Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20011203APPROVED 211 912 0 0 2 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING December 3, 2001 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, December 3, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. in the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom in Hillsborough, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Stephen H. Halkiotis and Commissioners Margaret W. 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. Board Organization a. Election of Chair The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Halkiotis. Clerk Beverly Blythe distributed the ballots for Chair. Barry Jacobs was elected Chair by unanimous vote. Chair Jacobs spoke about history where the state legislature and the governor appointed the justices of the peace. In all the years since then there has never been, in North Carolina, afive-member Board of County Commissioners with four former chairs and a chair. He thanked all of the Commissioners for their support. He said that he would always strive to be open, even-handed, and collaborative. He thanked his wife Robin and said that he could not have done this without his family's support. He also thanked the staff in advance. b. Election of Vice Chair The Clerk distributed the ballots for election of the Vice-Chair. Stephen Halkiotis was elected Vice Chair with a vote of 4-1 (Commissioner Gordan voted far Commissioner Brown}. Commissioner Halkiotis made comments. He said that serving as chair is a very interesting and a very time-consuming experience. He said that with all that is going to be done in the County in the future there needs to be a committee set up to look at how the Chair, Vice Chair, and the other Commissioners can work together to get things done. He said that the staff is very taxed and the work will only increase. He said that he was shocked about the number of papers he had to sign as Chair. He spoke of how we are supposed to be moving to a paperless society. He did enjoy being Chair in many ways. Commissioner Carey said that we owe our immediate past Chairman a debt of gratitude. There was applause. c. Designation of Voting Delegate for all NCACC and NACo Meetings for Calendar Year Dec. 1, 2001-2002 Commissioner Brown nominated Commissioner Carey for the voting delegate for all NCACC and NACo Meetings for calendar year December 1, 2001-2002. Commissioner Halkiotis seconded the motion. The designation was done by acclamation. Appointments a. Manager A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to reappoint John Link as the Orange County Manager. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Clerk to the Board A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to reappoint Beverly A. Blythe as the Clerk to the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. County Attorney A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to reappoint Geoffrey Gledhill as the County Attorney and also to contract for services with the firm Coleman, Gledhill, and Hargrave. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Item 8-v was added which changes the beginning time for the December 11t" meeting to 6:00 p.m. PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Jacobs read the public charge. 2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters not an the Printed Agenda John Robinson spoke about a problem he is having with Tanya Drive. He said that he would need more than three minutes to speak. He has already contacted the Planning Department, specifically, Eddie Kirk, Mr. King, and Carla Bateman. He thanked them for their help with this issue. He has also contacted Register of Deeds Joyce Pearson and Linda Clayton in Land Records. He has spoken with Elmer Davis who is owner of the property he is concerned about. He contacted NCDOT in Raleigh and Graham and the Sheriff's Department. He listed many other people that he spoke with. He did not commend the Sheriff`s deputy who came out to the lobby. He said that the deputy made him come outside to speak about his problem. He also went to the County Attorney's office and he was not happy with his encounter there. The secretary said that she spoke with the County Attorney and the County Attorney stated that it was not his problem. He distributed some documents to the County Commissioners and to the attorney. The property under dispute is 2306 Tanya Drive in Mebane, which is just inside the County line. It is listed in the deed as being awned by Elmer Davis. The property is under contract with Peggy Sigmund Upman, who has a person living with her by the name of Wayne Cecil. Mr. Cecil took a tractor and plowed eight to ten ditches all the way across Glenn Street. Everyone on Glenn Street has to cross the ditches on Glenn Street. He is now threatening the neighbors by sitting in the yard with ahigh- powered rifle and riding up and down the street with an automatic pistol on his lap telling the neighbors that they cannot use this road because it is his. Mr. Robinson said that he could not get anyone in the County to look at this problem and he also cannot find any evidence that Mr. Cecil owns this street. He has spoken with several attorneys that said that they would not touch this case under any condition because of the reputation of this man. Chair Jacobs said that the Commissioners would ask the Manager to look into this and report back to Mr. Robinson. He said that the Manager would use the County Attorney and other resources to provide a comprehensive response. Commissioner Halkiotis asked that we turn this around as quickly as possible and get a complete report at the meeting next week. Commissioner Carey said that at the very least we aught to be able to establish who owns the street. Chair Jacobs said that we need to address the fact that everyone needs to feel safe an their street. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered as the Board addressed the items on the agenda below.) 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Gordan reported that the Transportation Advisory Committee of the Metropolitan Planning Organization has elected its officers. Becky Heron of Durham County was elected as Chair and Alex Zaffran was elected as Vice Chair. The Triangle Transit Authority has announced that Jim Ritchey, the General Manager, has resigned. Bill Bell will continue as Chair. Far the Triangle J Council of Governments, Thomas Moore is now the Chair. He is a Commissioner far Johnston County. Commissioner Gordon also reported that OWASA came to the Triangle J COG meeting and asked the Triangle J COG to support them in an assessment of the risk to the water supply from terrorists and other security risks. The Board of Delegates did not support the request. There were two representatives from CP&L who assured everyone that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has all of the information and therefore OWASA's request was considered redundant. She distributed some information from CP&L about safety at the Shearon Harris plant. Commissioner Gordan said that she asked CP&L for a copy of the 50-mile radius evacuation plan for the nuclear plant. There has been no response to date, but they have agreed to send the plan. Commissioner Halkiotis made comments about the latest traffic accidents at Lawrence Road and US 70A. He will bring up this location again and again to NCDOT. He said that we need to up the stakes and get NCDOT's attention about this intersection. Chair Halkiatis made reference to his last formal letter as Chair to Gary Phillips, the Chair in Chatham County, regarding this ongoing issue with CP&L. The letter basically invited Chatham County; along with Orange County, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, and OWASA; to start putting together our own planning package as to what to do in case of an emergency. He said that they are planning to do something in January at the Friday Center, which will include County Engineer Paul Thames, Social Services Director Nancy Costan, EMS Director Nick Waters, County Manager John Link, Health Director Rosemary Summers, and others. He said that the Board of County Commissioners has written a letter to the Governor to ask for National Guard troops around that facility the way that other governors have done in seven or eight different states. There has been no response. Commissioner Carey said that he put at everyone's table the brochure that describes the Orange- Chatham Justice Partnership program. He said this is the first publication of this group to try to reduce crime, recidivism, and to address some other issues that have been identified as problems in the two counties. He said that this group is unique because it is the first one in the state to combine the programs of two counties. He hopes in the next few months that a representative from the task farce or staff will come before the Board to share additional information. Chair Jacobs said that he would be getting information from the other Commissioners about possible dates for the retreat and possible places to have the retreat and the agenda. He would also like to have all of the minutes from 2001 on the agenda far January 16tH Chair Jacobs said that we have also asked the Manager to present at the next meeting an update of all of the pending items and follow up actions since the Board reconvened in August. Chair Jacobs distributed copies of the Smart Growth Commission Report. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT None 5. RESOLUTIONSIPROCLAMATIONS a. Proposed General Uses of the Greene Tract The Board considered a resolution providing direction to the Greene Tract Wark Group regarding the disposition of the remaining 109 acres of the Greene Tract and affirming the Board's desired general uses of the property. Commissioner Carey said that everyone has received a copy of the group's report of their accomplishments for the last several months. The Board had asked Commissioner Carey, Commissioner Brown, and a group of elected officials from the towns to form a work group to come back with a recommendation. The group tried to expedite the work because they got started later than anticipated and wanted to try to meet the April 2002 deadline to try to resolve the future use of the 109 acres of the Greene Tract. The group held a public discussion an the Greene Tract. Most of the comments were consistent with the direction the group was headed, which is to use the site far recreation, affordable housing or open space. The premise is that the Greene Tract will not be used for solid waste purposes. The basic intent of both resolutions is to seek the approval of the elected boards that the basic uses of the Greene Tract will be for public purposes. The work group agreed to continue to work on the details of how the uses would fit an the tract. He said that he has not seen any documentation on Chapel Hill's decision on the resolutions. Chair Jacobs asked for clarity an which resolution was to be adopted. Assistant County Manager Rod Visser said that the resolution on pages four and five was the one that the work group adopted and the one on page three was the one drafted as a result of the one on pages four and five. Commissioner Gordan asked for an explanation of the implications of saying open space and then specifically saying recreation. Commissioner Carey said that there was sentiment in both directions an the work group {passive and active recreation}. He said that the work group tried to provide what they felt the sentiments were of the public and the elected boards. Commissioner Gordon said that the first resolution just said open space and now this one says open space and recreation. Commissioner Carey said the group tried to stay away from specific uses because the number of active recreation uses would be minimal. He said that there was clear interest in preserving the natural areas and the wildlife corridors. Commissioner Gordon read from page three and amended the language as follows: "Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby affirm solely the three public purposes of open space (primarily preservation of the natural environment), affordable housing {as defined in the Affordable Housing Task Force report), and recreation (active and low- impact) as the three basic uses to be programmed far the 109 acres of the Greene tract that remain in joint ownership." Commissioner Brown said that she thinks that Chapel Hill would like to lank at more than just the Greene Tract when discussing the uses and consider the bigger picture. Commissioner Carey agreed that you could not look at this tract in isolation -that he Neville Tract must also be considered in the big picture. Commissioner Gordon said that we should remember that the Greene Tract needs to go forward in a time frame and the Commissioners mayor may not feel the same way about other tracts as they do about this one. She would not like to see the other tracts inextricably entwined so that the 109 acres could not go forward in a timely manner. Commissioner Halkiotis thanked Commissioner Carey and Commissioner Brown far sitting on the work group for the Greene Tract. He commended them for their work and progress. Environment and Resource Conservation Director David Stancil brought up a map and painted out the different tracts that are being discussed. Chair Jacobs said that it seems that the Neville Tract has the potential to accommodate more of the active recreation and it is closer to Eubanks Road and could be reached through the landfill site instead of through the neighborhood. Commissioner Brown said that the group needs to get an update from Solid Waste on the timeframe for the use of the Neville Tract. She thinks it will be tied up for many years. Chair Jacobs said that he would like to see a development that would have services close by sa that people would not have to get in their car to ga everywhere. There might be enough of a critical mass to support a neighborhood store for the affordable housing. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the resolution as stated below: A RESOLUTION REGARDING RECOMMENDED USES OF THE 109 ACRES OF THE GREENE TRACT THAT REMAIN IN JOINT OWNERSHIP WHEREAS, Orange County and the Towns of Carrbora and Chapel Hill acquired the 169 acre property known as the Greene Tract in 1984 as an asset of the joint solid waste management system; and WHEREAS, title to 60 acres of this property was deeded exclusively to Orange County in 2000 under provisions of the 1999 interlocal "Agreement far Solid Waste Management"; and WHEREAS, under the same interlocal agreement the County and Towns agreed to bargain in good faith during the two year period following the effective date of the agreement to determine the ultimate use or disposition of the remaining 109 acres of the Greene Tract; and WHEREAS, on November 19, 2001, the Greene Tract Work Group, comprised of two elected representatives appointed from each jurisdiction, approved a resolution making recommendations to the County and Town governing boards regarding basic uses to be programmed for the 109 acres of the Greene Tract that remain in joint ownership; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby affirm solely the three public purposes of open space {primarily the preservation of the natural environment), affordable housing (as defined in the Affordable Housing Task Force report), and recreation {both active and low impact) as the three basic uses to be programmed for the 109 acres of the Greene Tract that remain in joint ownership; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby affirm that this property will not be used for any solid waste management purposes; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby charge the Greene Tract Work Group to develop a more detailed written and graphic concept plan for the use of the 109 acres for presentation to each board by March 2002. This, the 3rd day of December, 2001 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Status of Emergency Assistance Funds for Low-income Families The Board heard a report and considered appropriating $30,000 in additional County funds to help address the emergency needs of low-income families. John Link said that the Board has expressed interest in the past in how the Department of Social Services is working with other non-profits and with utility companies in addressing both energy and other emergency needs that citizens incur, especially at this time of year. On November 14th, a meeting was organized with representatives of non-profits and utility companies. The meeting was productive and a more thorough report will be available next week. He said that there has been a significant increase in these kinds of requests from citizens. He said that Social Services Director Nancy Coston will be asking the Board to appropriate an additional $30,000 in County funds to supplement the federaUstate funds received to address certain emergency needs of low-income families. He recommends that the Board consider this request. Social Services Director Nancy Coston said that in January all of the emergency funds would be exhausted. The County did not get as much federal money as it did last year. She explained that we have shifted some funds from the Work First funds and others but even with that and the supplementation from the utility companies, there will still be a shortage. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he had heard or read that Durham County has exhausted their emergency funds as well. He encouraged the Board to act on this tonight. Nancy Coston answered several clarifying questions of the Commissioners. Commissioner Brown said that she sits on the Social Services board and it supports this recommendation from Nancy Calton. She said that there are hundreds of people in the County who rely on us to help them get through the winter. Nancy Coston said that there are same strategies such as budget counseling that might be helpful for these people. Chair Jacobs said that it would be good to have a report from the meeting with the utility companies including which utility companies came to the meeting, the services they offer, and how willing they are to work with the County. Chair Jacobs asked about underemployment and if this was broadly seen around the County. Nancy Coston said that this would be incorporated into the report and that underemployment is being experienced throughout the County. Chair Jacobs said that the Economic Development Commission and the Aging Department have some capabilities in these regards and may be willing to help those in need to come up with a financial plan. He asked for some kind of profile, which would identify the people who are in need the most. For instance, some people might be waiting on their houses to be weatherized using County funds, therefore making utility bills higher for the short-term. This would be taking money from one pocket and putting it into the other. Commissioner Brown said that the Social Services Board spoke about putting this information on a database. Commissioner Halkiotis encouraged Nancy Coston to talk to Planning Director Craig Benedict about using the new software program that he purchased. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve a fund balance appropriation of $30,000 from the General Fund for emergency assistance, including $3,000 to establish a fund to guarantee deposits. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS -NONE 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve those items an the consent agenda as stated below: a. Property Tax Refunds The Board approved three requests far property tax refunds in accordance with the resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference. b. Property Value Chances The Board approved value changes made in property after the 2001 Board of Equalization and Review adjourned in accordance with the resolution, which is incorporated herein by reference. c. Late Applications for Property Homestead Exemption The Board will consider two late applications far granting homestead exemptions for the 2001 tax year. d. Budcet Amendment #2 The Board approved a budget ordinance for fiscal year 2001-2002. e. Examination of Bonds The Board maintained bonds far officials pursuant to G.S. 109.5. f. Governmental Accountinc Standards Berard (GASB) Statement 34 Implementation The Board hired the County's auditing firm, Cherry, Bekaert & Holland to assist County staff with accounting work required for the implementation of GASB statement 34 and authorize the Chair to sign the agreement. ,g, Chance Orange County Arts Commission Staff Position from Permanent Part Time to Permanent Full Time The Board increased the hours of the Orange County Arts Coordinator from permanent part time {30 hours per week) to permanent full time {40 hours per week). h. Release of State Economic Development Funding to Triangle J Council of Governments The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the resolution as stated below, authorizing the release of funds appropriated to Triangle J Council of Governments by the General Assembly. WHEREAS, in North Carolina the Lead Regional Organizations, as voluntary organizations serving municipal and county governments, have established productive working relationships with the cities and counties across the state; and WHEREAS, the General Assembly continued to recognize this need through the appropriation of $935,000 to help the Lead Regional Organizations assist local governments with grant applications, economic development, community development, and to support local industrial development activities and other activities as deemed appropriate by their local governments; and WHEREAS, these funds are not intended to be used for payment of members' dues or assessments to Lead Regional Organization or to supplant funds appropriated by the member governments; and WHEREAS, in Region J, funds in the amount of $55,000 will be used to carry out the economic development plan approved by the Triangle J Board of Delegates and especially to improve the economy of the counties and towns of the Region by strengthening ties to, and consequently, the benefits of the Research Triangle Park Area. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Orange County requests the release of its $4,369.94 share of these funds to the Triangle J Council of Governments at the earliest possible time in accordance with the provisions of Section 20.12 of Senate Bill 1005, the 2001 ratified budget bill. i. Adoption of Uniform Fee Schedule for Register of Deeds and Creation of Automation Enhancement and Preservation Fund per House Bill 1073 The Board adopted a uniform fee schedule {effective Jan. 1, 2002) for the Register of Deeds mandated by N.C. General Statute 161-10(a), and approved the creation of an automation enhancement and preservation fund mandated by N.C. General Statute 161-11.3. L Extension of Contract far Professional Services Associated with Register of Deeds Project The Board extended a contract with Lee Software Development for additional tasks associated with the Register of Deeds automation project and authorized the Purchasing Director to execute the appropriate paperwork. k. Approval of Financing Arrangement for Orange Rural Fire Department to Purchase a Replacement Fire Truck The Board approved a request from the Orange Rural Fire Department to enter into a financing arrangement to purchase a fire truck and authorized the Board of Commissioners Chair to sign the appropriate documents related to the financing arrangement. I. Resolution to Apply and Enter into an Agreement with N.C. Department of Transportation far Community Transportation Program iCTP1 Grant Funds This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. m. Orange Public Transportation Agreement Renewals with Participating Agencies This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. n. Bid Award: 2001 GMC Box Truck for Orange County Recycling Program The Board awarded a bid to the Volvo and GMC Truck Center of Charlotte, in the amount of $31,649, far a 2001 GMC box truck for use by the County's recycling program and authorized the Purchasing Director to execute the necessary paperwork. a. Rogers Road Main Water Line Project Change Orders This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. ~ Minutes The Board approved minutes from the following meetings: May 1, 2001 regular meeting; June 5, 2001 regular meeting; June 7, 2001 budget public hearing; June 12, 2001 budget work session; June 14, 2001 budget work session; and June 18, 2001 budget work session. ~ Keappomtment of Four Members to the Commission for the environment The Board reappointed Laura M. Cotterman, Hervey McIver, Roy Fortmann and Cara M. Crisler to the Commission for the Environment for the term ending December 31, 2004. r. Reappointment to Commission for Women The Board reappointed Bonnie M. Gates to the Commission for Women for the term ending June 30, 2004. s. Reappointment to Hillsborough Board of Adjustment The Board reappointed James G. King to an ETJ seat on the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment for the term ending June 1, 2004. t. Reappointments to Human Relations Commission The Board reappointed Hazel Quick and Christina Moon to the Human Relations Commission far the term ending June 30, 2004. u. Appointment to Human Services Advisory Commission The Board appointed Pat Vandiviere to the Human Services Advisory Commission far the term ending March 31, 2005. v. Change in Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting Schedule The Board amended their regular meeting calendar by changing the beginning time for the December 11, 2001 meeting from 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA I. Resolution to Apply and Enter into an Agreement with N.C. Department of Transportation for Community Transportation Program tCTPI Grant Funds The Board considered authorizing a statement for the community transportation program and approving an agreement with the N.C. Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2002-2003 for submission to the state. Commissioner Gordon asked about the relationship between this, if any, and the work done with NCDOT by the Board of County Commissioners Transportation Planning Task Force (Commissioners Jacobs and Gordon}. It was answered that this plan utilized only operating monies. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the submission of the FY 2002-2003 application for NCDOT Community Transportation Program funds and to authorize the Chair to sign the Annual Resolution statement and Special Section 5333 (b} Warranty, which are incorporated herein by reference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS m. Orange Public Transportation Agreement Renewals with Participating Agencies The Board considered approval of several Orange Public Transportation {OPT) vehicle leases and driver assignment agreements with participating agencies. Commissioner Gordon asked a clarifying question. Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore said that these were strictly agencies for which we continue to provide service. The County is still committed to Human Service transportation. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the FY 2001-2002 OPT Agreements for vehicle lease and driver assignments with the following agencies: - Orange-Person-Chatham Mental Health - Orange Enterprises - Head Start - Orange County Schools - Cedar Grove Day Care Center - Triangle Sportsplex - Child Development Institute DOTE: UNANIMOUS o. Rogers Road Main Water Line Project Change Orders The Board considered approving three change orders to the Rogers Road main water line project identified by the Orange Water and Sewer Authority staff. Chair Jacobs asked about the automatic flushing valve and if there was any additional information. Assistant County Manager Rod Visser said that the figures on the automatic flushing valve were still up in the air. He proposed that the Board hold off action on this item until the December 11 cn meeting. County Engineer Paul Thames said that OWASA would require flushing valves for the extension of water lines. OWASA will incur some significant costs with the flushing of the water that is lost. Chair Jacobs said that, with all due respect to OWASA, the County is certainly not getting any discounts because OWASA does not give a discount for affordable housing. He asked if the estimated cost of $20,000-25,000 would be equal to what OWASA might spend in flushing the lines for a year or two. Paul Thames deferred that question to someone else. A spokesperson for OWASA said that OWASA has just reduced its rates downward for availability fees for smaller houses. He said that the cost to OWASA for flushing over asix-month period would total approximately $10,000. This would not include the staffing. Chair Jacobs said that it sounds like the flushing valve will be necessary. John Link said that the staff would bring this back next week with better cost estimates. The Board agreed to postpone action on this item. 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA a. Library Services Task Force Report and Recommendations The Board received the final report and recommendations from the Library Services Task Force. Chair Jacobs referred to page 15, which listed the recommendations. He suggested putting this on the agenda for the retreat. Library Director Brenda Stephens distributed the resolution that was approved by the Carrboro Board of Aldermen. Carrboro is willing and ready to collaborate with the Library Services Task Force. Carrboro is also willing to provide the location at no cost and the computers and Internet service at no cost. The task force visited all of the locations listed. She said that Orange County's level of funding is at $6.33 per capita and the state average is $15. She read the recommendations from page 15 of the report. She spoke about a benefactor who visited the library today with a vision of making another gift to the North Carolina Room. Chair Jacobs added that there is a $112,000 endowment waiting for the North Carolina collection. He said that we may want to look at this in relation to the space needs study and see how the proposed heritage center might fit in with the plans for the Whitted area. He said that it seems that the "Cybrary" could be readily replicated in other parts of the County such as at Efland-Cheeks Elementary School, Pathways Elementary School or the Northern Human Services Center. The area of the County that is most in need of library services is Cedar Grove. Discussion ensued about haw to make sure the libraries located at the elementary schools could be available in the evening hours. Chair Jacobs suggested that the Board discuss the Northern Human Services Center at the retreat. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the level of funding and asked if the new facility would take Orange County's funding up to $15 per capita. Brenda Stephens said yes. Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to see some type of model for the "Cybrary" and the Northern Human Services Center facility. She asked about the criteria for how the County decides to increase the number of locations and how it can work with existing community centers. She would like to see the criteria for establishing additional library services. Chair Jacobs said that one of the good things about the "Cybrary" was that it would require minimum infrastructure. Commissioner Brown said that the per capita figure bothers her because it does not always show quality of services. She asked about the other ways that citizens access books, especially through the University, and if this was included in the report. Brenda Stephens said yes. Chair Jacobs said that this was taken into account but it was found that for the most part most of the citizens of the County do not use the University, mainly because of the parking issue. He said that there were some representatives from the University library system on the task force and it was determined that it was not a significant quantifiable contribution to the Orange County library system. The University could make it more accessible. Discussion ensued about per capita figures in the County and the municipalities. Commissioner Carey commended the library task force for their work on this report. He said that the minimum standards would solve a lot of issues related to level of service. He would like to adopt this report. Brenda Stephens noted that the contribution for the Chapel Hill library is $33 per capita. Commissioner Gordon said that the reason that the Chapel Hill library's per capita is so high is because the citizens of Chapel Hill are assessed that. She said that the County is going to have to address the issue of people outside of Chapel Hill using the Chapel Hill library and that they are asking the County far money because of this. The Manager needs to take this under advisement. Discussion ensued about the number of University students that may be using the Chapel Hill library and the University library. In answer to a question from Commissioner Brown, Brenda Stephens said that the high school libraries were not factored into the report. Commissioner Brown said that high school students do use the Chapel Hill library because the school libraries are not open in the evening. Chair Jacobs suggested asking the school boards why the libraries are not open to the public and open after school hours. There will be an appendix to the report such as, "Response to Board of County Commissioners' Questions and Concerns." b. Orange County Transportation Priority List for 2444 The Board considered Orange County's transportation priority projects far the 2004-2010 Transportation Improvement Program. Planning Director Craig Benedict said that the purpose of this item was to review and transmit recommendations to the Durham/Chapel Hill Metropolitan Planning Organization in District 7 DOT the priority list far Orange County. He pointed out several features on the map. The first project is the Elizabeth Brady Road Extension. This project has been discussed for many years. No specific alignment is suggested at this time. The second project is NC 86 bicycle lanes. This will be from Hillsborough to Whitfield Road where it intersects I-40. The third project is improvements to South Churtan Street (from Eno River bridge south all the way to I-40). He is encouraged that Hillsborough is submitting the same type of request to DOT that the County is submitting. The fourth project is US 70 bypass widening from the Orange/Durham line to the I-85 connector east of Efland. The fifth project is NC 86 north of Hillsborough. He said that there is some funding that is in a program for the NC 86IUS 70 intersection. The sixth project is the Hillsborough Western Bypass (from NC 86 to U5 70 to the west of Hillsborough). He said that if there is any increased widening of I-40 through Orange County then there should be HOV lanes and/ar dedicated bus lanes. He spoke about the Durham Northwest Loop, also known as Eno Drive. Orange County is concerned about its impact on the Eno River State Park and would suggest that NCDOT consider a different alignment. Commissioner Gordon gave some suggestions. On the transmittal letter to Becky Heron, Chair, Transportation Advisory Committee, in the second paragraph line three, she suggested the following change: "Orange County would like to give priority to identified safety needs on existing roads and bridges, to other transportation projects that encourage alternatives to automobile travel, fo projects that minimize adverse impacts on the natural environment and cultural sites, and to those that foster designated economic development districts." Similar language would be used on pages nine and thirteen. Commissioner Gordon said that she thinks it is important to indicate to the recipients of this priority list that the Board of County Commissioners is including the recommendations of the EDD Transportation Work Group far their information so that they realize it is a separate document. She offered the following language in the letter to Becky Heron to indicate this: "For your information, we are also including attachment #1, the recommendations of the EDD Transportation Work Group." This would also be done on page eight. Commissioner Brown spoke about the wildlife corridor along I-85 on page 12. She did not see anything about the pedestrian corridor under US 70 that would connect the trail system from the New Hope to the Eno on page 22. She asked Commissioner Gordon if we could add this and Commissioner Gordan said yes. Commissioner Gordon said that she is supporting the recommendations about Elizabeth Brady Road because they were the consensus of the work group. She thinks what we are saying is that we want this to be the least environmentally damaging corridor. She said that there has been some disagreement about Elizabeth Brady Road and it still has not been resolved. Craig Benedict said that it was mentioned in the work group that Elizabeth Brady Road would not serve as a bypass, but more of a local road. Chair Jacobs said that while there was not unanimity in the work group, it was still a very diverse group that had elected representation and the group had some level of consensus. Commissioner Brown commented about how the intersections look such as at US 70 and Churton Street. She asked why these intersections could not be attractive with trees and landscaping. She would like to include this on pages 12 and 13. Chair Jacobs asked about non-native plantings along the interstate. He said that this is a great subject for further discussion because some of the plants attract birds, which get killed by vehicles on the interstate. Maybe it could be a simple statement put together by the staff and inserted in the proper place in the document. Commissioner Brawn reiterated her changes -the trail connection and the aesthetic landscaping component to the intersections. Chair Jacobs would like to forward copies of this to the school boards. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the Orange County Transportation Priority Lists for the 2004-2010 TIP as amended by Commissioners Gordon and Brown, and to authorize the Chair to sign the two letters as included in the agenda and amended by the Commissioners. DOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Water and Sewer Management, Planning and Boundary Agreement The Board considered adopting the Water and Sewer Management, Planning and Boundary Agreement following final review by parties to the agreement. Craig Benedict pointed out on a map the various water service areas. All of the descriptions are outlined within the agreement. There was a minor change to the agreement that was made by the Town of Chapel Hill regarding the retraction of their urban services line in the southeast portion of the city. Accordingly, OWASA's responsibility areas would also be retracted. After this is reviewed by the Board of County Commissioners, Carrboro will need to review it. Carrboro has requested that Rangewood and Heritage Hills be included in the agreement somewhere instead of only on the map. The staff believes that the agreement incorporates the changes made by Chapel Hill and addresses Carrboro's concern about the two projects. This agreement will be used as a springboard for other comprehensive planning issues in the County. Chair Jacobs pointed out that this has been a long time in coming and he has been working an it far many years, along with Commissioners Carey and Gordan. Commissioner Gordan verified that the only change from the last agreement that was adapted in April is the urban services line in Chapel Hill. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt and authorize the Chair to sign the Water and Sewer Management, Planning and Boundary Agreement with the modifications. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Carey asked if this has to go around to all the municipalities and Craig Benedict said that it has to go back to Carrbaro. Commissioner Gordan would like to have an update on this at the first meeting in January and she would also like to know when it finally gets approved. d. County Limited English Proficiency Policy and Action Plan The Board considered adopting a policy to eliminate or reduce to the maximum extent possible limited English proficiency as a barrier to accessing County government services. Chair Jacobs suggested postponing this item to the meeting an December 11tH e. Appointment to Solid Waste Advisory Board The Board considered one appointment to the Solid Waste Advisory Board. Chair Jacobs mentioned Bonnie Norwood and that she is the only applicant that lives in the Rogers Road area. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiatis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appoint Bonnie Norwood to the Solid Waste Advisory Board for the term ending June 30, 2003. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 10. REPORTS -NONE 11. APPOINTMENTS -NONE 12. MINUTES -NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to go into Closed Session "To discuss the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and County Attorney on the negotiating position regarding the terms of a contract to purchase real property," NCGS ~ 143-318.11(a)(5) 14. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Barry Jacobs, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, CMC