HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-03-2011 �.
APPROVED 4/19/2011
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
March 3, 2011
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 3, 2011 at
7:00 p.m. at the DSS Offices, Hillsborough Commons in Hillsborough, N.C.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Bernadette Pelissier and Commissioners
Valerie P. Foushee, Alice M. Gordon, Barry Jacobs, Pam Hemminger, Earl McKee and Steve
Yuhasz
�COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT County Manager Frank Clifton, Assistant County Manager
and Gwen Harvey, and Clerk to the Board Donna S. Baker (All other staff inembers will be
identified appropriately below)
1. Additions or Chanqes to the Aqenda
The Chair went through the items at the County Commissioners' places.
Pink sheet— proposed addition to the agenda, item 3-b, Resolution Recognizing and
Congratulating the Town of Carrboro on its One-hundredth Anniversary.
Yellow sheet— revised abstract for item 3-a, Special Recognition of the Carol Woods
Retirement Community
Lavender sheet— revised abstract for item 4-e, Public Trail Easement and Triangle Land
conservancy Funding Request for the Brumley Forest Nature Preserve; and Approval of Budget
Amendment#7-C.
White sheet— PowerPoint for item 6-c, Murphey School Local Historic Landmark
Designation.
Chair Pelissier asked the Board to approve the addition of item 3-b.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner
Foushee to approve adding the proposed item 3-b, Resolution Recognizing and Congratulating
the Town of Carrboro on its One-Hundredth (100th) Anniversary, to the agenda.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Chair Pelissier said that she also had a closed session item to add.
A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner
Hemminger to approve adding an additional closed session item below to the agenda:
"To discuss matters related to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the
area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic
development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations," NCGS § 143-
318.11(a)(4).
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
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PUBLIC CHARGE
The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
2. Public Comments
a. Matters not on the Printed Aaenda
Ed Kerwin, Executive Director of OWASA, said that he was here with Chris Moran, the
Executive Director of the Inter-Faith Council, to keep awareness high that there is a certain
population of customers that have difficulty paying their water bills. In 1977, OWASA, in
partnership with the IFC established the Taste of Hope customer assistance program.
Customers voluntarily sign up for this program, and the bill is rounded up to the next whole
dollar to help customers that cannot afford to pay their bills. He presented a proposed
resolution. OWASA typically raises about $7,000 a year for this program, but the need is much
greater. He asked the County Commissioners to reaffirm their support for this program and
consider the proposed resolution at a later meeting formally. He also made reference to the
copy of the newsletter, which featured the program. Soon, there will be a donation option for
customers to be able to donate more money than just rounding up to the next dollar. He said
that customers can sign up by calling 537-4343 or visit the website at www.owasa.orq.
Chris Moran, Executive Director of the Inter-Faith Council, thanked the County
Commissioners for the gift of land for Project Homestart, which will be 14 years old this April.
He said that the IFC has received a gift from UNC for a new men's residential facility. It will be
located relatively close to the Project Homestart facility. This is an ideal location and is zoned
correctly. This will be a permanent location after a temporary stay at the old municipal building.
He also spoke about the importance of the Taste of Hope program. He said that the amount of °
people at 100% of poverty level is at the highest that he has seen it. He said that any additional
help from the County Commissioners to generate more funds for the Taste of Hope program
would be greatly appreciated and helpful to OWASA households.
Chair Pelissier said that this resolution would be referred to the staff.
Chair Pelissier said that there is a Boy Scout troop in attendance working on a badge by
attending the meeting. She welcomed them.
b. Matters on the Printed Aqenda
These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda below.
3. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
a. Special Recoqnition of the Carol Woods Retirement Communitv
The Board considered recognizing Carol Woods Retirement Community for its
continuing financial contribution to Orange County.
Financial Services Director Clarence Grier said that the Carol Woods Retirement
Community is a non-profit retirement community organization located in Chapel Hill. Carol
Woods provides services to meet the needs of older adults for housing, health, well-being, and
protection of financial security. Carol Woods encourages participation in and service to the
larger community. He said that Carol Woods has been exempt from paying property taxes
under State law since fiscal year 2002-2003. Although exempt, Carol Woods recognizes its
economic and civic responsibility in continuing to make a financial contribution to assist Orange
County in meeting its budgetary demands each fiscal year. Over the past nine fiscal years,
Carol Woods has contributed $1,716,244. These contributions to the General Fund continue to
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allow Orange County to provide necessary services and programs to all the residents of Orange
County.
Heather Altman, staff at Carol Woods, said that it is their pleasure to be good
neighbors and support services in Orange County. She thanked the County Commissioners for
the recognition.
b. Resolution Recoqnizinq and Conqratulatina the Town Of Carrboro on its
One-Hundredth (100t 1 Anniversarv
A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution Recognizing and Conqratulatinq the
Town Of Carrboro on its One-Hundredth (100`h) Anniversarv, and direct the Clerk to the Board
to forward the resolution to the Town of Carrboro.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
4. Consent Aqenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner
Yuhasz to approve the remaining consent items on the consent agenda.
VOTE UNANIMOUS
a. Minutes
The Board approved the minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board for: January 25, 2011
Work Session and February 2, 2011 regular Meeting
b. Appointments— None
c. Motor Vehicle Propertv Tax Release/Refunds
The Board adopted a refund resolution, which is incorporated by reference, related to 26
requests for motor vehicle property tax releases or refunds.
d. Bid Award: Food Services Equipment for Piedmont Food and Aqricultural Processinq
Center
The Board authorized the purchase of the ten food services equipment items as detailed on the
tabulation from Holt Refrigeration of Charlotte, North Carolina at a total cost of$138,606.42 and
the purchase of the seven food services equipment items as detailed on the tabulation from !
Morlando Construction company of Charlotte, North Carolina at a total cost of$79,085;
authorized the purchase of two each walk-in coolers and freezers utilizing used panels Quality
Refrigeration of Winston-Salem, North Carolina at a total cost of$96,691; and authorized staff
to execute the necessary paperwork for the purchase of the equipment.
e. Public Trail Easement and Trianqle Land Conservancv Fundinq Reauest for the
Brumlev Forest Nature Preserve; and Approval of Budqet Amendment#7-C
The Board accepted a public trail easement through the Triangle Land Conservancy's Brumley
Forest Nature Preserve and a request from the Triangle Land Conservancy for funding
assistance for its "Brumley Forest" acquisition in May 2010, and authorized the Chair and the
Clerk to sign the easement agreement, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney,
with a closing and recordation of the document expected to occur on or before March 31, 2011;
and approved the Budget Amendment#7-C and authorized payment of$50,000 to the Triangle
Land Conservancy to help offset costs to acquire the Brumley Forest Nature Preserve.
f. Contract Amendment for Enqineerinq and Construction Administration Services for
Twin Creeks Greenwav
The Board authorized the Manager to sign the Contract Amendment not to exceed $25,875 for
Contract Administration Services with Coulter, Jewell, Thames, PA for the Twin Creeks
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Greenway Project as required by NCDOT as Contract Administrator for American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act ("ARRA")funds.
g_ Central Efland/North Buckhorn Sewer Extension Proiect -State Revolvinq Fund Loan
Resolution
The Board approved the resolution, which is incorporated by reference, stated that Orange
County will repay the loan per the given items; and authorized the County Manager to sign the
loan application as chief Executive Officer.
h. Central Efland/North Buckhorn Sewer Extension Proiect— Railroad Riqht-of-Wav
Occupancv Licenses
The Board approved an occupancy license in the railroad right-of-way for three sections of
sewer line in the upcoming Central Efland and Northern Buckhorn sewer extension projects.
i. Oranqe Countv Arts Grant— Reallocation of Funds
The Board approved reallocating $850 in County Funds from the Fall 2010 Orange County Arts
Grants cycle to the Friends of the Carrboro Library and to Krista Bremer, with each receiving an
additional $425.
i Amendment to A Resolution Creatinq an Oranqe Countv Arts Commission
This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
consideration.
k. Reorqanization of the Spor�sPlex Communitv Advisorv Committee
This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate
consideration.
I. Senior Oranae Countv Sta�f Ethics Policv
The Board approved the Senior'�taff Ethics Policy.
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5. Items Removed From Consent Aqenda
i Amendment to A Resolution Creatinq an Oranae Countv Arts Commission
The Board considered a text amendment to the Resolution Creating an Orange County
Arts Commission to grant the A`i-fs Commission the authority to award Arts Commission grants.
Commissioner Gordon made reference to Membership and read, "No organization
which is a potential recipient of County arts funding shall have on the Commission more than
two people who serve on its board or staff." She said that she would like to find a way to
institute that. She said that the Clerk could handle this. Also, on the last page, item `d', she
would like the County Commissioners to have a little more oversight. She said that it might be
difficult to find people to serve ort.the commission who will not also be involved in their own
grant submission because there;,.may not be that many people in the arts. She suggested
keeping the wording for item `d' tlie way it was before.
Martha Shannon, staff support for the Arts Commission said that members of the
Commission who serve on otherboards, when that happens, those members abstain from
voting, but participate in discussion. There is a conflict of interest policy that addresses this
issue.
Staff Attorney Annette Moore said that there could be a provision that prevents a
member from discussion and voting.
Commissioner Yuhasz said that he liked the way it is written because he is not familiar
with the arts, and each year the �ounty Commissioners determine how much money as a
Board that is allotted to this organization. He does not think that it should be up to the Board of
County Commissioners to try and make those individual judgments as to whether or not
particular artists or programs are worthy of an award. He feels it is best to allow the Arts
Commission to make the awards on the Board's behalf.
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Commissioner Gordon said that in Section 2, Membership, the policy should say that
the person can neither discuss nor vote on the matter of the award. The Clerk can come up
with some sort of inechanism that when people apply that they disclose their affiliation.
A motion was made by�Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
approve the proposed amendments to "A Resolution Creating the Orange County Arts
Commission," with the changes.
The changes are in Section 2, Membership as stated above. Frank Clifton offered
language, "no person serving on the Arts Commission shall vote or discuss an award by the
Arts Commission to an agency which they are a member of." The Board agreed on this
wording.
Commissioner Hemminger said that they should be able to discuss a project but not
vote. She thinks that these members should be able to discuss it.
Frank Clifton said that someone else from that group could come and discuss instead
of the member of the Commission.
VOTE UNANIMOUS
k. Reorganization of the SportsPlex Communitv Advisorv Committee
The Board considered re4rganization of the SportsPlex Community Advisory
Committee. ' �
Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to say that the "members should reside
in Orange County". She said that`tCiis�i's a facility that serves all of Orange County and she
thinks it is a good idea to have g'�bgraphical representation —one member from each school
system and one citizen at-large added.
Commissioner Yuhasz s�i'd that this committee is being created to represent specific
interests and activities and wherle'�hey live should not matter. He would expect some
geographic representation, but net a mandate.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he understands Commissioner Gordon's point but he
agreed with Commissioner Yuh�sz. He said that this group will advise the General Manager,
who will report to the County. H�`said that the current committee has advice from all areas that
are participating in the activities.' He said that a report to the Recreation Board would be
appropriate because that is a grd�up that the County also asks to give advice about recreation
matters and the Sportsplex is not involved in that. This group is involved in making
recommendations to Mr. Stock about programming. Programming is more the purview of the
Recreation Board.
Frank Clifton said that tlais is different from other facilities since people pay to use this
facility and activities, and it is operated under a management contract. He said that this group
is to focus on what programs the public is interested in.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner
Hemminger to approve the Manager's recommendation:
1) Approve the Charge;�Composition and other provisions as outlined on Attachment 2
for a reorganized SportsPlex Community Advisory Committee;
2) Direct the manager and Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and
Recreation (DEAPR7-Direcfior to confer with SportsPlex Management on initial
potential appointees for the designated positions for the Committee; and
3) Direct the Manager'to work with SportsPlex management to appoint individuals to
fill any future vacancies that occur on the Committee.
With a friendly amendm�nt:
That members shall reside in Orange County.
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Commissioner Jacobs also added a friendly amendment: �
The annual summary report shall be shared with the Parks and Recreation Council and
the County manager. All,agreed with the friendly amendments.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS , �
REORGANIZED SPORTSPLEX COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CHARGE
To serve in an advisory capacity to SportsPlex Management and the County on community
issues and interests concerning the SportsPlex facility.
To be a conduit to SportsPlex Management and the County for questions, suggestions, special
requests, and other items that emerge from the community about SportsPlex operations.
To help promote the SportsPlez as a vital resource for all residents, and assist in creating
positive connections with partners'and stakeholders throughout the County.
Examples of areas for input/feedback include but are not limited to: Customer Satisfaction,
Membership Rates/Participant Fees, Operating Hours, Community Use, Parking, Physical
Upkeep, Food Service, and Program Options.
Advisory Committee and SportsF�lex Management staff will provide an annual summary report
to the County Manager and the County Parks and Recreation Council on Committee activities
during the past year and plans for the upcoming year. This would likely occur as part of the
County departmental budget process or on anniversary dates of the County's contract with the
SportsPlex's management company. The County Manager will subsequently share the annual
report with the Board of Commissioners with any Manager/staff comments.
SportsPlex Management retains authority on day to day operational and day to day financial
matters for the SportsPlex, and the Board of County Commissioners retains final decision-
making authority on financial and budgetary considerations.
COMPOSITION
One (1) Member Representing Aquatics—Three Year Term
One (1) Member Representing Figure/Public Skating —Three Year Term
One (1) Member Representing Hockey—Two Year Term
One (1) Member Representing S�hool Systems —Two Year Term
One (1) Member Representing Fitness —Two Year Term
One (1) Member Representing Senior Programs—Three Year Term
One (1) Member Representing Kids Camps/After School —Two Year Term
For initial appointments, SportsPlex Management staff will forward a recommended list of seven
members to the County Manager for review/comment. Future vacancies will be filled through
solicitation by SportsPlex Management and consultation with the County Manager.
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All members must be Orange County residents. Full Membership Terms will be three years,
with reappointments being at the discretion of the SportsPlex Management and the County
Manager.
The Advisory Committee will select a Chair and Vice Chair on an annual basis.
MEETING SCHEDULE
At Least Once per Quarter, and more frequently as necessary
STAFF SUPPORT
SportsPlex Management Staff- Principal Committee Administrative Staff
County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) Director (or
designee) — County Liaison
Asset Management Director (or designee)— County Liaison
6. Public Hearinqs
a. North Carolina Communitv Transportation Proqram (CTP) Administrative
and Capital Grant Application FY 2011-2012
The Board considered conducting an annual public hearing on the North Carolina
Community Transportation (CTP) grant application by Orange County Public Transportation for
FY 2011-12, approving the grant application that includes adopting a resolution authorizing the
applicant to enter into an agreement with NCDOT, and authorizing the County Attorney to
complete the necessary certifications and assurances.
AI Terry introduced this item.
Chair Pelissier declared the public hearing open.
No public comment.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger
to close the public hearing. '
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger
to approve the Community Transportation Program Grant application for FY 2011-2012 in the
total amount of$185,449 with local match of$27,817; authorize the County Attorney to
complete the necessary certification and assurances; and approve and authorize the Chair to
sign the Community Transportation Program Resolution and annual certified statements of
participation.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. CDBG Scattered Site Housinq Rehabilitation Proqram
The Board considered conducting a public hearing to receive public comments prior to
the official close-out of the County's FY 2007 Community Development (CDBG) Scattered Site
Housing Rehabilitation Program and authorize execution of the Certificate of Completion by the
Chair of the Board of County Commissioners.
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Housing, Human Rights, and Community Development Director Tara Fikes introduced
this item. She said that the County received $400,000 in CDBG funds in late 2007. During the
last two and a half years those funds have been expended to repair a total of seven
substandard dwellings in the community. In order to complete the grant closeout process with
the Department of Commerce, this public hearing has to be held and any comments received
during this public hearing regarding the performance in administering this grant must be shared
with the Department of Commerce.
No public comment.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner
Foushee close the public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz ',
to approve authorizing execution of the Certificate of Completion by the Chair of the Board of '�
County Commissioners. ,
VOTE:UNANIMOUS
c. Murphev School'Local Historic Landmark Desiqnation
The Board considered conducting a public hearing to receive public comment on the
application and proposed ordinaiice to designate Murphey School as an Orange County Local
Historic Landmark and refer the designation ordinance to the Historic Preservation Commission
for its recommendation.
Chair Pelissier recognized the six members from the Historic Preservation Commission.
Tina Moon introduced the Historic Preservation Commission and made a PowerPoint
presentation with pictures of the property.
Honorary Designation Programs for Historic Properties
National Reqister of Historic Places
- Federal program, administered by National Park service in partnership with SHPOs
- Properties designated individually or as part of historic districts
- Eligibility for Rehabilitation Tax Credits
- Consideration in planning process for federal and state projects
- No design review requirement
- Properties may lose designation if historic/architectural character is compromised
Local Desiqnation Proqrams —Orange County Local Landmark Program
- Administered by Historic Preservation commission (HPC)
- Properties designated individually or as part of historic districts
- Individual Landmarks eligible for 50% reduction in property taxes
- Proposed changes require Certificate of Appropriateness from HPC
- Properties may lose designation if historic/architectural character is compromised
(subject to three year back taxes)
Seven Criteria to Evaluate Significance
1) Resource Type — National Register status; single building or complex
2) Age — buildings gain significance with age
3) Historic Significance—association with famous person or event
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4) Architectural Significance — link to well-known architect; nationally popular style;
example of innovative construction technique
5) Environmental Significance—does farm still look like a farmstead
6) Contributing factors — does property have other features that contribute to knowledge of
site, e.g. farm equipment, fountains, statues
7) Integrity— has the property changed or does it retain original features —windows, doors,
etc.
Common buildings gain significance as fhey get older if they retain their original features,
particularly as fewer examples survive.
Timeline
- Murphey School added to National Register Study List— 1992
- Special Use Permit for new use— approved October 2008
- National Register Nomination — listed August 2009
- Renovation Work—certificate of occupancy issued August 2010
- Local Landmark Application
o Part 1 (initial consideration)—submitted May 2009
o Part 2 (formal application) —submitted late August 2010
■ HPC Accepted Application — October 2010
■ Forwarded�to SHPO for comments — November 2010
■ HPC reviewed SHPO comments and requested PH — December 2010
■ Public Hea�ing with BOCC— March 2011
■ Formal Recommendation from HPC (March 2011)
■ BOCC Consideration of Designation Ordinance (April 2011)
No public comments.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner McKee
to close the public hearing.
VOTE UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
refer the designation ordinance to the Historic Preservation Commission for its recommendation
to come back to the Board of County Commissioners at its April 19th meeting.
Commissioner Jacobs saicl that there was a time when Orange County had talked about
purchasing this building as a community center rather than letting it fall to total disrepair.
Land Conservation Manager Rich Shaw said that the Murphey school site was identified
by the HPC several years ago as a potential property for the County to consider working with
the landowners to conserve through the Lands Legacy Program. It was in the action plan
several years ago.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he wanted to point this out because there is a deficit of
public space in the Eno Township.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7. Regular Agenda
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a. Acceptance of the Countv Master Aqinq Plan Annual Report for 2010 and
2011 Recommendations
The Board considered the Orange County Master Aging Plan Annual Progress Report
for 2010 and accepting the recommendations for 2011.
Frank Clifton said that this is Janice T ler's first ublic meetin as Director of A in .
Y P 9 9 9
Heather Altman said that, as Chair of the Advisory Board on Aging, they are pleased
that Janice Tyler is the Director.
Janice Tyler said that she is delighted to be here. She said that the annual report
includes the accomplishments and recommendations. This Master Aging Plan is a five-year
plan from 2007-2011. This year's report was redesigned to include just this past year's
accomplishments. She said that they are continuing to develop partnerships— public and
private —to assist in reaching the goals. She made reference to the 2010 Community
Resource Guide, which is available on the website. This guide is a valuable resource to seniors
and caregivers. One of the goals of the Department on Aging is to make senior centers a one-
stop shop for services. The Department on Aging is in the process of reorganizing and
developing a closer relationship with Orange County Department of Social Services. In the
near future, community seniors will no longer have to be referred to DSS for Medicaid, food
stamps, energy assistance, etc. These seniors will be able to sign up for services at the
centers with the aging transition staff. She continued with the highlights of the programs.
Heather Altman spoke ak�ut a program called the Community Resource Connections
for Aging and Disabilities. This prr`bgram has been funded since 2003 from the Administration
on Aging and the Centers for M�`tli�care and Medicaid Services. They gave a grant from the
Department of Health and Human"Services and Orange County applied through a competitive
bidding process to receive recognition to become a site in this area. This is a very exciting
initiative. It is designed to be a visible and trusted resource for older adults and adults with
disabilities to go for a full-range r�f long-term services and support options. She listed the
partners.
Janice Tyler said that plans are underway to develop the 2012-2016 plan. She has
been reviewing plans from other counties as well as the State's Aging Plan. A proposal has
been submitted to be considered for a Capstone project with the UNC School of Public Health,
Health Education, Health Behavior program. If Orange County is selected, it will have three to
five graduate students and faculty working with the County on the next plan. The goal is to
present the next plan in May 2042.
Commissioner Jacobs matle reference to page 7 under objective A-2, recommendation
4 for 2011. He said that it talks about written instruction for persons with low vision. He asked
what course this was referring to.` Janice Tyler said that they recently joined up with the
Disability Awareness Council to offer classes for people with low vision at the Seymour Center,
and also received some United Way funds to purchase new equipment for this.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to page 8 and the accomplishment of Limited
Mobility Related Minor Home Repair Program. He asked about combining this with the Urgent
Home Repair Program. Tara Fikes said that she could talk further about this with Janice Tyler.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to page 11 and the Wellness Program
Coordinator and said that this is UNC's program, but Orange County provides the $25,000.
Janice Tyler said that UNC provides the County with the $25,000 for the wellness program.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if there was any lobbying to keep this funding and Janice Tyler
said yes.
Commissioner Jacobs suggested writing a letter from the Board of County
Commissioners thanking UNC for this funding.
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Chair Pelissier said that the collaboration with DSS is very welcomed and she
applauded this.
A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner
Hemminger to approve receiving the Orange County Master Aging Plan Annual Progress
Report for 2010 and accept the recommendations for 2011.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Proposed Master Plan for Future Blackwood Farm Park
The Board considered adopting the proposed master plan for the future Blackwood
Farm Park.
Gwen Harvey introduced this item. Dave Stancil was unable to attend due to a family
emergency. The proposed master plan was presented to the Board on April 13, 2010. The
Board provided the following feedback at that meeting:
- The master plan is consistent with the vision and conceptual plan for this site
- The map should be modified to show that the pine forest located in the northwest
corner of the site could be used for active recreation, pending further approval;
- The Board would like the site to be made available to the public for limited interim uses
(prior to park construction)-as long as there is adequate public safety; and there are
safeguards for the buildings and other cultural resources on the property
- The Board changed the working title of the site to "Future Blackwood Farm Park."
The recommendation is fo'r the Board to provide feedback and to give instruction on
how to move forward with the limited public use (outlined in Attachment 4).
Rich Shaw and Lori TafC'r`riade a PowerPoint presentation.
Blackwood Farm
- 152 acres (acquired 200"I)`
- Midway btw Hillsborough and Chapel Hill
- Frontage on NC 86, New`l-lope Church Road (and I-40)
- Former Blackwood family farm (since 1906)
Characteristics of the Site ' } `
- Historic/cultural assets " �
o Historic farmstead with outbuildings
o Old Hillsborough-Chapel Hill roadbed
o Scenic vista from New Hope Church Road
o Cemetery "
- Natural assets
o Prime farmland
o Large pond (3 acres)
o Mature forest (natural heritage site)
The Draft Master Plan
- Preliminary Concept Plan`
- Citizen master plan committee (14 members)
- 7 meetings
o Site walks �
o Stakeholder meetings
o Visits to other parks
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o Design charrette
O ni '
pportu ties and Challenges
Oqportunities �
- Access, scenic views
- Proximity to schools
- Farmstead complex
- Historic roadbed, cemetery, arch. Sites
- Orchard and forest areas
- Natural heritage area
Challenqes
- Driveway and noise
- Adjacent residences
- Scenic views, historic and archaeological resources
- Existing structures
- Natural area and streams
Facility Recommendations
- Amphitheatre (three potential locations)
- Community gardens
- "Learning Center" and playground
- Multi-purpose field
- Hiking trails, bike trail
- Fishing Dock
- Picnic shelters -
- Scenic Overlook
- Ag demonstration plots
- Retain/enhance orchard
- Protect cemetery
April 2010 Work Session "'
- BOCC thanked master plan committee
- Provided feedback on tfie master plan
o Plan is consistent with vision/concept plan
o Potential active recreation in NW pine forest
o Changed to "Futur�'Blackwood Farm Park"
o Report back on possible interim/limited use
Interim Use Plan
- Open on a limited basis
- Supervised events and activities
o Environmental programs
o Recreation events (music, festivals, egg hunt)
o Regional cross-country meets �
o Community garden
o Ham Radio field day exercises
- Site prep/management needs
2004 Ag Heritage Festival
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- 250th anniversary
- Ag demonstration
- Crafts
- Oral histories
Commissioner Jacobs thanked the staff for all of the work they have done. He asked if
the rehabilitation of outbuildings was done with deconstructed wood and it was answered yes.
He said that it would be nice to mention that somewhere.
Commissioner Jacobs said that the park was designed with Durham Tech in mind, ',
which is right down the road and Durham Tech may be interested in collaborating on a
community garden.
Commissioner Jacobs asked about the relocation of beavers and Lori Taft said that it is
just relocation and not eradicatiorr.
Commissioner Gordon thanked everyone for their work on this plan. She said that the
interim plan makes a lot of sense.
Commissioner Hemminger said that this may be a location for the local Eagle Scouts to
build some projects. Also, the Frisbee golfers are looking for more space.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner
Hemminger to approve adopting the proposed master plan for the future Blackwood Farm Park.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
8. Reports .`,`
a. Buckhorn-Mebane U�iFities Phase II/Land Use: Communitv Outreach
The Board received a re�ort on upcoming community outreach in the Buckhorn-
Mebane Phase II Utilities area. "4� ' '' `
Planning Director Craig���riedict said that this is an update on this Phase II. The
Board of County Commissioners allocated funds for engineering design work roughly from
Gravelly Hill Middle School area tiowards Buckhorn Road and further towards Collington Farms.
He showed the area on a map. Area A has frontage on I-85/I-40 and is adjacent to Collington
Farms and the City of Mebane. 'This is an area for potential economic development. When the
small area plan was developed, this area was not within the water and sewer boundary plan.
These changes have been made and this area is consistent with the water and sewer boundary
agreement. The County staff will be meeting with the residents to talk about the next phase.
One of the recommendations is to change this designation from Agricultural-Residential to
something suitable for economic development. About 100 different letters were sent out to
citizens talking about the land use planning area, the small area planning efforts, and some of
the design work that will be done in this area. There will be a meeting at Gravelly Hill Middle
School on March 7t" in the auditorium to answer questions of the general public.
Commissioner Jacobs si�g'gested including in the presentation the County's policies
regarding watershed protection and the Upper Eno. This always comes up.
9. Countv Manaqer's Report
None
10. Countv Attornev's Report
John Roberts said that when he started here the County Commissioners asked him to
codify the ordinances and this is almost finished. Municode will be sending a PDF tomorrow for
the departments to review. He wilf send it to the Board of County Commissioners for review.
�
He said that no changes were made to ordinances except the impact fee ordinance. Everything
should just be the ordinance as it exists together with all of the amendments made. The goal is
to get the general ordinances codified. The impact fee ordinance was not received in time for
the first draft, but it will be included before the proofing process is complete.
11. Appointments �
a. Oranqe Countv Arts Commission — New Appointments
The Board considered making new appointments to the Orange County Arts
Commission.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner
Foushee to appoint Rebecca Ray (Position 3) and Jae Furman (Position 9) to the Arts
Commission with terms ending March 31, 2013.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by seconded by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by �
Commissioner Jacobs to appoint Sally Scharding to the Arts Commission (Position 4).
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to
appoint Joseph Marro to the Arts`Commission (Position 10).
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Oranqe Countv Planninq Board — New Appointment
The Board considered maKing one new appointment to the Orange County Planning
Board. "".
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz to
appoint to H.T. "Buddy" Hartley to�the Orange County Planning Board (Position 2) with a term
ending March 31, 2012.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12. Board Comments
Commissioner Jacobs said that there is a meeting on March 12th in Spanish to
introduce people who would like to learn about agriculture in Orange County and pursue
farming in Orange County. The contact is 245-2330.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he toured the Value-Added Processing Center and the
hope is to have the next advisory'board meeting in the facility and to open the facility by the end
of April. There is good participatiori by Alamance and Durham Counties but not Chatham
County.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to add Board procedures (i.e., paperless
agendas, etc.) to the agenda of the April 12'h work session. Chair Pelissier said that this would
be discussed at agenda review.
Commissioner McKee —'none
Commissioner Yuhasz— none
Commissioner Foushee said that last Friday she participated in Orange County's
charette for Durham Tech — Orange County campus and she brought it for the Board to look at
some of the proposed ideas. She said that there was a Durham Tech Board of Trustee's
meeting recently and there is not a plan to ask for an increase in funding this year from the
Board of County Cornmissioners.
Commissioner Hemminger said that she agreed with Commissioner Jacobs about
paperless agendas and moving toward electronic agendas.
�'
Commissioner Hemminger said that she went on a tour with some of the members of
Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) to Greensboro to look
at the indoor recreation facilities. There was some indoor soccer and tennis. She said that it
was interesting that one of the buildings used was an old Belk distribution center that was
reconditioned.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
ask the County Attorney to read the Unified Development Ordinance by the second meeting in
March.
John Roberts said that just because he reads 800+ pages, does not mean that he will
be able to answer every question about those 800+ pages, but he will read it. He said that �
Municode will do a review of it also to look at conflicts with federal and state law.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Commissioner Gordon said that the draft Metropolitan Transportation Improvement
Program will be at a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on March 9th in the Durham City Hall.
Commissioner Gordon said that Triangle Transit will hold public workshops on the
Triangle Regional Transit Program in Chapel Hill on March 24'h from 4-7 p.m. at the Friday
Center.
Chair Pelissier said that fhe're is a small group working on the Orange County Transit
Plan with representatives from UNC and three municipalities. There are regular meetings now.
A subset from that group will be meeting with a delegation from Durham County regarding the
%z-cent sales tax.
Chair Pelissier said that there is quite a bit of interest with what Orange County is doing
about economic development. There is a subcommittee of the Hillsborough Chamber of
Commerce on Economic Development, who is reorganizing and they want to hear about what
Orange County is doing. She was also invited to speak to the Homebuilder's Association in the
beginning of April. She thinks that this is a sign that people are seeing that Orange County is
taking active steps regarding economic development.
13. Information Items
• Rezoning Petition — Proposed Carrboro Library
• February 15, 2011 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
14. Closed Session
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner
McKee to go into closed session at 8:51 PM for the purposes of:
"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).
"Pursuant to G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(3) "to consult with an attorney retained by the Board in order
to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the Board."
"To discuss matters related to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the
area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic
development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations," NCGS § 143-
318.11(a)(4).
�'
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz
to reconvene into regular session at 10:40 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
15. Adiournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner McKee
to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Bernadette Pelissier, Chair
Donna S. Baker, CMC
Clerk to the Board