
Commissioner Brown asked for additional information on what these 10 additional hours
would accomplish. It was decided to postpone this item until the County Commissioners' retreat in
December (the retreat has since been moved to early in the year 2002). John Link asked that the
County Commissioners articulate their questions so that additional information could be prepared far the
retreat.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he would work with Commissioner Brown to be sure her
concerns would be adequately addressed. He suggested putting this item on the work session agenda
in November so that there would be time to approve this before the holiday break. It was decided that
Commissioner Jacobs, Commissioner Brawn, Jahn Link and any other appropriate person would meet
and resolve this issue.
f. HOME Program Second Mortgage Assistance
The Board considered a development agreement with EmPOWERment, Inc. on behalf of the
Orange County HOME Consortium to provide second mortgage assistance far five low-income families.
Commissioner Carey verified that EmPOWERment, Inc. would be responsible for
enforcement of affordability policies and procedures.
Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes gave a quick explanation of the
second mortgage assistance program.
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve
and authorize the Chair to sign a development agreement with EmPOWERment, Inc.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA
a. Duck Landing Preliminary Plan
The Board considered a preliminary plan for the proposed Duck Landing subdivision.
Planning Director Craig Benedict made this presentation.
The subdivision is a 31.72-acre tract with eight residential lots. The average lot size is 1.38
acres and the proposed open space is 57% of the site. The site is located on the south side of Laws
Store Road in Little River Township between Gates Road and Mary Hall Road. The payment-in-lieu will
be $3,500. There are stream buffers in the open space that will be dedicated to the homeowner's
association.
Commissioner Jacobs asked Steve Yuhasz about the thought process behind the nice
example of open space. Steve Yuhasz, the surveyor, said that this particular open space was not
suitable for residential development. Commissioner Jacobs commended him for this plan.
Steve Yuhasz pointed out that it was unlikely that there would be further development of the
adjacent property.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve
the preliminary plan for Duck Landing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Birdsong Subdivision Preliminary Plan
The Board considered a preliminary plan for the proposed Birdsong subdivision.
Craig Benedict made this presentation.
The subdivision is a 54.21-acre tract. The original tract was 85.39 acres, 31 of which were
subdivided into three lots of just over 10 acres each through the exempt process. There will be 26
single-family residential lots on the conservation-cluster flexible development option. The average lot
size is 1.23 acres and the proposed open space is 36°lo of the site. The site is located on the south side
of Little River Church Road between Walnut Grove Church Road and NC 57 in Cedar Grove Township.
Payment-in-lieu fees of $11,830 will be collected. Planning staff recommends approval because it is in
accordance with the flexible development plan .
Commissioner Carey asked about the blue area on the map and Craig Benedict said that it
was a flooded area.
Commissioner Carey asked about the stub out at the end of the cul-de-sac and if it would be
developed. Craig Benedict said that the staff was looking into a 50-foot easement reservation that would
allow the continuation of the cul-de-sac in the other subdivision. In the event that the 50-foot easement
is not available, this stub out would allow for access to a large portion of undeveloped properties to the
south and southwest.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he noticed on the previous subdivision, Duck Landing, that
there was information about building the road to DOT standards and the road in this subdivision is being
built to DOT minor local standards. He asked about the difference and Craig Benedict said that a
different planner wrote the abstracts and the roads were the same.
Commissioner Jacobs asked about certain sized subdivisions that require community
recycling. He asked about the threshold. Geoffrey Gledhill said that this was a standard that the County
does not have. The County has only done this in planned development special use projects and it is not
a requirement of the subdivision regulations.
Commissioner Jacobs asked that staff look into whether there should be same kind of
automatic point at which it would require a more comprehensive look at requiring recycling. He would
also like far staff to look into whether there should be a standard for the distance from an access point
that would lead to the open space.
Commissioner Jacobs asked about the acre of recreation space.
Elie Batouli, developer of this project, said that he could have made the lots larger, but he
would have had to use the pond and the wetlands. He was against passible contamination of the pond.
He addressed the emergency management letter and the three concerns (egress/ingress, 911 staffing,
and fire protection). He said that he dedicated '! acre from the circle for a future road if the other owners
decide to do it. He also said that this subdivision would create more tax revenue for the government so
mare 911 staff could be hired. Regarding the fire protection, he said that the pond has about 70 million
gallons of water of which half could be used for fire protection. Regarding the recreation, he had thought
about providing a little extra space in addition to the paths far a possible playground.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the cul-de-sac and asked about the status of the
investigation of the 50-foot easement. He asked if this should be finalized before the subdivision is
approved. Craig Benedict said that the stub out to undeveloped properties would be a good idea. The
investigation to the adjacent subdivision is a separate issue and should be investigated independently.
Chair Halkiotis stated that residential developments do not pay for themselves in this County.
He thinks we are to the point of raising issues of additional staffing for 911. He would like to know what
other governmental entities are doing to meet the demands of growth. Regarding the fire protection, he
said that you could not just pull a fire truck to the pond and get the water out.
Commissioner Brown said that she is very interested in how it would be possible to use this
pond or flood area far fire protection. She said that this does not answer the Fire Marshall's question.
Commissioner Brown asked if the applicant had considered a less dense design for this
subdivision to not have so many lots. Elie Batouli gave some justification for the number of lots.
Commissioner Brown stated that the minutes from the Planning Board meeting did not seem
adequate since there were two opposed to the plan. Craig Benedict will look into this.
Commissioner Brown would also like more information on the stream. She is concerned about
beaver ponds and what happens when beavers are not there.
It was decided to delay action on this item until the questions mentioned above are
addressed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to continue
this item to the next meeting for which planning items are considered.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Board of County Commissioners 2002 Meeting Calendar
The Board considered adapting its regular meeting schedule for 2002.
Commissioner Gordon said that the conflicts with the Commission for the Environment
meetings actually increased from the previous draft calendar. She would like far the conflicts to at least
not be increased.
A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve
the regular meeting schedule for 2002.
VOTE: AYES, 4; NOES, 1 (Commissioner Gordon -because four of the dates fall on the same dates as
the Commission for the Environment meetings for which she is the liaison far the Commissioners.}
d. EDD Transportation Work Group Final Report and Recommendations
The Board considered recommendations of the Economic Development District (EDD)
Transportation Workgroup concerning the possible extension of Elizabeth Brady Road.
Craig Benedict explained that the workgroup prioritized seven different alternatives to
consider how Elizabeth Brady Road could be extended to the north from its starting point at NC 86. The
alternatives are listed an page six of the agenda abstract. He summarized each alternative. The
workgroup would like to have some sort of recommended priority order from the Commissioners. These
alternatives would be wrapped into the Transportation Improvement Program, which will be voted on by
the County Commissioners in November.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if this could wait until after the meeting with Hillsborough an
October 22, 2001 and Craig Benedict said yes.
Commissioner Gordon asked about alternative #7 (widen Churton St.) and where it came
from. She does not support this alternative. Craig Benedict said that during the discussions with the
workgroup, this alternative was offered as a last resort to move traffic from the south side to the north
side of Hillsborough.
It was decided to add this item to the agenda for October 22, 2001.
10. REPORTS
a. Orange County Transportation Priority List for the 2004-2010 TIP
The Board received a report an the schedule for the 2004-2010 Transportation Improvement
Program. Craig Benedict said this report is for the County Commissioners' information. It is not
necessary to vote an this. There is at least another month to submit comments.
Commissioner Gordon suggested that she and Commissioner Jacobs work with Craig
Benedict and staff and bring back a recommendation.
The Board agreed.
b. Southeast High-speed Rail Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement
The Board received a report on the southeast high-speed rail (SEHSR), and potential impacts
to Orange County.
Craig Benedict said that this is an informational report. No action is required. He noted that
there are approximately nine alternatives to the location of the high-speed rail. There is a long process
and a financially intensive process. There will be several public hearings.
Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to see a more detailed presentation of these
alternatives and the possible impacts and the Board agreed that they needed this presentation.
11. APPOINTMENTS -NONE
12. MINUTES -NONE
13. CLOSED SESSION -NONE
14. ADJOURNMENT
With no further items far the County Commissioners to consider, a motion was made by
Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adjourn the meeting at 10:33 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
The next regular meeting will be held on October 22, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. at the Government Services
Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
Stephen H. Halkiotis, Chair
Beverly A. Blythe, CMC