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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20011107APPROVED 2/5/2002 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING November 7, 2001 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, November 7, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Stephen H. Halkiatis and Commissioners Margaret W. Brown, Alice M. Gordon, and Barry Jacobs COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Moses Carey, Jr. 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. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Halkiotis dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA The board agreed to add a resolution to the agenda. This resolution is entitled "Nuclear Facility Risk Reduction and Security Enhancement." This will be item 5-a. 2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters not on the Printed Aaenda Jim Singleton said that he would give three examples of noise. First, is that of a gun, which shoots blanks but sounds like a 12-gauge shotgun. The second example is that of trucks rumbling down the street. The third example is an 18-wheeler trying to go up a hill. He hears this kind of noise every single night on highway 70 East. The highest number of trips was 265 an Palm Sunday of this year. A contractor working for Chandler Concrete operated these trucks. He said that it was not Chandler Concrete's fault and that they are good neighbors. He is requesting an amendment to the Orange County Noise Ordinance. The noise ordinance states that the noise level should be no more than 60 decibels Sunday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and no more than 50 decibels between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. He said that the 18-wheelers were generating considerably more than 50 decibels between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. There is an exception to the existing noise ordinance, which is, "Noise measurements shall be taken at the corner of the primary structure," etc. The exception grants an exemption to any noise coming from a motor vehicle properly equipped with the manufacturer's standard mufflers and noise reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition. He said that probably all of those 18-wheelers coming by his house in the middle of the night are equipped with these mufflers, but they have no proper use of a residential street at that time of day creating that type of noise day in and day out. He said that DOT had a survey set up at his corner and there were aver 200 trucks in an 8-hour period. He requested that the Sheriff monitor the noise level at Lawrence Road and NC70 bypass at least twice a day (early in the morning and late in the afternoon), and if the noise exceeds the decibel level that is in the ordinance that the ordinance be amended to take out the exclusion exempting proper mufflers on everything. He has spoken with the Sheriff, Sergeant Horton {monitors noise for the County}, and the attorney who advises the Sheriff's department many times. They all have expressed sympathy to the problem, but the problem is that the wording of the noise ordinance itself grants an exemption to any of the trucks with the proper mufflers installed by the manufacturer and in proper working condition. A proper muffler an anything does not mean that it meets the noise ordinance. The exemption that was granted in this particular case was probably granted because a normally installed muffler should work. The fact that it meets the legal definition does not mean that it is legal. He said that the trucks were not supposed to be loud, but they are. Chair Halkiotis said that this would be forwarded to the Manager. Mr. Singleton will submit information to the Manager in writing. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered as the Board addressed the items on the agenda below.} 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Gordon said that Triangle J Council of Governments is inquiring of member jurisdictions if they wish to join together to form a rural transportation planning organization. She suggested that Commissioner Jacobs and she look into this and gather such information that may be appropriate and bring back to the board. Commissioner Gordon asked what happened to our request for our Jordan Lake water allocation. John Link said that he would let the County Commissioners know as soon as he receives an official response. He said that there has been some positive response to the request. Commissioner Gordon said that she attended the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board meeting. She mentioned that notes were taken by Gene Bell and that he will prepare a report for the County Commissioners' information. One of the major items was a report on potential sites for a third high school. Steve Scroggs presented a map of the dwellings, the two high schools, and the Eubanks Road site. The school board is quite interested in pursuing a third high school in their district. Chair Halkiotis asked for a copy of the report as soon as possible. It will be transmitted as part of the Manager's memo later this week. Commissioner Jacobs received an email today that the Region IV Office of Environmental Justice of EPA would have grants available to assist community-based grassroots organizations working on local solutions to local environmental problems. Citizen groups and churches would be eligible. He would like for County staff to work with the People for Progress in the Buckhorn community that have some issues regarding water and sewer. Maybe some of this money can be used to help remedy some of their concerns. Commissioner Jacobs said that DOT, through its rail division, is proposing to close the railroad crossing at West Hill Avenue and Dimmocks Mill Road. He asked that a member of our staff be present at the open house public meeting at Hillsborough Elementary School on Thursday, November 15 from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. to indicate that Orange County may have a position on this proposed closing. He feels this will have a significant impact on west Hillsborough. Commissioner Jacobs said that he understands that the University has put together another group to look at the next phase of the Horace Williams tract. He wants to be sure that the County Commissioners are involved in this process. Jahn Link said that the County Commissioners would receive a summary of what is planned from Planning Director Craig Benedict. Commissioner Jacobs thanked and congratulated the citizens of Orange County. He feels that the vote on the bonds was a step forward. A lot of citizens put in a lot of time to formulate the package that went to the voters, putting up signs and promoting the needs of all Orange County citizens in a fiscally responsible manner. Commissioner Brown thanked the public for supporting the County bonds. Commissioner Brown attended a meeting this week that was sponsored by David Price far Health Directors. It explained some of the initiatives taking place for federal funding for the state in response to the terrorist attacks. She said that it did not speak to how local counties would be involved in the process, but it did explain same initiatives at the state level and in public health and emergency management. There was no discussion about a terrorist attack at a nuclear power plant. She thought this was peculiar. Chair Halkiotis said that what we are learning is that because of the technical expertise developed by Orange County that we may be ahead of other entities in preparing for terrorist attacks. Chair Halkiotis said that he has signed letters of congratulations to newly elected officials that Clerk to the Board Beverly Blythe put together on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners. He asked Beverly Blythe to put together some additional letters for those who have held office and either chose not to run far reelection or were not successful yesterday. These include Allen Spalt, Mayor Horace Johnson, Brian Lawen, Lee Pavao, Joyce Brown, and Mayor Rosemary Waldorf. Chair Halkiotis thanked the citizens who voted yesterday. He also thanked the Sheriff who received a grant for $24,268 from the U.S. Justice Department for reimbursement of same of the costs for holding federal prisoners in the Orange County jail. Orange County was one out of 517 eligible local entities out of a total of 3,140 that had applied. Chair Halkiotis asked that the County Manager set up a process for spending/allocating the bond monies. He suggested that two County Commissioners be part of the process. John Link said that at the County Commissioners' retreat an Saturday, December 8 (this has since been moved to February) he will make a presentation on the process. Chair Halkiotis made reference to the recruitment and selection process for Assistant County Manager. He feels there needs to be some kind of Commissioner involvement in the process. He thinks this position is critically important. Commissioner Gordon agreed that a County Commissioner needs to be involved in the selection of an Assistant County Manager. She also thanked all of those people who had worked an the bond education process. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link said that he has a number of people that he would like to recognize tonight. The first is Susan Clifford, Senior Public Health Educator in the County's Health Department. She has, with other staff members, developed the Child Health Awareness Project. This project received the Outstanding Health Education Project Award from the North Carolina Society for Public Health Education. This award acknowledges that for the first year of their project 15 LatinolHispanic women were trained as child health promoters. These 15 women in turn passed information and referrals along to 120 families in just a six-month period. They have also produced information on child safety relative to kitchen safety published in both Spanish and English. They are now in the process of training 12 women for the Northern Center in Cedar Grove. John Link recognized Director of Human Rights and Relations Annette Moore who has been elected to serve on the National Board of Directors for the National Association of Human Rights Workers. She is also serving as Vice-President in North Carolina far the same association. John Link recognized Mike Lanier who is our new Agricultural Economic Development Coordinator. John Link recognized Bill Matthews who is in charge of the Wheels for Work vehicle donation program in the Department on Aging. Bill Matthews said that the goal was to acquire three cars per month and they have accomplished that goal. There have been 21 cars received and placed in homes for low-income working families who are in desperate need of transportation. Bill Matthews shared a brochure with the County Commissioners. He thanked the Commission far Women who had the vision to develop this program. John Link reported that Durham Tech began its first computer class at the Northern Human Services Center last evening. They will offer two additional courses next semester and other classes next fall. John Link made reference to information that he distributed on a conference that will be held December 10-12 in Pinehurst. The conference is an the changes in the mental health statutes and the present plan proposed by the Secretary of Human Services. On Tuesday, December 11t", they will talk about how the local entities are expected to develop a business plan and work with other counties to develop a new approach to mental health delivery. By next October each County is supposed to submit to the state what the County's plan ar structure will be far delivery of services. He said that the County Commissioners' Association is planning to have aone-day seminar the latter part of January for all County Commissioners devoted to this topic. Chair Halkiotis said that his concern continues to be the financial impact on counties and the new fiscal responsibilities assumed. He asked if the Manager had heard anything about this. John Link said that the buck would only be passed if the County wants to participate in having the buck passed. From what he was told today, the counties will have the latitude to determine to what extent they will be involved as the lead management entity and to what extent services are continued as public services as apposed to being contracted to private vendors. 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS -NONE ADDED ITEM a. Nuclear Facilit Risk Reduction and Security Enhancement Chair Halkiotis asked that the County Commissioners consider adopting a resolution calling far increased security and risk reduction related to the use, shipment, and storage of nuclear materials associated with the Shearon Harris nuclear power plant in Wake County. He asked Jahn Link to check with Durham County to find out about the resolution that was passed regarding this issue. Commissioner Gordon said that it is very important that Orange County have a reasonable evacuation plan. Commissioner Brown wants to make sure that this resolution is sent to the Director of Emergency Management, the Head of the School of Public Health, and the Director of Public Health for the state, the FBI Director at the state, and Congressman Price. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve the resolution as stated below: A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF RISK REDUCTION AND SECURITY ENHANCEMENT RELATED TO THE USE, TRANSPORT, AND STORAGE OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS AT THE SHEARON HARRIS POWER PLANT WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has a long and well-established practice of advocating for greater public involvement in the decision-making process about the use, shipment, and storage of nuclear materials that could have devastatingly adverse consequences for hundreds of thousands of central North Carolina residents in the event of natural or man-made disasters; and WHEREAS, the September 11, 2441 terrorist attacks on the United States have provided ample reason for thoughtful people to reconsider the accepted definition of what kinds of disasters are "reasonable foreseeable": and WHEREAS, a terrorist attack on the Shearon Harris nuclear facility could result in catastrophic release of radiation that could kill or incapacitate countless North Carolina residents and poison the environment long into the future; and WHEREAS, news reports indicate that Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge has encouraged State governors to increase police presence at nuclear facilities and that governors in at least seven states have ordered National Guard personnel to duty to enhance security; and WHEREAS, Carolina Power & Light continues to transport high level nuclear waste between plants, thereby unnecessarily creating potential targets of opportunity for persons of evil intent; and WHEREAS, contingency plans for protective and remedial actions and for evacuations from areas other than those in the immediate vicinity of the Harris plant appear to be limited, generally untested, and not well-publicized; and WHEREAS, there are feasible measures to decrease the likelihood for attacks, including cessation of nuclear waste transports and a half to increasing the stockpile of nuclear waste at Shearon Harris; and WHEREAS, there are feasible measures that could prevent or dramatically reduce the potential consequences in case of attacks, including use of dry storage of waste and lower density racking if cooling pools are used; and WHEREAS, protection of public health and safety is a responsibility that must be shared by CP&L; local, state, and federal officials; and the public; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby support the minimization of risks associated with potential terrorist attacks at Shearon Harris and other regional nuclear facilities to the maximum extent possible; and does hereby support measures that would decrease the attractiveness of nuclear facilities as potential targets, decrease the potential loss of life in the event of attack, and upgrade evacuation and emergency response planning and resources; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby urge the Governor to deploy National Guard forces, as has been done in at least seven other states, to increase the level of security at regional nuclear facilities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby urge that CP&L be required to share in the burden of costs of initiating these and other safety measures. This, the 7t" day of November 2001. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. ABC Board Report The Board heard a report on operations for the prior year from the ABC Board Chair. John Link presented Dave Walters, Chair of the ABC Board, who gave a report for 2000- 2001. He said that the fiscal year 2000-2001 was a good year. There was a continuation of the capital improvements program that had been started, including major reconstruction, new HVAC systems, and the purchase of a new patrol car for the Sheriff's Department. Gross sales were up 8.4% for a total gross sales before taxes of $8.8 million. This allowed acast-of-living increase of 2.75% and a merit pay pool increase of $35,000. Harris Teeter has said that they will need the space, but the ABC store will be relocated in the same shopping center. The Carrboro stare will be expanded in 2002-2003. The ABC Board is currently in the process of finding a new general manager for the system because the general manager retired in October. The goal of the ABC Board has been and will continue to be to provide the citizens of Orange County with a safe, clean environment in the selection of a product they are seeking to purchase, and at the same time maintain the element of control as established by the state ABC Commission. Commissioner Brawn asked about the plans for the ABC store at the Harris Teeter shopping center. Mr. Walters said that their plan is to relocate into another store in that same shopping center. Commissioner Brown asked if expanding benefits to the ABC employees would include 401 K and Mr. Walters said that they would consider this option this coming year. She would like to see the benefits for ABC employees match those of County government employees. Commissioner Gordon asked for a copy of the ABC budget and a copy of their financial report. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to employee benefits and urged the ABC Board to provide for the ABC employees the same benefits that Orange County employees receive. Commissioner Jacobs asked why the ABC Board chose not to utilize the County's Personnel Director to help in the selection process for the new ABC Director and Dave Walters said that it was a Board decision to use an outside consultant. He does have great respect for the County's Personnel Director. The consultant will be paid $2,500. Chair Halkiotis mentioned some financial data, which Dave Walters explained to his satisfaction. Commissioner Brown asked about the expenditure at the Harris Teeter store and asked about the lease and Mr. Walters said that they did expand that store which accounts for a higher lease amount. He will let the County know if it can assist the ABC Board with this situation. Commissioner Brawn asked about the amount of money given to the Sheriff's Department and to the school systems. Dave Walters said that the school systems receive certain amounts based on enrollment. The Sheriff's Department allocation stayed the same this year. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Regulated Recyclable Materials Ordinance The Board held a public hearing to receive public comment on a draft Regulated Recyclable Materials Ordinance. Assistant County Manager Rod Visser said that the purpose of this agenda item was to receive public comment about a proposed regulated recyclable materials ordinance that has been in development far the past 12-15 months. It represents one of the major recommendations from the C&D Recycling Task Force that met from late 1999 through the summer of 2000. It recognizes that about 113 of the County's waste stream is made up of C&D materials and has been untapped in terms of what the County can do to try to improve per capita reduction in solid waste. Solid Waste Director Gayle Wilson made a power point presentation, which is incorporated herein by reference. In summary, he explained the various parts of the ordinance. He said that this ordinance would fundamentally change the way construction waste is managed in Orange County. Chair Halkiotis made reference to page four of the ordinance and asked about the proposal an the state regulation of agricultural operations related to burning activities. County Attorney Geoffrey Gledhill said that because development permits in counties are not regulated through the zoning regulations, then those development permits would not apply to agricultural practices. This regulation is regulating solid waste and the burning of trees and stumps for a development activity. The burning of trees and stumps in an agricultural activity is exactly the same activity being done for a different purpose. It creates an ordinance problem to exempt one activity and include the other. Commissioner Brown asked about going to the municipalities to ask them to consider adopting this ordinance. Geoffrey Gledhill said that this ordinance would apply everywhere outside of the municipal boundaries until and unless it is adopted by resolution by one of the Towns. Commissioner Jacobs asked which ordinances the County has that are similarly adopted by the municipalities. Geoffrey Gledhill said that the County's Erosion Control Ordinance is in place in Carrboro, Hillsborough, and the Orange County portion of Mebane. Chapel Hill has adopted, carte blanche, the Orange County Erosion Control Ordinance and works with the County because part of Chapel Hill is not in Orange County. Also the Animal Control Ordinance is at work in Hillsborough. There are several other ordinances, which have been adopted by municipalities. Chair Halkiotis reminded the public that this was a draft ordinance. CITIZEN COMMENTS Vaughn Compton said that the way this ordinance is written does not affect him. He would like to see this ordinance adopted with consideration far the farmers of Orange County. He sells firewood. He asked about the difference between people burning stumps and 1,000 people burning fireplaces and wood staves. Geoffrey Gledhill said that this ordinance is not regulating emissions but it is regulating solid waste. The wood sold and used in fireplaces is not solid waste. Johnny Johnson is a private hauler. He asked that the County Commissioners consider the illegal dumping and to not penalize someone else for someone illegally dumping on their property. He feels that this ordinance will cause an increase in illegal dumping. Reese Martin, a grading and clearing contractor from Northern Orange County, said that the materials generated from an agricultural standpoint and from a development standpoint have to be dealt with. He is concerned that the issue of doing away with the burning is going to cause a problem with what to do with the materials. He purchased a piece of equipment that allows him to burn at a high temperature with virtually na smoke. He asked for an exemption from the burning ordinance if this type of equipment were used. He distributed a brochure describing this piece of equipment. This machine cost $30,000. Jim Meloy, a member of the Remodelers Council of the Hamebuilders Association of Durham and Orange County, said that the association supports this ordinance, but the County Commissioners need to understand that this activity will increase the cost of a home in Orange County. Section 6 4-B of the ordinance includes too long of a waiting period for the review of building permits that involve demolition or deconstruction. The time uncertainty will add to the cost of the projects in Orange County. Commissioner Jacobs asked about a threshold for remodeling and other homeowner repairs and renovations that would be exempt. Gayle Wilson said that the threshold was eliminated, but in practice, there would be a limited number of demolition projects that would be subject to the delay. Richard Leber spoke as a member of the C&D task force. He said that the task force felt that recycling today was a goad idea to extend the life of the landfill here in Orange County. Another feeling of the task force was that Orange County residents should be responsible to take care of those items that we can within the County itself and recycle if passible. The third item is that there is a feeling that some items have more economic value than other values. Howard McAdams said that the farmers of Orange County strongly object to the solid waste proposal, which contains the provision to prohibit burning of stumps, brush, and trees from clearing land for agricultural uses. The main objections are that there would be great additional cast to alternative methods of taking care of the trees and brush left from clearing of land for agricultural use. Also, the farmers have no way of passing this additional cost to the people because they are usually not able to set the prices they receive for their products. Developers can pass increased costs along to buyers of their land. There are relatively small amounts of land cleared each year for agricultural use in Orange County. Occasionally situations arise where farmers want to even out a field, reclaim a grownup field, or clean up pastures where trees have fallen from hurricanes or wind storm damages such as we have seen in the past several years. Farmers need to have the ability to continue to burn this debris to make their operations feasible. Increased costs of doing business from new regulations add to the difficulty of maintaining farming profitability. Anything that affects profitability discourages agriculture and makes it harder for those currently in farming to keep farming. He said that tax records would show if land was in land use and it would be easy to distinguish developed land from agricultural land. He also asked that there be exemptions from storm damage burning. Chair Halkiotis asked Karen McAdams, Mr. McAdams' wife, if there is a record of how much land is cleared for agricultural uses and she said that her estimate is about 75 acres. The other uses are very limited. The land clearing would be the largest use. James Horner, a sod farmer in northern Orange County, said that he opposes the burning ban far agricultural use. If he expands his operation, the cost would be too much if he could not burn. Chair Halkiotis said that he would personally not want to do anything that would hurt Mr. Horner's business. He congratulated him on his sod operation. Chair Halkiotis asked about haw often a tub grinder is brought in and Gayle Wilson said that he brings it in about two or three times a year. They wait until they have 2,000 tons of yard waste material. It costs $10.00 a ton to grind the debris. He said that, as a part of the ordinance, the implementation plan recommends that Orange County acquire such a tub grinder. It is possible that an arrangement could be made with legitimate agricultural purposes to operate the grinder at some kind of reduced rate to assist the farmers. He is not sure if it would be legal to do this for farmers and not for developers. Ed Houser, owner of a general contracting business, asked that the County Commissioners consider how they can sort the waste out in a reasonable space so that people could get their work done. He said that there should be roam to sort the waste. Sue Sweezy, from Recycling for Youth, talked about the illegal dumping that is done at the site they maintain for wooden skids. She said that her understanding is that there would be lower tipping fees for those who separate materials and there are also three new positions. She asked for the financial information an the tipping fees and also the new positions. Commissioner Brown asked staff for a list of ways of sorting construction debris onsite. The Board would like to see some creative ideas about allowing burning far agricultural uses. Commissioner Jacobs would also like staff to come back with ideas about establishing a threshold below which renovations would be exempt. Commissioner Brawn would also like the staff to come back with some type of response to the storm damage issue. Commissioner Brown would also like the staff to come back with some of the economic issues of this ordinance. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brawn to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Brawn to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below: a. Appointments The Board approved appointments to the Economic Development Commission and Workforce Development Board. Robert B. Ward was appointed to a term ending June 20, 2004 on the Economic Development Commission. Phyllis West was appointed to a term ending June 30, 2003 to the Workforce Development Board. b. Minutes The Board approved minutes from the following meetings: April 3, 2001 regular meeting, April 26, 2001 meeting with the Board of Health, April 16, 2001 budget work session, April 17, 2001 meeting with UNC-Chapel Hill, April 17, 2001 regular meeting, April 19, 2001 Assembly of Governments, April 25, 2001 work session, May 14, 2001 budget work session, May 24, 2001 budget presentation, May 29, 2001 quarterly public hearing, and May 31, 2001 budget public hearing. c. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Refunds The Board approved four requests for motor vehicle property tax refunds amounting to $337.48 in accordance with the refund resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference. d. Property Tax Refunds The Board approved five requests for property tax refunds amounting to $1,207.46 in accordance with the refund resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference. e. Property Value Chances The Board approved property value changes after the 2001 Board of Equalization and Review adjourned in accordance with the resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference. f. Late Applications for Property Homestead Exemptions The Board approved four late applications far granting a homestead exemption for the 2001 tax year in accordance with the resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference. ~ Applications for Property Tax Exemption The Board approved untimely applications for granting exempt status from ad valorem taxes for the 2001 tax year in accordance with the resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference. h. Classification Plan Amendment -Senior Accounting Technician The Board amended the County classification and pay plan by changing the class title and salary grade of the existing class of senior accounting technician at salary grade 64 to accounting technician supervisor at salary grade 66, with a hiring range of $29,266-35,571. i. Resolution Giving Notice of Salary Adjustment far Sheriff and Register of Deeds The Board approved the resolution, which is stated below, to give notice of adjustment in salary for the Sheriff and Register of Deeds. Resolution Giving Notice to all Candidates far the Register of Deeds and Sheriff Positions In Orange County The Orange County Board of Commissioners, as authorized by North Carolina General Statutes 153A- 92, has set the starting salaries for the Sheriff and Register of Deeds positions as provided below. This will affect the individuals elected to these offices when they take office. All other compensation elements including expense allowances are as set forth in the Orange County Personnel Ordinance. The starting salary for the Sheriff's position will be Step 1 of Salary Grade 80 in the Orange County Classification and Pay Plan. The Step 1 salary is $57,938. The starting salary for the Register of Deeds position will be Step 1 of Salary Grade 78 in the Orange County Classification and Pay Plan. The Step 1 salary is $52,554. This Resolution will not be altered or amended until after the persons elected Sheriff and Register of Deeds in the 2002 election for those positions take office. Thereafter, the Board of Commissioners may adjust the starting salary of the candidate elected considering the years of service and performance in related experience of the person elected. L Appointment of Animal Cruelty Investigators The Board approved the appointment of Laura Walters and Darra Das as county-appointed animal cruelty investigators for 2001-2002. k. Master Aging Plan Adult Day Health Services Initiative The Board released $25,000 in Master Aging Plan funds set aside to plan and develop an adult day health center in central Orange County. t. LeaselLicense Renewal Agreement -Alternate Daily Landfill Cover The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a renewal of a licensellease agreement with Landfill Service Corporation to provide material that is sprayed on the working face of the landfill each day, in accordance with State regulations. m. Justice Facilities Site Expanded Master Plan The Board retained Freeman-White Architects to develop an expanded master plan far the downtown caurtlGSC campus. n. Bid Award: Hook-lift Truck for Recycling Program The Board awarded a bid for ahook-lift truck for servicing the County and municipal recycling drop-off centers for magazines, mixed paper and plastic/metal containers. o. Bid Award: Epoxy Floor Covering at Jail The Board awarded a bid for the application of an epoxy floor covering in certain sections of the Orange County jail. ~ Contract Approval: CTL Roofing Consultant The Board retained the services of CTL Engineering, Inc. to design the FY 2001-2002 roofing projects at County buildings. g_ Lease Status at 541 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENTE AGENDA g_ Lease Status at 501 W. Franklin Street. Chapel Hill The Board considered tenancy of the suites at 501 W. Franklin Street presently occupied by Coldwell Banker and the Visitor's Bureau. Commissioner Brown said that she has always had a concern about parking at the Skills Development Center, which only has 33 spaces. Director of Central Stores and Purchasing Pam Jones said that Coldwell Banker has been there since the County purchased the property. No one has designated parking spaces. A motion was made by Commissioner Brawn, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to: 1. Authorize the Director of Purchasing and Central Services to provide written notice to Coldwell Banker of the County's intent to non-renew the lease which expires on February 28, 2402 and offer a lease extension through May 31, 2002 to allow sufficient time for them to relocate; and 2. Approve the request of the Visitor's Bureau to occupy the space currently leased by Coldwell Banker; and request that the Director of Purchasing and Central Services prepare a lease for future Commissioner consideration reflecting the terms and conditions cited in the memo included in the agenda which is in the permanent agenda files in the Clerk's office. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA a. Proposed New Child Protective Services Positions Funded by Federal TANF Funds The Board considered establishing two new permanent full-time child protection social workers and one child protection supervisor to be funded at 100 percent under the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. John Link noted that the County Commissioners approved some eight months ago, four new positions in the Child Protective Services. There were four other positions that were delayed until the new DSS Director was hired. He supports this recommendation to establish two new permanent full-time child protection social workers and one child protection supervisor to be funded at 100 percent under the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Commissioner Gordan clarified that this funding is long-term and Jahn Link indicated that this is a federal funding source that is supposed to be long-term. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the startup costs and DSS Director Nancy Colton said that these start-up costs would be funded by federal monies. In answer to a question from Commissioner Jacobs, John Link said that it is a state and federal mandate to carry out child protection services. He would not recommend cutting the position if the federal funding were cut because it is a legal mandate. Nancy Colton pointed out that this was not competitive grant funding, but an allocation that has been available to Orange County all along. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the mandated services of other departments. He would like to be consistent in what is asked of staff and how positions should be treated. John Link said that not all positions are created alike because there are certain basic and core functions that the County must provide (i.e., EMS, Child Protective Services, etc.}. He said that there was not one policy that should be implemented uniformly across all County departments. Chair Halkiotis suggested setting up a small group to work with the Manager and staff and look at this for the future. Commissioner Gordan pointed out that these are important positions having to do with the safety of children. She hopes that it can be worked out so that we can go forward with these positions. If we have to wait, let us not wait too long. Commissioner Brown said that we have looked at these positions since the last budget. They are so valuable and needed and she does not want to hesitate any longer to make these positions available to Social Services. She fully supports these positions. The issue of state and federal funding of positions is a separate issue that does need to be addressed. However, these positions should be approved right now. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordan, seconded by Commissioner Brawn to approve establishing the proposed three new positions (one Child Protective Service Social Work Supervisor and two Child Protective Services Social Workers) in the child welfare program at Social Services effective November 1, 2001, and approved the use of the remaining funds to prepare office space and acquire needed equipment. VOTE: AYES, 3; NO, 1 {Commissioner Jacobs -supports the nature of the position, but he thinks we need to work out the consistency of our approach, procedures, and policies before we take an action) b. Child Care Scholarship Fund The Board considered approving a childcare scholarship fund promotion and fundraising plan, and awarding $40,000 in County funds to the Orange County Partnership for Young Children for child care scholarships for law-income working families. John Link said that the $40,000 would address at least 15 families over the remainder of the year. He made reference to the series of steps an page four of the agenda abstract. Commissioner Gordon asked John Link about the $40,000. He said that these were funds approved under the miscellaneous code by the County Commissioners for this purpose. Commissioner Jacobs said that under the recommendations, there is a reference to development of a plan and asked who was going to do this and the time frame. Michele Rivest with the Orange County Partnership for Young Children said that they have been operating in the County for eight years. This would be the beginning of a collaborative plan to address the needs of working parents by broadening the partnerships. They hope to have a much more comprehensive way to address this issue. Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to see a plan far where we are going and the indicators that will show a success. He would like to see the living wage issue addressed for childcare workers also. Commissioner Brown made reference to the desire to get UNC-CH involved with providing childcare for employees. She would like to add childcare as one of the benefits to County employees. Chair Halkiotis commended the Orange County Partnership for Young Children on its work on this issue. He also said that Jahn Link religiously attends these meetings and that he cares for little children. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordan, seconded by Commissioner Brawn to approve the Child Care Scholarship Fund Promotion and Fundraising Plan and award County funds of $40,000 to OCPYC to serve as a challenge grant to the community to support child care scholarships far low- income working families far the current fiscal year. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Legal Advertisement for November 26, 2001 Quarterly Public Hearing The Board considered authorizing a legal advertisement for the scheduled November 26, 2001 quarterly public hearing. Planning Director Craig Benedict summarized the items for the November 26, 2001 Quarterly public hearing. Commissioner Gordon asked about the payment-in-lieu program for recreation and parks that she thought was going to be on this public hearing. Craig Benedict said that there is a consultant working on this. He said that the passing of the bond mixes into haw the payment-in-lieu calculations will be created. The staff cannot move forward until the level of service is established through the new bond program. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the items for the November 26, 2001 Quarterly Public Hearing as presented. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. County Limited English Proficiency Policy and Action Plan The Board was to consider a policy to eliminate or reduce the extent to which limited English proficiency is a barrier to County services. However, this item was postponed. e. Appointments The Board was to consider appointments to the Affordable Housing Task Farce, Carrboro Board of Adjustment, Carrboro Committee to Preserve the Adams Property on Bolin Creek, Orange County Community Housing and Land Trust, and Hillsborough Board of Adjustment. However, this item was postponed. 10. REPORTS -NONE 11. APPOINTMENTS -NONE 12. MINUTES -NONE 13. 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). DELAYED 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items to address, a motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to adjourn the meeting at 10:32 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 13, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. at the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Stephen H. Halkiotis, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, CMC