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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20011022APPROVED 1 11 612 0 0 2 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION OCTOBER 22, 2001 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in joint session with the Hillsborough Town Commissioners at 6:00 p.m. an October 22, 2001 at the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Stephen H. Halkiotis and Commissioners Margaret W. Brown, Moses Carey, Jr., Alice M. Gordon and Barry Jacobs HILLSBOROUGH TOWN COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Mayor Horace Johnson and Commissioners Ken Chavious, Frances L. Dancy, Evelyn Lloyd, Brian Lowen and Mark Sheridan 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} HILLSBOROUGH STAFF PRESENT: Town Manager Eric Peterson and Planning Director Margaret Hauth NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE. 1. Potential Expansion of Collaborative Efforts Between Town and County a. Boundaries, Annexation Policy & Courtesy Review The two Boards discussed the Water and Sewer Boundary Agreement. Mayor Horace Johnson said that the boundaries for the water system are not expected to grow at this time. Commissioner Brown asked about the written boundary agreement and Margaret Hauth said that the Town has adopted the Water and Sewer Boundary Agreement. Chair Halkiotis asked if the County has a recent copy of the boundary agreement. Eric Peterson said that the Town adopted the sewer and water boundary agreement that was proposed. Also, there is a 50-year water and sewer boundary line that was approved in the mid $0's. Mark Sheridan said that the more recent agreement is the Water and Sewer Boundary Agreement for which Moses Carey intended discussions. Commissioner Carey asked Geoffrey Gledhill about the water and sewer boundary Agreement and he said that the most recent action was that Chapel Hill adopted the agreement with a different map so the agreement must be reconsidered by the County Commissioners and by Carrboro. He has no plan for bringing this forward at this time. Planning Director Craig Benedict said that besides the boundary issues there are Questions on the process and enforcement provisions. The question for Orange County is does the Water and Sewer Boundary Agreement get incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. Geoffrey Gledhill said that once all parties adopt it, the next step is to make it part of the comprehensive plan, similar to the way that the JPA (Joint Planning Agreement) was developed for Chapel Hill and Carrboro. It could be incorporated into the LUP (Land Use Plan} of Hillsborough. Commissioner Brown asked how we keep the process moving. John Link said that what we had was a committee and he suggested that since the committee has disbanded that the Chair and the Mayors meet and discuss the next steps. It could go to a Joint Planning Area meeting in April, 2002. Geoffrey Gledhill said that as an intermediate step it could be brought to the County Commissioners for them to approve the changes and then forwarded to the other jurisdictions for approval. Commissioner Carey agreed with this process. It will be on an upcoming agenda. Commissioner Jacobs asked far the location of Hillsborough's ETJ and if it has ever changed and Margaret Hauth said that it has not changed since the mid 1980'x. Commissioner Jacobs said that the EDD Transportation Committee has recognized that there are a lot of issues, which will impact the Town and County areas. One of the County's proposals would include the Town's 50-year water and sewer area. It would be reasonable for the County to give the Town an opportunity to comment in an area that is now in the County's jurisdiction. He feels we could do a better job of predicting where we are going if we had one plan for the Town and surrounding County jurisdiction. Brian Lowen asked if the County Commissioners would review development proposals within the Town's jurisdiction and Commissioner Jacobs said that he is talking about reviewing applications, which are in the ETJ area of Hillsborough. Brian Lowen said that they will be considering an application for annexation of a 16 home development in the Town's ETJ and asked if this would be something the County would like to review. Commissioner Jacobs said that the County could possibly give additional information on something like this that would help the Town of Hillsborough in their assessment of the impacts created by a development of this size. Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to have an opportunity to say that these are some things the Town may want to think about before approving. Brian Lowen said that he has a problem with the size of developments that the County would review. He said that if there is a courtesy review he feels that there should be a minimum number of lots that could be approved without a courtesy review by the County. Ken Chavious said that the Town can always send the County Commissioners information and the County could decide if they want to do a courtesy review. Also, if a development comes in and asks for annexation, we should have a rule that the answer is the same whether they go to the Town first or to the County first. Commissioner Jacobs said that the County could do an impact statement ar a complete analysis so that all the impacts including water and sewer, schools, etc. are understood. Mark Sheridan said that he thought that a decision was made that we would jointly develop criteria for sharing information between the two Planning Departments. Craig Benedict said that the planning directors have met and are talking about the impacts and a cutoff for a decision of concern - is it 20 or 100. He said that there are variables to consider in every development application. There are thresholds that would be considered far some but not considered for others. He said that he and Margaret Hauth can came up with ideas but he would like input from the County Commissioners on what information they want to receive from each application. Craig Benedict said that Orange County adopted a courtesy review with some thresholds in it. However, Hillsborough's concern was the workload that would be added for this process. Mark Sheridan made reference to the Pathways project and said that it helped that both jurisdictions reviewed this project and did an analysis of the impacts created by this proposed development. He said that the Planning Directors could look at the projects and decide which projects may need a joint meeting. Frances Dancy said that it would be helpful to have a threshold for which projects would have courtesy review. Chair Halkiotis made reference to what is happening on Orange Grove Road and the Cedar Ridge Road High School. He said that they have had a concern about the traffic and have asked for a traffic light. What they did not consider was the bridge on Orange Grove Road, which is not substantial enough to hold two cars and two trucks atone time. The school system is trying to get DOT to add a bicycle lane to this bridge. Part of the process of courtesy review is to jointly support projects with local and state officials and highlight problems that we identify. We can do more together. Commissioner Jacobs said that there will be issues in the future where bath entities will need to be involved. He suggested that the County contribute to the water study that Hillsborough has been discussing. He would like far the County to split the cost of the study or match what Hillsborough is willing to put up for the study. Eric Peterson said that he feels it is generous for the County to offer to donate to this study. He said that there are a lot of rate methodologies to figure the rates but he knows how much it takes to pay for the system so a study would not benefit the County. Chair Halkiotis said that he supports Commissioner Jacobs' suggestion. The County has been talking with Mebane about water and sewer issues and the County now has a relationship with Orange Alamance. The County needs to look forward and be positive and proactive and see what the total water needs are for now and for the future. Horace Johnson made reference to the cooperation of the line in Efland. There is a plan for extending water and sewer into the Efland area west. The impact of the water study will affect the Town and the County. He appreciates the County's offer to help with the study. Eric Peterson said that the rate study is not along-term document. It would give true costs for serving out-of-town residences, rate methodology, etc. but is limited in scope. Commissioner Carey said that it is clear to him that Commissioner Jacobs made the recommendation without knowing the limited scope of the study. He hears that the rate study is more limited. However, it may be prudent that the water providers, chair of the County Commissioners and managers sit down and determine the needs. b. Parks and Recreation c. Water and Sewer d. Transportation e. Cast of Service f. Affordable Housing Nate: Time did not permit discussion on these items. 2. Presentation of Patriot's Pointe Proposal Chris Dunbar and Linda Hill are the developers and made this presentation. Chris Dunbar used maps to locate the property. He said that it is bounded by I-85, Orange Grove Road and I-40. He made reference to the County's land Use Element of their comprehensive plan which indicates that it is in the 10-year transition area. They have approached the town to annex 28.22 acres of the 245 acres. They propane an access point off of Orange Grove Road. There will be 1 building which will have 120 one-bedroom apartments, 120 two-bedroom apartments and a clubhouse will be built in the common area. There will be a lot of green space and a 3-112 acre park. The impervious surface ratio is 41-45%, which is feels is low. He showed an architectural drawing of the building. He defined affordable housing as $550 for one-bedroom units, which are 850 square feet, and $650 for the two bedroom apartments, which are 1,085 square feet. He shaved the clubhouse building using same of the same architectural flavor. Chair Halkiotis asked about the master meter. It was explained that they will use an internal system to bill each apartment. Mayor Horace Johnson asked if the clubhouse would be used by only the people in the area or would it be open far others to use. Mr. Dunbar said that they have previously leased out these facilities to other organizations or citizens. The residents will have a keycoded access and there is a video and log kept of everyone who uses the facility. Commissioner Carey asked about the water rates that would be passed on to the residents and it was clarified that it would be the actual Hillsborough rate plus $2.00 for each apartment. The owner said that they would install water conservation devices in each apartment. Commissioner Jacobs asked about sprinklers and Chris Dunbar said that they would have sprinklers. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the builtout within a year and the traffic analysis. Neal Shafer did the traffic analysis and answered various questions from Commissioners. With reference to the builtout issue they would have the clubhouse and the first apartment building finished within seven months and within nine months they would have total builtout. Commissioner Jacobs asked why they need to be annexed. Chris Dunbar said that they did an analysis and this had always been planned as an affordable housing project. Being able to offer affordable housing depends on the fees you have to pay upfront for the infrastructure. The in town fees are half as much as out-of-town fees. Also, without annexation, the residents would pay double the water fees. Commissioner Brown asked Chris Dunbar if he would be willing to talk with the Orange County Housing Corporation about the definition of affordable and consider the definition that the County has approved. He agreed to do that. Chris Dunbar clarified that each building is handicapped accessible. Chair Halkiotis thanked Chris Dunbar for the presentation and his honest answers. 3. Brief Update and Presentation on Fairview Park David Stancil said that the enhancements to Fairview Park are dependent upon the passage of the bond referendum. This is an existing 40-acre site, located in the Fairview community (north side of Hillsborough inside town Limits}. The site is adjacent to land awned by the Tawn of Hillsborough. A playground and the recently opened "Field of Dreams" exist at this park. The proposed bond funding would add a regulation soccer field, amulti-purpose field (softball/youth soccer), a picnic area and basketball court. As part of the bond package, this park would receive $850,000. Francis Dancy asked about electrical outlets and said that she allows the users of the baseball field to run electrical lines to her house. Chair Halkiotis asked that the County Manager see that electrical outlets are available soon. Mayor Horace Johnson asked if any additional soil testing would need to be done before the development of this park could proceed. John Link said that if the area they plan to use is beyond the ballfield, they will probably need to do additional testing. 4. Brief Update and Presentation Justice Facilities Planning Pam Jones made reference to the agenda abstract. The County Commissioners approved three planning groups for the justice facilities development. The first group will look at architectural selection. The second group will deal with the design of the building and the third component will deal with the interior of the building and the functions. The process is scheduled to begin soon. The County did a space study in the spring and their idea was to expand the master plan. They are trying to minimize the impact on Margaret Lane. 5. Other Matters of Mutual Interest a. A Southern Season Dave Stanch made reference to a handout he distributed. A Southern Season is leasing 80,000 square feet of the former Flynt Fabric facility at Eno and Nash Streets. They have moved into the facility. Chair Halkiotis said that this is a win-win for the town, the county and for A Southern Season. This is a moment we can be proud of. A celebration or grand opening will be done jointly by the Town and County in January. b. 250th Anniversary Dave Stanch said that September 6, 2002 will be the 250th anniversary of Orange County. He said that a small group have been meeting to brainstorm and come up with ideas far this celebration. He distributed a list of those ideas and asked for comments from both Boards. c. Solid Waste Regarding solid waste, Gayle Wilson said that the County and Town staff have begun an examination of how the County's Solid Waste Department could provide one option for performing fee-for-service solid waste collection for commercial establishments in Hillsborough when the Town discontinues this service as of July 1, 2002. That option, if pursued, could also provide enhanced opportunities to recycle certain categories of waste in the commercial sector. The Town and County could also consider the feasibility of undertaking cooperative efforts related to inert debris recycling near the County's Public Works site and the Town's yard waste management site. Chair Halkiotis said that the County Manager plans to talk to the Town Manager about expanding the Town's leaf collection. He hopes that the County and Town can work together in this effort. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the County Commissioners to consider at this 6:00 p.m. meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25. The next meeting is scheduled for this date at 7:30 p.m. at the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Stephen H. Halkiotis, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, CMC APPROVED 1 11 612 0 0 2 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION OCTOBER 22, 2001 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a work session at 7:30 p.m. on October 22, 2001 at the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Stephen H. Halkiotis and Commissioners Margaret W. Brawn, Moses Carey, Jr., Alice M. Gordon and Barry Jacobs COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Manager Rod Visser and Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below} NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE. 1. Organization Assessment - Phase I Communications Review Report John Link asked Kevin Fitzgerald to make this presentation. Kevin Fitzgerald said that this is phase I of the report. The second phase is to provide a recommendation on technology. For this phase I report, the County Commissioners requested that he include in his study a review of other studies which have been done by TJCOG, OWASA and the Town of Chapel Hill regarding Communications and that we look at a study that was recently completed by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. He said that he is not sure about what study the County Commissioners wanted him to review. The NCACC is not doing anything dealing with a strategic review related to communications. He also talked with Dee Freeman at the TJCOG and he was not sure which study the County Commissioners wanted him to review. Commissioner Jacobs said that it was a management study at OWASA done in 1996 or 1997 and at the TJCOG it was the classification and pay study. Kevin Fitzgerald said that he has looked at the County's strategic communications plan. He made reference to the written report, which summarized his interviews and his recommendation. His basic purpose was to gain understanding and to recommend specific steps to improve the communications function and to compare Orange County practices with those of peer counties and cities. He selected a total of nine governments - 6 counties and 3 cities for comparison. He listed the counties and cities. In addition he interviewed selected county representatives and a number of county staff. He reviewed the website and looked at the printed materials. He used slides to show his findings. He said that when he talked with people he told them that their comments would be confidential. Kevin Fitzgerald then summarized the results of his interviews. There appears to be consensus about the need for a communications function. However, there is really not clarity about what that communication function needs to be. What is clear is that the communication should be proactive, well coordinated, and should improve County interaction with citizens. It should present a clear message about the services provided by the County and help educate the citizens about issues of significance. The meetings on television are important but there was not a consensus that they should be live. Also, the agenda is used as a goad educational tool and used for networking at the state and national level. He read from his report, which is incorporated herein by reference. He said that there is concern that the current communication workload is a part-time responsibility for both assigned staff, and that it is not adequately coordinated. There is an uncertainty who is responsible far what. For the departments interviewed, public relations and education effort are important. There is frustration about how to proceed. There is additional concern about meeting the heavy workload expectations. There is a need for clarity around the rules or chain of responsibility for maintaining and developing content for the website. There is an interest to be sure the information is current an the web site. There is a need to be sure that we pay close attention to the Intranet and strengthen that for the workforce itself. This is important for the functioning of the departments themselves. In terms of the review of the printed materials and the website, the materials really cover the County's services. There does not appear to be any continuity in design, typeface, size, level of education of the materials. They are not well coordinated but put together by different groups or departments. He saw inconsistent use of Spanish translation in terms of the materials. With reference to the website it has substantial functionality -you can do a lot with it, there are some goad applications. However, the navigation through the site is very textual and there is a lot of variation from department to department. There are issues with the usability of the design. His interviews with other local governments told him that there is no "one way" to organize the Strategic Communications function. The scope, organization and funding of the communication function reflect the collective will of the governing board -its operation is a responsibility of the Manager. All of the units make use of the Internet to communicate to their citizens. They are also beginning to provide critical services via the web which also supports the work of the County. These services require electronic access to County information which provides for the delivery of services which is more than just providing a Webmaster to maintain the site. It is important to provide information and make the site functional. Finally, many units have a practice of insuring that employees who have interaction with the media are trained. Kevin Fitzgerald quickly went through the recommendations. The recommendations are listed below: • Consolidate the public information function under the direct supervision of the County Manager • Establish a new position, Public Information Officer (PIO), to provide leadership and management oversight of Public Information function • Designate the incumbent Communications Specialist as Orange County Webmaster with reporting relationship to the PIO. Add staffing capacity in the Commissioners office. :• Remove part-time responsibilities from the Management Analyst position and assign that position full-time to other existing functions. Chair Halkiotis asked for clarification of the webmaster's position on where the person would be housed. Kevin Fitzgerald said that the Webmaster function needs to be supervised by the PIO. The technical support needs to be the responsibility of the IS department. • Require that each department, from current staffing levels, identify a Public Information liaison. These staff will have responsibility of assuring that information contained in printed materials and website is current. • As part of the annual County Budget process, the PIO, with assistance from each County Department shall develop an annual comprehensive communication plan. •:• Assign responsibility for web site operation and maintenance to Management I nformation Services Department. Assign responsibility for developing and maintaining web site to the PIO. :• Investigate the feasibility of televising Board of County Commissioners meetings and work sessions live. • Establish a small group of Department Heads to review official printed materials and decide upon a stationary design that supports identification of Orange County as well as individual Department identity. Commissioner Brawn made reference to the staff findings where it states "There is frustration about not knowing how to proceed, as the County seems to have difficulty settling on a direction". She asked if this is specific to one department and Kevin Fitzgerald said that it was several departments. This is mare specific around the clarity of the communication function in relation to their respective department. Commissioner Brown made reference to the chain of responsibility for web content and asked how one does that. Kevin Fitzgerald said that his recommendation is to have the PIO responsible for the material an the website. The liaisons for the department would make sure that this information is updated and communicated to the webmaster. Commissioner Brown asked what was meant by "listening effort be credible". Kevin Fitzgerald said that this really referred to when there are decisions that need to be made by the County Commissioners that those decisions are communicated clearly along with any process the County Commissioners may desire. It relates to the importance of the process that will lead to an outcome that the County Commissioners desire. Commissioner Carey said that he sees several references about counties that do not write news releases and asked how they communicate to their citizens. Kevin Fitzgerald said that in some of the areas the Board has decided not to have a PIO because they want to be quiet and be seen as just getting the job done. They do not want to draw attention to what they do. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the listening efforts and said that he would be interesting in looking at this area a little more creatively. Sometimes, it seems that we are just going through the motions. Kevin Fitzgerald stressed that it helps to have good education about issues as a tool to explain what is happening. Commissioner Gordon asked if Kevin Fitzgerald looked at the job description far the Communications Specialist and if the functions would be similar. Kevin Fitzgerald said that the functions for the PIO will depend on what the County Commissioners want for this position. He said that the functions would be similar. He suggested that the County Commissioners recruit a person who has a level of expertise with the media. She asked what the difference is between what he is recommending and the original Communication Specialist position. He said that his thinking is that we would want someone with five to ten years experience who would be a senior level position. 2. Brief Updatelpresentation on Chapel Hill Township Park/Educational Campus ERCD Director David Stancil gave the County Commissioners an update on what is happening with the Chapel Hill Township Park/Educatianal Campus. He did a paver point presentation to show what is on the site now and what is proposed. The house was built in 1929 and is in good condition. There is a 5-acre meadow at the entrance which goes back toward the pond. There are trees like white ash, pecans and oaks which surround the farmstead area. There are wildflowers and a 3-acre pond. There is a Carrboro greenway connection and picnic areas. David Stancil said that the road runs along the entire southern boundary. There is an old cabin, probably dating back to the 19t" century an the southeast portion of the property. The northern part of the site is known as the Hunter site. They have looked at the possible activities an this site. Elementary School #10 and other future school facilities could be located on this portion of the property. The agenda includes a draft process for moving forward on making some decisions about this property. He talked about the draft concept plan. He made reference to the map and said that the area along Old 86 was identified as law impact recreation area. David Stancil asked for the County Commissioners direction on what staff should do to further develop this site. Commissioner Jacobs asked about running the road along Duke Forest and David Stancil said that Duke University has expressed an interest in doing just that. There may also be same other opportunities to work with Duke in offering educational opportunity for the students. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to a letter from Carrboro asking for a site far a public works facility. David Stancil said that they would need additional information an how the public works facility would be designed. It is too early to comment on this request. Commissioner Gordon said that we had indicated to the owners that the land was going to be used far a park or a school; and the money used to purchase the property came mainly from park bond funds and school park reserve funds. Our credibility with future sellers would be in question if the owners were told we would only do certain things with the property and then we used it for some other purpose. John Link mentioned that there needs to be a meeting sa that the County, Carrboro Board of Aldermen and the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools can talk about the functions for this property. Chair Halkiotis said that the vision includes a separate entrance for the park and the school and a road adjacent to the Duke Forest property. David Stanch said that the connector road to the north could serve the school. He is talking about two access points -one for the active recreation area and one for the school. Chair Halkiotis said that he likes the idea that the road entrances are separate. Commissioner Brown asked if David Stanch would look at other projects where a school and park are shared or colocated to get other ideas. Commissioner Gordon said that she has been on the property and it is beautiful. She said that the County Commissioners need to decide what information the County Commissioners want to give to the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools and to have a dialogue with them. John Link said that a meeting has already been held with school administrative staff to share information. Commissioner Jacobs said that he feels that we should meet jointly with the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools and the Carrboro Board of Aldermen. He suggested approving the committee as indicated in the agenda abstract and then meet with the schools. Commissioner Gordon said that the County Commissioners need to be proactive in what we expect as a group of County Commissioners. It is a little soon to get the Master Plan Work Group together. The County Commissioners need to do more than just look at it before the Work Group is charged. Chair Halkiotis asked about a formal report on what happened at the meeting John Link had with school staff. John Link said that the meeting consisted of David Stanch giving a report. There were no decisions made or commitments. We know that Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools want to move ahead with Elementary School #10 and Carrboro wants to site a public works facility. He feels it is important to wait until after November 6 and the bonds pass before moving forward. Chair Halkiotis said that he wants to protect this property and does not want to be rushed into a decision because of a school being planned or other facilities. Commissioner Jacobs said that the process he is suggesting is to meet with the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools and the Board of Aldermen and receive their comments. Then the County Commissioners will make the decision on what they want for this property. There are a lot of questions about Elementary School #10, which have not been answered. He would like to hear what these groups have to say. Commissioner Brown asked a question about the groups which are meeting. Commissioner Gordon said that she and Commissioner Jacobs are on the Carrboro group, which met 2 times with the purpose of letting Carrboro, know about the property. Another group was the Board of County Commissioners work group to develop recommendations. Commissioner Gordon and Commissioner Brown are in this second group. They volunteered to work with the schools on their part of the plan. John Link volunteered that staff will provide a summary of each activity that has taken place. This will include Commissioner Gordon and Commissioner Brown's planning for the total site, activity of the meeting with the schools, a summary of the discussion this evening and Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioner Gordon on their meetings with Carrboro. Commissioner Gordon suggested having one more group meeting with Commissioner Brown on this property. Commissioner Jacobs asked where the road is that Carrboro is proposing from Old 86. He is not sure he does not agree that the roads should be connected. He said the Master Plan Work Group needs to include a member of the Northern Transition group as well as a Recreation & Parks representative and a representative from Chapel Hill. Also both Greenways commissions should be represented and a representative from each school board. Commissioner Gordon would like more than one school board member from each system. She suggested replacing the elected officials with the greenways representative. Commissioner Gordon said it would be helpful if this general map is what would be considered. An environmental understanding of what can be located where would be helpful. Commissioner Brawn asked that David Stancil give a rationale for the design. Chair Halkiotis asked what the discussion was on the number of school sites. David Stancil used a map and showed generally where the schools could be and where the parks could be. The Commissioners were in general agreement with the map. Commissioner Brown asked if there is a plan for taking care of this property. David Stancil said that he would bring forth a report next month. Chair Halkiotis asked that David Stancil provide in this report haw the Sheriff is interfacing with this plan and haw he plans to protect the buildings. David Stancil said that he has a plan to meet with the Sheriff and Pam Janes to go out to the site and talk about security. 3. Little River Park Advisory Committee Interim Report Rich Shaw, Land Conservation Manager, said that the Little River Park Advisory Committee met seven times last year and presented to the County Commissioners the first of August an interim report. The committee report contained a set of recommendations on what uses should be allowed in the park. The recommendations are provided in three categories as listed below: Allowed uses -hiking trails, picnic area, hard surf loop trail, playground, etc. Conditional uses -horseback riding, mountain biking, group camping, etc. Prohibited uses -motorized vehicles, hunting, firearms When the recommendations were made in August, there was a request from the County Commissioners for additional information. Staff responses were included in the agenda packet as well as a prioritized list of facilities proposed for the park. Commissioner Brown asked for the location of the horse trails and discussion ensued on the viability of this activity. Commissioner Brawn said that she would like to see individual campsites provided on this property. Rich Shaw said that it could be done with oversight. The committee sees more variables that would involve more management than a local government could provide. Commissioner Brawn wants to see this park have uses so that as many people as possible could participate. She see the necessity of having someone on site 24-hours a day. Commissioner Brawn said that she is concerned how the funding is spent. She would like it spent carefully. It seems to her that $5,000 is a lot of money far a few people who are actively pursuing their hobby. She feels that those who enjoy horseback riding could raise the money for these trails. Commissioner Gordon feels that with some of these activities, there will need to be mare staff than there would be for low impact recreational facilities. Commissioner Carey feels that mast of the concerns that Commissioner Brawn has about camping can be addressed. He said that having someone out there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year can be an expensive proposition. He would like to see the property actively used with part of the property being preserved. Chair Halkiotis said that his vision would be to have a small home an the property with a septic system and a well. There will be a small shower area with a public toilet. You have your rules and regulations which are enforced by a caretaker who lives in the house. He feels that mountain bikes and a small campground are compatible uses. He suggested that horses not be allowed. Rich Shaw said that there is an old house located near the entrance on this property that would need to be renovated before someone could live in it. Commissioner Brown asked about the grant. David Stancil said that the amount is $262,000 which needs to be used for this property by September, 2002. Commissioner Jacobs suggested that we go ahead and look at the recommendation, authorize the staff to solicit bids to develop a concept plan, investigate the feasibility of someone living on site as a caretaker, talk to the people who live in the area, especially the equestrian people and see if they are willing to provide sweat equity to build the trails. Commissioner Gordon asked what would be needed to put in trails for mountain bikes. Rich Shaw showed that these trails could be located in the southeast area. A person from the audience said that he just came back from Dupont Forest in Brevard and they built multiuse trails which can be used for equestrian trails, hikers and mountain bikers. Commissioner Gordon asked if there is a consensus to not support equestrian interest unless there is further input. Commissioner Carey said that he was at the Blowing Rack State Park where he hiked on a trail where horseback riders and hikers shared the same trails. He does not see why it would not work here. Commissioner Brown said that there are always safety issues with horses. She has a problem with having horse trailers in the parking area because of the damage they do to an area. Commissioner Jacobs said that he feels we should put equestrian trails in the concept plan and put it in priority order with the adjacent property owners developing the trails. The Board decided that horseback riding would not be in phase I unless there is additional information. It was decided that camping should happen and would be conditional upon having a person on site. John Link's recommendation was to adopt the basic recommendation with the County Commissioners own conditions and move forward with what the two counties agree. We would explain reservations on other activities. This would leave the door open for how we would work together on other activities. David Stancil will write up for Board action what the County Commissioners agree will be the allowed uses, the conditional uses and conditions on the conditional uses. John Link said that a proactive motion here would be to confirm the uses we want and those we don't and express the conditions or reservations an others. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Chair Halkiotis to authorize ERCD and the Recreation and Parks staff to proceed with soliciting bids for a contractor to develop a concept plan for the proposed park facilities and to work with Durham County to develop a draft interlocal agreement for park management and use, for the Board's review and decision at a future meeting. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 4. Orange County Comprehensive Plan Development Work Session on 11111 5. Sustainability Indicators Report for Orange County and Demographic Change Report Work Session on 11111 ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the County Commissioners to consider at this 7:30 p.m. meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20. The next meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2001 at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Stephen H. Halkiotis, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, CMC