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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20030324APPROVED 05!06!2003 MINUTES Orange County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting March 24, 2003 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session an Manday, March 24, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom in Hillsborough, Narth Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Margaret W. Brown, Alice M. Gordon, Stephen Halkiotis, and Barry Jacobs COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Moses Carey, Jr. COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill and S. Sean Borhanian COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Managers Rod Visser and Gwen Harvey and Clerk to the Board Donna S. Baker (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. ALL RECORDINGS OF THE MEETING WILL BE KEPT FOR 5 YEARS ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Chair Brown asked to remove Item 1 Q-c, Personnel Ordinance Revision -Drug and Alcohol Testing, and to hold this item for April 15t because Personnel Director Elaine Holmes is sick. Commissioner Gordon asked to remove from item 8-a, Minutes, the minutes for January 25th. She asked to place these minutes on the April 1~t agenda. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda NONE b. Matters an the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda below.) 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Halkiotis thanked the Human Rights and Relations Commission far the yellow ribbons signifying support for the troops. Commissioner Halkiotis reported that he and Chair Brown attended a meeting today on solar energy issues and there were people interested in renewable energy resources. Planning Director Craig Benedict, Chief Building Inspector Susan Mallotte, Senator Ellie Kinnaird, and several builders were in attendance. He said that there is a disconnect in North Carolina between solar energy systems and the North Carolina building code, which says very little about solar energy issues. He thanked Martie Mandell of Carrboro for putting this meeting together. He and Chair Brown mentioned the fact that this Board of County Commissioners is looking at any and all opportunities with the renovations at the Northern Center in Cedar Grove regarding solar applications. Senator Kinnaird is very supportive of this and said that Representative Hackney is responsible for a tax incentive for people to use solar energy. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he is confused and he asked that the Manager get people together to get some additional information about the third high school. He made reference to a newspaper article that said, "Numbers don't add up for third school," and "School officials revise claim that 1,500 students for new high school live south of NC 54. The more likely number is fewer than 800." This was a reporter far the Chapel Hill News. He asked for additional clarity. He said that we are going to be relying mare on numbers and we need an independent individual keeping the numbers -someone not working for either school district. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the newspaper article and said that she gave a report of the school board meeting and they did give a chart showing the number of students above a line and below a line on a map. She said that it is possible that the article was written before the school board meeting. The confusion is whether Franklin Street or NC 54 is the dividing line. She asked John Link to get the map that defines the line as to north and south. John Link said that the staff would respond to the questions at the work session on March 25tH Commissioner Gordon made reference to the Environmental Summit, which is March 29tH at the Totten Center from 10am to 12pm. Commissioner Gordan said that last week there was a meeting of the Chapel Hill Township Park and Education Campus, which is CHATPEC. After the March 27tH meeting, they will be Gaming with an interim report to the Board of County Commissioners and they have come up with a list of uses for the park. Commissioner Gordon mentioned the State of the Economy Breakfast and said that it was a very informative session. She commended the staff. Commissioner Jacobs gave credit to Katie Hunter who was the reporter who wrote the newspaper article. He said that these numbers and projections are confusing and they continue to shift. He said that if we are going to spend taxpayers' money and we are going to follow through on our commitments to education, we need to be sure and clear about the basis for those decisions. He heard the Superintendent tell the County Commissioners that the line was NC 54. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the card regarding the yellow ribbons and read, "Vietnam war protesters took out their anger on the war on the men and women who had to fight it." He said that this statement was unfair. He was a protestor and he never took his anger out on the people who were forced to fight. He said that he thinks the leaders of this country sent people to die in Vietnam. He would like this to be accurate and honest. It should say "some protestors" and should not be a blanket statement. Commissioner Jacobs said that there was an NCDOT District and Division Representatives meeting on March 6, 2003 and the Board received a report from Karen Lincoln about this. Governor Easley has a program called North Carolina Moving Ahead and NCDOT is expected to have a lot of money to do road improvements. The representatives asked the County to identify any roads in Orange County which did not have right-of-way issues or environmental constraints that might need some immediate assistance as far as widening shoulders, fixing bumps, adding taper, etc. Any citizen can contact the Clerk at 245-2130 or Commissioner Jacobs who will pass those along to NCDOT representatives. Chair Brown said that the Horace Williams Citizens Committee met last week and had a presentation from Tony Waldrop of UNC. This was a complete presentation of the proposed Horace Williams development plan. It was clear that the plan that has been conceived is not the possible plan and they have dropped back to developing principles for the development of a concept plan. She brought up the issue of the impacts that development might have on County citizens and particularly fiscal impacts. She will keep bringing up the issues that reflect the County's involvement. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he, John Link, and Commissioner Carey represented the County at the Community College Needs Assessment Group, which met last week. They also had a presentation from Mr. Waldrop and things were changed from the last presentation. The acreage has decreased and the square footage has stayed the same. He would like to schedule another presentation before summer break. It is important to stay on top of this. Chair Brown said that all of the County Commissioners have served on various Horace Williams Tract committees and none of the plans have been appropriate. This is an agenda item at the next JPA meeting. Chair Brown made reference to the yellow ribbon and said that she is very glad to have it to support all of the individuals that have gone off to fight, but she thinks that it is an outrageous statement that protesters took out anything on any solders during the Vietnam War. She also was a war protestor during the Vietnam War. She is glad that all of us have a way to express our support regardless of our feelings about the war. Chair Brown reported that she met with Tom Maynard and the Orange-Person-Chatham Mental Health Advisory Board to track the disassembling of the mental health system. Chair Brawn showed a wooden clock that is in the shape of a car that represented the 100`" automobile that has been given away by TROSA for the Wheels for Work project. Chair Brown made reference to the newspaper article with the misleading third high school projections. She is not convinced that the projections show that the Chapel Hill- Carrbora City Schools will need 1,500 additional seats for high school students. She has asked the school board to make this presentation to the Board of County Commissioners and have the Planning staff evaluate the projections. She is glad the newspapers took it up and did some investigative reporting. She asked the Planning staff to come back with what has happened in the last year and a half when the need for the third high school was first presented. Chair Brown apologized for not mentioning before that Commissioner Carey would not be here due to a family emergency. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link made reference to the Carolina blue report, which has the outcome of the recent bond sale and refinancing of earlier bonds. The County received very favorable rates. Finance Director Ken Chavious reported on the bond sale that occurred on March 11tH The bond sale consisted of $19,175,000 in bonds authorized by the voters in November 2001 and $22.8 million in refunding bonds approved by the voters in 1992 and originally issued in 1993. The County maintained the excellent credit ratings. On the $19 million in new bonds, Wachovia gave an interest rate of 4.04°~, which was below the bond buyer's index at the time of sale. UBS PaineWebber gave an interest rate of 2.47°~ an the $22.8 million in refunding bonds. The average annual savings as a result of these law interest rates will be $180,000, which is higher than originally anticipated. Ken Chavious said that many citizens call him asking to purchase County bands. Citizens wishing to purchase these bonds can call him at 9191245-2450. Citizens can also call Wachovia at 7041374-4442. Citizens wishing to purchase the refunding bonds can contact Mr. Michael Azinaro of UBS PaineWebber at 2121713-2880. Bonds are Bald in increments of $5,000 and all interest earned will be exempt from income taxes. Commissioner Halkiotis expressed his appreciation for the narrative on what the County does by Fitch and Standard and Poors. Chair Brown said that this should be available to send to citizens. Ken Chavious said that he is working on getting this on the County's website, but he has to get written approval because it is copyright protected. S. RESOLUTIONS OR PROCLAMATIONS a. Resolution of Appreciation for Tommy Thompson The Board considered adopting a resolution of appreciation for Tommy Thompson of the Red Clay Ramblers far his contribution to Orange County and the field of music. Chair Margaret Brown read this resolution. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution as stated below: RESOLUTION IN HONOR OF TOMMY THOMPSON OF THE RED CLAY RAMBLERS WHEREAS: Tommy Thompson was born in West Virginia in 1937, graduating from Kenyon College in 1959, and spending the next four years as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard in New Orleans, the cradle of jazz; and, WHEREAS: in 1966, while pursuing a graduate degree in Philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Tommy Thompson and his banjo formed the Hollow Rock String Band, devoted to the old-time dance music of the southern Appalachian Mountains; and, WHEREAS: In 1972, Bill Hicks, Jim Watson and Tommy Thompson formed The Red Clay Ramblers, a band that was characterized by its distinctive Tar Heel sound; and, WHEREAS: Marcia Wilson founder of the Cat's Cradle, which was the only music venue club in the area that provided a stage setting, and who enthusiastically encouraged the regular solo performances of Tommy Thompson and with the Red Clay Ramblers; and, WHEREAS: The Red Clay Ramblers' fusion of blue grass, folk, blues and Vaudeville helped the band develop a unique, eclectic style, that helped the Ramblers develop a wide following of devoted fans from The United States to Canada, and through Europe to the Middle East and Africa; and, WHEREAS: in 1975, Tammy Thompson and the Ramblers joined the off-Broadway cast of Diamond Studs, a musical about the life of Jesse James, where Thompson earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of Cole Younger and Jesse James' mother, Zerelda Samuels; and, WHEREAS: The Ramblers headlined the first Festival for the Eno in 1980 and became even mare popular when they were introduced to the national audience of public radio through their performances on Garrison Keillor's, A Prairie Home Companion; and, WHEREAS: The Red Clay Ramblers appeared on Broadway and enjoyed a long association with writerldirector Sam Shepard, who cast them as the medicine show band in his 1993 movie, Silent Tongue; and, WHEREAS: in September 1994, Tommy Thompson played his last gig with the Ramblers at Carrboro's ArtsCenter; and, WHEREAS: Tommy Thompson's drop-thumb claw-hammer fell silent an January 24, 2003, when this talented, larger-than-life figure of North Carolina musical lore, passed on to heaven, "...just across the Blue Ridge where the high meadows lay, and the galax spreads through the new mown hay"; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Orange County Board of Commissioners celebrates the outstanding creative, cultural and intellectual contributions of Tommy Thompson's life and his deeply rooted commitment to civil rights and progressive achievements during his life, and mourns the loss of this great cultural resource, who came to represent the music of the Tar Heel State to a worldwide audience. This the twenty-fourth day of March 2003 VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Resolution Supporting a Peaceful Solution to Conflict with Iraq The Board considered adapting a resalution supporting a diplomatic resolution to the conflict with Iraq. There were three people signed up to speak on this item. Chair Brown pointed out the re-writes of this resolution. Public Comment Patrick Reese is a volunteer member of the Human Rights and Relations Commission. He said that we are in the middle of a war and the timeliness of the resolution could be in question, but he thinks we should pass it. He said that this is an unprovoked war and Iraq has never done anything to America. He suggested some additions to the resalution. He said that, since this is an extension an our war on terror, he recently heard that some of the AI Qaeda members have been tortured and two of them have died as a result of the torture. He would like to add something to the resolution to condemn torture. He said that if we want to stop weapons of mass destruction then we need to start with our own weapons of mass destruction. Countries that are attempting to get rid of their weapons of mass destruction have little patience with countries that are attempting to obtain them. He said that the Patriot Act is anything but patriotic and the police have enough surveillance and evidence gathering techniques without having to shred the Bill of Rights far them. The HRR does not support the war and would like to amend the resalution with his suggestions. He asked for the resolution to be adopted. Barry Freeman was speaking on behalf of Northern Orange citizens that have joined in the vigil every Wednesday at noon on Churtan Street to show their concern about the war and that it be brought to an immediate conclusion. He said that the resolution does not mention the lives being lost -Iraqi and American - in this war. He said that the reason we have been given for this war is a smokescreen for the real reason, which is to get control of Iraqi oil so the oil companies can get cheap oil and sell it to us at a high price. He emphasized the wording urging the United States to "return to diplomatic solutions to its differences with Iraq, preserve the lives of our service personnel and others at risk in and near Iraq, and become a partner in the world community in brokering a peaceful accord." He said that it is important that all political bodies can make the concerns of their constituents available to the leadership of this country and urge Congress to bring this war to a conclusion. The best support we can give our troops is to bring them home alive. Jenny Freeman thanked the County Commissioners for letting them talk about this issue. She said that she is a grandmother and protested against the Vietnam War and she never did hear anyone speak with disrespect to any soldiers. She said that this was an urban myth. She supported those that came back from the Gulf War and these never got the help they need. She thinks that the people that wear these ribbons should vow that our sans and daughters who are in the service will get the help that they need when they came home. This is an aggressive war and the money used for the war is not going to help us help others. She supports the resolution, but it is not as strong as many people feel. Chair Brown pointed out some of the changes to the resolution from the County Commissioners. She would like to develop a separate resolution that pertains to the Patriot Act I and II. This would go to our congressmen and senators. She read, "Whereas, Orange County is committed to human rights and any actions that preserve and protect those rights." She would like to go on to ask our congressmen and senators to support the elimination of all powers given to the President to take away citizenship and accusations to anyone being a terrorist. Commissioner Jacobs said that even though he has his own personal opinions of the political policy of the current administration and past administrations, he hesitates to include it in a resolution. Regarding what Ms. Freeman said about the soldiers, he said that we do not do a good job of taking care of our service people. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution as amended and as stated below: A RESOLUTION Supporting Diplomatic Solutions to End the Conflict with Iraq WHEREAS, the men and women in the armed services deserve our gratitude far their service and bravery; and WHEREAS, our service personnel should be put in harm's way only for just cause; and Whereas, Orange County is committed to human rights and any action that genuinely preserves and protects those rights; and WHEREAS, while we support the values of government and the citizen soldiers of the United States, we applaud the efforts being made by the United Nations and many of our allies in seeking a peaceful resolution to the current Iraqi crisis; and WHEREAS, in a time of economic difficulty at home, the present Administration's "go it alone" policy will cost tens of billions of dollars that would be better spent on health care, social services, education, and infrastructure -both here and in other countries; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners calls upon the government of the United States to return to diplomatic solutions to its differences with Iraq, preserve the lives of our service personnel and others at risk in and near Iraq, and become a partner in the world community in brokering a peaceful accord, and that this resolution be forwarded to federal and state legislative delegations an behalf of the citizens of Orange County." Commissioner Gordon seconded it, but said that instead of "go it alone" policy, it should be "unilateral policy" or "just policy". She suggested the wording "present Administration's policy". Commissioner Jacobs agreed. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he agrees that the Patriot Act needs to be taken out and dealt with separately. The most important thing for him is to support the service men and women and their families. He said that we control this by the people we elect to office. These are young people who serve the country and he loves this country dearly, but it is troubling to see some individuals twist it to say that if you do not support the actions taken you are a traitor and terrorist yourself. He said that this is the worst thing that could happen. We have to be vigilant to preserve and protect our freedoms to speak. There are same that would take that freedom away. He made reference to the signs in Hillsborough that said that if you protest the war then that means you are against the country and the troops and there is something immoral about you. He thinks that is the wrong approach. He supports Commissioner Jacobs' amended resolution. Chair Brown had some suggested changes. In the first whereas, she would like to add that this war be brought to a conclusion and that our service men and women be brought home. She said that tomorrow the President is bringing to Congress the first $78 billion needed to pay for this war. She would like to emphasize in this resolution the fiscal irresponsibility and that the money should be directed to the needs of citizens in this country and the crisis in social services, mental health, housing, and the unfunded mandates. Commissioner Jacobs said that the "whereas" about the present Administration's policy was sufficient for the fiscal irresponsibility issue. The first whereas will be changed to add, "bring the war to a swift conclusion and bring our service men and women home." Commissioner Jacobs accepted the changes as made by Chair Brown. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS-NONE 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Public Hearing on Orange County's 2003 Legislative Agenda The Board held a public hearing on potential items for inclusion in Orange County's legislative agenda packet for the 2003 North Carolina General Assembly Session and considered approval of four draft resolutions for presentation to Orange County's legislative delegation. Jahn Link said that the 2003 legislative agenda is an effort to develop a complete array of interests and issues that we feel our General Assembly should address on behalf of all of the citizens in the State. He deferred to Commissioners Halkiotis and Jacobs on any items. Geof Gledhill explained all of the issues in detail. Dark Green document -this resolution would amend the General Statutes to fund the establishment of bikeways and trails throughout the County. The intent would be for the DOT to use federal, state, and local funds to accomplish bikeways and trails in Orange County. This is a local act only. Light green document -this would authorize Orange County to levy a tax on the impact of land development for the purpose of generating revenues to pay part of the casts of school capital facilities. Presently Orange County has an impact fee and this would permit a conversion of the impact fee system to an impact tax, which has some public policy advantages. It would give more flexibility in exempting affordable housing initiatives, etc. He said that Senator Gulley has introduced Senate Bill 479, which was intended to be a local act, which would authorize Durham County to levy a tax on land development to pay part of the costs of school capital facilities. He said that the County Commissioners could ask the legislators to introduce the requested local bill and to support Durham's local bill and to combine the two to work towards accomplishing the impact tax. Blue document -this is an act to authorize cities and counties in North Carolina to enact ordinances prohibiting discrimination. There was a similar bill that was passed in the House, but it would limit the application to cities and counties greater than 10Q,000 in population. This bill would involve all cities and counties in North Carolina and would be a public bill. Orange document -this is a resolution that does not contain any specific bill, but it supports things that are important to Orange County. The first category is revenue and asks for support for an increase in the cigarette tax for the purposes of health programs and preventing tobacco use, with a portion of the new revenue being dedicated as a funding source for the farmland preservation trust and for the creation of regional processing centers to create value added products and help promote farm options. Geof Gledhill read from the list of potential legislative items, which is in the agenda abstract. He made reference to some things that could be added to the list. Senators Gulley and Lucas have introduced a bill entitled An Act to Amend the Highway Trust Fund Act - Description of the Durham Northern Loop. This eliminates the Durham Loop west of a certain point. This has been the County Commissioners' desire. It would eliminate the portion of the loop that would come into Orange County and would stop the loop from crossing the Eno River. He continued explaining the list of issues. Geof Gledhill pointed out that the County Commissioners are being asked to oppose legislation which would provide for private sector sail evaluations to become the basis for County Health Department permitting of septic systems as proposed by the North Carolina Coalition far Privatization of Waste Water Evaluations. He made reference to a letter from the Environmental Health Department to the Health Director, which points out the problems with the proposal. Commissioner Halkiotis asked what would happen if the systems fail and if the people who did the analysis would pay. Geof Gledhill said that the ultimate responsibility will be with the Health Department. This is one of the problems with the proposal. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the letter to Senator Ellie Kinnard and asked to add Representatives Hackney, Insko, and Allen. She made reference to the impact fee legislation and said that we should exercise caution because this may not have a chance to succeed. She asked if the legislation would get back to the County Commissioners if they thought that it would not succeed. Commissioner Gordon made reference to page 17 where it says, "transportation planning and funding." She thinks the following should be emboldened - "seek increased funding of the transportation improvement program". She would like to add at the end of the sentence, "with particular attention to providing additional funding for modes of transportation that provide alternatives to the automobile (e.g., public transit, bikeways)." She said that just giving more funding will not accomplish what Orange County wants. Also, on page 10 at the top, "free, gratuitous transfers," she deleted the word gratuitous. Commissioner Halkiotis thanked the staff, especially Greg Wilder in how he keeps up with his amazing database. Commissioner Jacobs said that the one about air quality and open burning was left out. It was answered that this item was on page 10. Commissioner Jacobs said that it should say, "prohibit the issuance or execution of open burning permits." He also thinks that it should refer to the fact that we are in danger of becoming a regional non-attainment area. Public Comment Kathy Young is a volunteer member of the Human Rights and Relations Commission and they have selected three objectives -one of which is the anti-discrimination legislative goal. They would like to ask that Human Rights and Relations Director Annette Moore be asked to work with the legislators on getting this issue passed. Commissioner Gordon asked what the Board feels about the possible risk to the impact fee if the impact tax is put forward. She is in favor of the tax, but she does not want to lose the fee. Geof Gledhill said that the way it has been done in the past is to entrust this to the legislators to handle this. He thinks the legislators can be trusted to handle it. He said that the Board could amend the impact tax resolution to put it in the alternative to support a similar bill from Durham. Commissioner Jacobs said that it would be good to partner with Durham if it were politically feasible. Commissioner Gordon said that Durham does not have an impact fee and Orange County does. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to support the legislative goals as amended above. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION--CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiatis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve those items on the agenda as stated below: a. Minutes The Board approved minutes from the following meetings: January 25, 2003 Board Retreat; January 27, 2003 work session (with corrections); and February 17, 2003 regular meeting. b. Appointments (1 } Carrbaro NTA Advisory Committee The Board reappointed Jay Bryan to a second term, which will expire January 31, 2006. (2} Carrboro Planning Board The Board reappointed Robert C. Hogan, Jr. for a second term as an ETJ representative, which will expire February 28, 2006. (3} Historic Preservation Commission The Board reappointed Rob Golan and Ms. Dale Georgiade, both at-large positions, for second terms to expire March 31, 2006. (4} Information Technology Advisory Committee The Board reappointed John Smith and Daug Noell, both at-large positions, far second terms to expire December 31, 2005. (5} Orange County Planning Board The Board reappointed Ted Triebel to a second term as the Little River Township representative, with a term expiration date of March 31, 2006; Noah Ranells to a first full term as an at-large representative, with a term expiration date of March 31, 2006; and Jay Bryan, Chair, to a first full term as Chapel Hill Township position, with a term expiration date of March 31, 2006. (6} Recreation and Parks Advisory Council The Board reappointed Lorraine Parker to a second term to expire March 31, 2006. c. Jail Inspection Report The Board received the jail inspection report for January 8, 2003 from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Manager's Recommendation states that corrective action is being taken as required. d. Hold Harmless Letter for Firearms Training The Board approved the attached Hold Harmless letter with the City of Burlington and Alamance Community College; and authorized the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board, and directed the Manager to forward the letter to the City of Burlington and Alamance Community College. e. Budget Amendment #9 The Board approved approving budget ordinance amendments and capital project ordinances for fiscal year 2002-03 for Register of Deeds, Department of Social Services, Department an Aging, Library Services, Non-Departmental, Cooperative Extension, Housing and Community Development, and Bond and Alternative Financing Capital Project Ordinances. f. Proposed Land Donation from The Nature Conservancy The Board approved the donation of a 10-acre tract in Cedar Grove Township from The Nature Conservancy for future protection as a County nature preserve through the Lands Legacy Program and authorized the ERCD to work with The Nature Conservancy and the County Attorney to prepare a deed for the transfer of the subject property to Orange County. g; CJPP Continuation Grant Application The Board approved the submission of the FY 2003-04 grant application for the continuation of the Criminal Justice Partnership Program (CJPP) operations in the amount of $165,221 and authorized the Chair to sign the grant application. h. Inter-local Agreement with the Town of Chapel Hill -Cost of GIS Products and Services The Board approved an inter-local agreement between Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill for the mutual purchase of GIS products from the Town's vendor, Sanborn, Inc., subject to final review by the County Attorney, and authorized the Manager to sign the agreement. i. Bid Award: Buffer Planting Plan at the New C & D Landfill The Board awarded Bid Number 1303 to GTW Landscaping of Rougemont, N.C at a cost of $25,260 to provide and install landscaping material along the north side of Eubanks Road to provide a visual buffer at the new construction and demolition (C&D) landfill and authorized the Purchasing Director to execute the necessary paperwork. L Housing Rehabilitation ContractAward The Board awarded one housing rehabilitation contract for the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program to Taylor Home Improvements in the bid amount of $22,395. k. Confirmation of Analytical Elements of Board Goal on Possible School Merger The Board confirmed that the language in the revised goal statement accurately reflects the elements of analysis needed for the Board to make an informed decision on whether or not the Orange County Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools should be merged. I. Request to Appropriate Eno Fire Department's Fund Balance for Land Acquisition This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda far separate consideration. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: I. Request to Appropriate Eno Fire Department's Fund Balance for Land Acquisition The Board considered approving a request from the Eno Fire Department's Board of Directors to appropriate the District's county-held fund balance in the amount of $32,621 to offset costs of property acquisition by the Eno Fire Department. Commissioner Jacobs said that there is a community center at Palmer's Grove, but he wondered if there was any consideration in talking about this new site to having a large enough meeting space so that it could serve this part of the County. Budget Director Donna Dean said that they have not discussed this option with the fire district, but they can offer it for consideration. Commissioner Jacobs said that this is an opportunity to partner with someone else. EMS Director Nick Waters said that the fire district would probably be in favor of it because they have asked if the County would consider an EMS bay. Commissioner Jacobs asked where they stood with widening plans for I-85 because there were concerns about whether there would be an impact on the current site of the station. Nick Waters has not received an update on this, but he will check. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appropriate $32,621 in County held fund balance for the Eno Fire Department. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION--REGULAR AGENDA a. Appointments (1 } Recreation and Parks Advisorv Council The Board considered making one appointment to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council {RPAC). Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the letter that mentions another person, but all the applications are not included. He does not understand why only one person has been brought forward when there are multiple vacancies. He would like to encourage boards to bring more than one appointment forward. He would like to add Mr. Stephens from the Eno Township. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Steve D. Peck far the Chapel Hill City vacancy and Mr. Stephens for the Eno Township vacancy to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 10. REPORTS a. Joint Orange Grove Road Transportation Group The Board received a report from the Joint Orange Grove Road Transportation Group and considered authorizing staff to pursue the recommendations. Planning Director Craig Benedict made a PowerPoint presentation. Commissioners Halkiotis and Jacobs served on this group as well as representatives from the Hillsborough Town Council and County and Hillsborough staff. He pointed out the corridor that was studied. The name of the project was access management. The study was not to just look at what is going on at Orange Grave Road but what other types of access management literature was available. One of the situations is that there is no additional width an the bridge over I-85 to accommodate pedestrian traffic. A letter was drafted as a result of this study to tell the school district that there needs to be a sidewalk in this area. The group came up with general and specific goals for this area and it took about 5-6 meetings. The recommendations are as follows: 1. To pursue funding to implement recommendations of the study. Potential funding sources include the Transportation Improvement Program, Spot Safety funds, and Small Urban funds. 2. Provide pedestrian facilities along Orange Grove Road -sidewalks and bike lanes. 3. Take this study and incorporate into local plans and regulations. 4. Continue to improve the South Churton Street corridor. 5. Distribute Orange Grove Road Study and Access Management Plan to community groups for comments. Commissioner Halkiotis acknowledged the involvement of a citizen, Nancy Baker, who raised the issue of the traffic light necessity at New Grady Brown School Road. She has located a company that can attach a walkway to the bridge. This will be much cheaper than what DOT could da. Commissioner Jacobs said that Nancy Baker sent an email to Chuck Edwards from NCDOT that this bridge company was an the approved DOT list in North Carolina. This walkway would improve pedestrian traffic to and from schools. Commissioner Jacobs highlighted that the idea of the group was to build some alliance with the Town of Hillsborough and the recommendations involve how Hillsborough will approve proposed developments and there are opportunities to address some of these issues. Craig Benedict has worked with Hillsborough Planning Director Margaret Hauth and there should be buy in by bath the County and the Town. He said that this access management plan could be applicable to other areas of the County so that we could move forward without community groups each time. He suggested looking at North Carolina Moving Ahead money for some of the improvements, especially at the intersection of Oakdale and Orange Grove Roads. Commissioner Gordon said that this should be brought to the Tawn of Hillsborough in May to see if they buy into this. She made reference to the EDD Transportation Work Group and the Board's role in that. She would like to have the whole Hillsborough board talk about this issue. She feels that Orange County has tried to be cooperative. Commissioner Halkiotis said that it is disturbing to him to see people carrying groceries on Orange Grove Road and there is not enough roam for two people to walk on the side of the road. He said that we could avert a disastrous situation out there. He thanked Craig Benedict, the staff, and DOT for moving this along Chair Brown asked that one page be added on how to pursue the next steps of the study. Commissioner Jacobs said that we have been told that DOT will embrace the access management plan that the County presents. The next step for the County will be to fold the access management process into the thinking. This item will be brought back far further discussion b. Results of Phase 1 Emeraency Communications Study The Board received a report on the Countywide Emergency Communications needs assessment performed by CTA Communications, Inc. Emergency Management Specialist Eric Griffin gave a PowerPoint presentation, which is incorporated by reference. In summary, the County Commissioners approved the study in June 2001. The public safety users were interviewed and the communications equipment was examined. The conclusions were that the existing equipment was not sufficient. For example, there is limited redundant communications, very limited local interoperability, no regional interoperability, and very little compatibility with new technology. The recommendations are to make some short and long-term fixes for the existing system, make physical improvements at the communications center, conduct a tower location study, and implement a new system design. EMS Director Nick Waters said that these concerns have been heard before and the report has confirmed what they have found in the local and regional disaster exercises. He said that it is time to bring the public safety arena up to speed. He said that the report would be up an the website tomorrow. Commissioner Gordon made reference to page 27 and the certified radio users. She asked if this was referring to the towns and Nick Waters said yes. He said that CHCCS were missing because they were invited to participate, but did not come to the interview. Commissioner Halkiotis said that everyone needs to understand the significance of this and any other group that is of any significance should be involved. Nick Waters answered some technical questions for Commissioner Gordon. Commissioner Gordon encouraged Nick Waters to think about when the electricity goes out or cell towers go out and if you go high technology then you are more dependent an technology. Nick Waters said that they are ordering UPS's with an hour and a half use time Commissioner Barry Jacobs noted that one of the NCACC's legislative goals is to use the 911 fees to make improvements. Nick Waters said that some of these expenditures are outside the usage of 911 fees. Commissioner Jacobs asked Nick Waters to explain to the legislators about the antiquated system that we have now. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the telecommunications tower study. Craig Benedict said that the staff could be bringing a proposal for the Master Telecommunications Plan in about three to four weeks. Commissioner Jacobs asked if this was coordinated with the consultant's study. Nick Waters said that they will need more tower sites if they implement these recommendations and the Master Telecommunications Plan will be a head start. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the coordination of each study and the vision of all of this. Craig Benedict said that some of their work has identified some quasi- publicsites and private sector sites for the short term. They will then have to move into a more aggressive search for tower sites. John Link said that the challenge is to accelerate the process. This study was a wake up call and the ice storm was the two minute warning. He said that the staff - Planning, EMS, and Information Technology -need to provide to the Board of Commissioners a statement as part of the CIP with these issues and how it fits into our safety program. Chair Brown said that she sees this as an Assembly of Governments item in the Fall with an action plan with it. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the homeland security money and said that this is a perfect candidate for this money and the Board of County Commissioners will be there to support the staff. Nick Waters said that this was one of the top priorities in grant searching Commissioner Jacobs suggested talking with Congressman Price. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to the communication problems between agencies and asked why there is not cooperation within agencies. Nick Waters said that mast technologies are not compatible and they need to explore how to co-locate an towers. Commissioner Gordon would like to see a communication device to use with other entities and staff when electricity is out. She would like to have a low technology back up like walkie-talkies. Nick Waters said that most of those things are limited by distance. They are trying to build redundancy and back-up systems. The Manager will bring back some strategies on the recommendations of the study. c. Personnel Ordinance Revision -Drug and Alcohol Testing The Board was to receive a report an possible revisions to the Orange County Personnel Ordinance to update the policy covering employee drug and alcohol testing and to implement the Board's direction as to handling positive drug and alcohol tests. DEFERRED TO APRIL 1St. 2003 11. CLOSED SESSION-NONE 12. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made Commissioner Halkiatis, seconded by Commissioner Gordan to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Margaret W. Brown Chair Donna S. Baker Clerk to the Board