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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20040518APPROVED 08/17/2004 MINUTES BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MAY 18, 2004 7:30 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for regular session on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Barry Jacobs and Commissioners Margaret Brown, Alice M. Gordon, Stephen Halkiotis COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Moses Carey, Jr. COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill, 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. 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda There was additional information for items 5-p, 9-c, and 9-d. PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Madeline Grumet said that in March, Commissioner Halkiotis and Commissioner Brown gathered people such as herself, President Friday, Jahn Darnan, and others from the University to discuss matters about how the two school districts could collaborate. From those discussions came the request that University officials might be able to assist in deliberations. She presented an approved project from the University for $25,000 for three faculty and three graduate students to work, starting in June through November, to review materials and identify areas of needs and resources for collaboration. The two superintendents would be on the committee, and both have seen the proposal. The University has waived its indirect costs to bring forward an economical proposal. Commissioner Halkiotis said that this was a wonderful gesture and the Board should write a letter to thank the University. Chair Jacobs said that the next step is for the County to agree to participate in this arrangement, and to empower the committee to proceed. John Link asked if it was okay to address this by June 2°d and Ms. Grumet said yes. Chair Jacobs said that Commissioner Carey would not be in attendance tonight because he is visiting his mother out of town. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda {These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item an the agenda below.) 3. Board Comments Commissioner Brown -none. Commissioner Halkiotis said that it appears that no one in the current administration in Washington is concerned about the rising cost of gasoline. He said that a couple of years ago the Board came up with a proposal for a social safety net for social services and they have had success with the Wheels for Work program. He would like to ask the Chair and the Vice-Chair at their next meeting with the Manager to consider having a report brought back to the Board as soon as possible to have the Social Services Director, the Public Health Director, and any other appropriate staff to give a report on how people are faring in the County. He said that people have also come before the Board talking about the escalating cost of childcare. Childcare now averages $800 per month for one child. It costs less than that to send an in-state student to UNC. He would like a report on the budget in regards to this also. Commissioner Gordon said that she emailed the Board about the TAC meeting. She reiterated that it is important to make a response about the MPO boundary. She hopes to add it to an agenda soon. She said that grange County needs to make its case. Chair Jacobs asked Carolyn Thomas, Supervisor of Elections, to speak about the primary on July 20t" and the options if you are not in town on July 20t". Carolyn Thomas said that in the first week of June, you could request to have the ballots mailed to your home. You can vote early from July 1-July 17 at three locations -Board of Elections on 110 E. King Street in Hillsborough (July 1-17), Morehead Planetarium in the Visitor's Center in Chapel Hill (July 6- 17}, and in Carrboro (July 6-10}. The phone number is 245-2350 and the information is also available on the website. The Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Commissioner Halkiotis said it would be helpful far all of the people that have filed to run to get a mailing about the rules for the posting of campaign signs. Carolyn Thomas said that this is done through the Planning Department. Commissioner Halkiotis asked if there had been a proposal about buying new voting machines and Carolyn Thomas said no. Commissioner Halkiotis is against the paperless voting machines. Commissioner Brawn asked about any new precincts this year and Carolyn Thomas said that they have not changed any precinct lines because the lines are frozen by the state. They have made six changes to polling locations (Cedar Grove, Booker Creek, Coker Hill, Battle Park, Northside, and Colonial Heights). This is so every facility will be handicap accessible. All residents in these areas have been sent a notification of the change along with a new voter registration card. There will also be signs at the previous locations. Craig Benedict said that staff is working with the Attorney's office to look at the past practices of campaign signs versus actual regulations. Chair Jacobs said that he and Commissioner Halkiotis and staff had a meeting today with the DOT staff and they spent a lot of time talking about problems on Buckhorn Road and looking ahead to the changes that will take place with a middle school and soccer complex. There will hopefully be some improvements in this area in the near future. They also talked about an alternative fueling site that could be located in Hillsborough. They also went through North Carolina Moving Ahead projects and he suggested that they be posted on the County's website so that citizens can see what is going on. Chair Jacobs said that he attended the Triangle Chairs meeting with Jahn Link and they talked about solid waste initiatives. A letter was sent out to all counties within a 100-mile radius of the center of the Triangle, and there were two responses. C7ne was a county in North Carolina, and one was a company in Virginia that wants to build a facility that might service this area. There will be follow up on the other 78 non-replies. Solid Waste Director Gayle Wilson was going to visit the county within the next month. Chair Jacobs said that Dan Jones, Fire Chief of Chapel Hill, took the time to compliment our Emergency Management staff on their professional manner of carrying on during the illness of Nick Waters. He passed along a card from Dan Jones. Commissioner Gordon said that she just found out that the meeting that was scheduled with Daug Galyon has been rescheduled on June 15Y at 3:00 p.m. Commissioner Brown asked if there was any discussion about coordinating the timing for improvements on Smith Level Road and the high school. Chair Jacobs said that the person in charge of school planning from DOT said that this eventually was going to happen. DOT is going to invite elected officials to come and talk through the proposal from Carrboro and whether or not it is feasible. 4. County Manager's Report John Link made reference to Commissioner Halkiotis' request of addressing social services issues and suggested discussing it at a budget work session on this topic. One of the themes of the budget presentation is that, even as the two major sources of revenues for the County are stable, they are incurring significant reductions in intergovernmental transfers of state and federal funding for human services. The safety net funding in the budget has been replenished, but there are some issues that are critical. John Link said that Nick Waters would be happy if he were here tonight to report this himself. He said that there has been an approval of a major amount of federal funds for communications in Emergency Management. Rad Visser said that this funding would make a dent in the price tag for the emergency communications infrastructure project. The Homeland Security Department will be giving the County $1,451,000 from the 2003 Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program. These funds will help to improve the technology for EMS. There will be collaboration within the County and beyond the County boundaries on a regional basis. There may also be additional federal grant money coming. Rod Visser mentioned that there would be a memorial service far Nick Waters on May 22"d at 2:00 at the United Church of Chapel Hill. He thinks this project is a testament to Nick's tenure. Chair Jacobs said that it is troubling now haw many people live in poverty in Orange County, according to the Healthy Carolinians report. He hopes that the County can continue to be flexible and creative to do a better jab of reaching these people. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he was troubled when he read about NCACC updates and what the legislature is talking about doing. It appears that it may affect the school systems with some limited capital monies. He would like to have some kind of an alert sheet. He has been getting a lot of negative comments from citizens about the proposed solid waste fee. He has been saying that the State has failed with recycling initiatives that would have provided a revenue stream. Commissioner Halkiotis asked for an update on the proposal he read to give the Sheriff in each county $1,200 far each poker machine that is in the county just to keep it legal. He thinks this is ludicrous. 5. Items for Decision--Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below: a. Minutes The Baard approved the minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board for the Regular Meeting on March 16, 2004 and the JPA Public Hearing an March 29, 2004. b. Appointments -None c. Change in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda far separate consideration. d. Increase ABC Board Member and Board Chair Stipends The Board increased the monthly stipend for the ABC Baard members to $75 ($900 annually) and ABC Board Chair to $125 {$1,500 annually) effective July 1, 2004. e. First Step in Authorization of Two-Thirds Net Debt Reduction Bonds The Board adapted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, formally making a preliminary determination to proceed with the County's issuance of two-thirds net debt reduction bonds. f. Bid Award: Multi-Family Recycling Truck far Recycling Operations This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. c,~. Bid Award: Mid-Size Tractor & Attachments for Recreation The Board awarded bid number 1375 to Byrd Tractor Co. of Burlington, North Carolina at a total delivered cost of $41,326 for amid-sized tractor with hydrostatic drive and attachments to be used by Recreations & Parks and authorized the Purchasing Director to execute the necessary paperwork. h. Contract Award - Piaav Back of Bid for Four Ambulances This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. i. Renewal of Food Waste Collection Contract This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. L Pyrotechnics Approval: Blue Cross Blue Shield Family Day The Board approved a pyrotechnics permit for Blue Cross/Blue Shield Family Day 2004 on Saturday, June 5, 2004, contingent upon final approval of the set-up by the Acting Emergency Management Director ar his designee. k. Acceptance of Emergency Management Grant Program Funding The Baard accepted a grant from the State Emergency Management Agency to help support the County program and authorized the Manager to sign. I. Community Development Block Grant Award -Housing Rehabilitation Program The Board approved the execution of the Grant Agreement; Funding Approval Form; Signatory Form and Certification cards; Performance Based Contract and Resolution for the FY 2004 Community Development Black Grant Award; and approved the Resolution giving signatory authority to the Chair. m. Scheduling a Public Hearing on Establishing the Orange-Person-Chatham Local Management Entity f LME1 The Board scheduled a public hearing on June 8, 2004 during it's regularly scheduled meeting to receive public comment before entering into an Interlacal Cooperation Agreement {ICA) to form athree-county public entity to serve as the Local Management Entity (LME) far ensuring mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse services {MH, DD, SA) in the Orange, Person, and Chatham County catchment area n. Re-establishment of the Orange Book The Board approved phase I, to re-create and produce the "Orange Book", an information and referral guide of local human services agencies. o. Request Triangle Transit Authority (TTA} to Incorporate the Orange County Public Route, Orange Express Into Its Service This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. ~ Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (SAPFOI-Approval of Annual Certifications 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 c. Change in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule The Board considered one change in the County Commissioners' regular meeting calendar for the year 2004 by adding a meeting on Wednesday, June 2"d at 11:30 a.m. at the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Commissioner Gordon asked if this could be at the Southern Human Services Center because it would help her out. She checked with the Clerk and the Commissioners have had three more meetings in Hillsborough than in Chapel Hill this year, so it would not be out of character. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve one change in the County Commissioners' regular meeting calendar for the year 2004 by adding a meeting on Wednesday, June 2"d at 11:30 a.m. at the Southern Human Services Center {change). VOTE: Ayes, 3; No, 1 (Commissioner Halkiotis} Commissioner Halkiotis asked how tang this meeting would last and Chair Jacobs said 11:30 to 2:00. Commissioner Halkiotis said that some of them have to take vacation leave when a meeting is at this time of day. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Chair Jacobs to reconsider the decision. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Chair Jacobs to change the County Commissioners' regular meeting calendar for the year 2004 by adding a meeting an Wednesday, June 2"d at 11:30 a.m. at the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, North Carolina. VOTE: Ayes, 3; No, 1 {Commissioner Halkiotis) f. Bid Award: Multi-Family Recycling Truck for Recycling Operations The Board considered awarding bid number 248 to Carolina Environmental Systems of Kernersville, North Carolina for one {1) multi-family recycling truck far recycling operations at a delivered cost of $143,589; and authorizing the Purchasing Director to execute the necessary paperwork. Chair Jacobs said to Solid Waste Director Gayle Wilson that he pulled this to bring up the point that one of the factors of being anon-attainment area is off-road diesel. He asked the staff to start thinking about tailoring purchases to minimize adverse air quality impacts from some of the equipment purchased. Geof Gledhill said that this needs to be modified to add to the approval to approve the financing and authorize the Finance Director and County Attorney to handle the financing. A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, secanded by Commissioner Halkiotis to award bid number 248 to Carolina Environmental Systems of Kernersville, North Carolina at a delivered cost of $143,589; autharize the Purchasing Director to execute the necessary paperwork; and autharize the Finance Director and the County Attorney to handle the financing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS h. Contract Award - Piggy Back of Bid for Four Ambulances The Board considered awarding a contract for the purchase of four Ambulances from Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc. of Falkland, North Carolina in the amount of $378,300 and authorizing the Purchasing Director and Finance Director to execute the appropriate paperwork. Geof Gledhill said that this was the same addition as above, to autharize the Finance Director and the County Attorney to handle the financing. Commissioner Halkiotis said that it would be helpful if, during the budget presentation, that the Manager presents same information on what it costs to purchase vehicles. Ambulances cost $94,575. A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, secanded by Commissioner Halkiotis to award the contract to Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc. of Falkland, North Carolina in the amount of $378,300; authorize the Purchasing Director and Finance Director to execute the appropriate paperwork; and authorize the Finance Director and the County Attorney to handle the financing VOTE: UNANIMOUS i. Renewal of Food Waste Collection Contract The Board considered renewal of a contract with Brooks that enables the County Solid Waste Management Department to provide separated food waste collection services to commercial establishments throughout Orange County, and the addition of the collection of animal bedding from UNC-Chapel Hill and authorizing the Chair to sign, subject to final review by Staff and the County Attorney. Chair Jacobs said that it was odd that the County pays $157,000 annually to have food waste taken away and then people buy the compost generated from that and they have to pay again. He said that it seems it could be brought in house. Gayle Wilson said that the food waste-recycling program has the lowest cost per ton of any recycling programs. They could probably do it a little cheaper by doing it in-house and they have thought about this. Commissioner Halkiotis would like to add that people need to be educated about this. Most people do not know that the County has to spend so much money to recycle food waste. A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to renew a contract with Brooks that enables the County Solid Waste Management Department to provide separated food waste collection services to commercial establishments throughout Orange County, and the addition of the collection of animal bedding from UNC-Chapel Hill, and authorize the Chair to sign, subject to final review by Staff and the County Attorney. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Jacobs said that he saw a column by Blair Pollack that attempted to explain the solid waste fee. He suggested doing a FAQ handout to explain why the solid waste fee is being proposed and what things cost. o. Request Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) to Incorporate the Orange County Public Route, Orange Express Into Its Service The Board considered asking the Board of Trustees for Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) to assume financial responsibility of the Orange County Public Transportation's "Orange Express" North-South public route, which would allow the BOCC to use Orange Public Transportation (OPT) funds to re-establish an East-West public route from Hillsborough to Durham. Chair Jacobs said that the Buckhorn Road area is changing and Mebane just approved a large development near Mebane Lumber. There are a lot of issues in this area and there will be a higher demand for public transportation traveling from the western edge of Orange County to the senior center, health department, and other services. He hopes that the County makes a conscious effort to make sure that this area is adequately served. Department an Aging and Transportation Director Jerry Passmore said that they understand that and they will use the funds to refocus an the eastlwest area and working with TTA . A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the request for Triangle Transit Authority to assume financial responsibility of the "Orange Express" North-South route (and direct staff to submit the draft letter as shown), and utilize Orange Public Transportation funds (driverlvehicle) for Orange Express to re-establish an East- West public route from Hillsborough to Durham. Commissioner Gordon said that she has asked that this material be sent to the Clerk of the TTA and someone needs to make sure that Michelle Dawson receives this tomorrow morning. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ~ Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance [SAPFtJ) -Approval of Annual Certifications The Board considered approving various certifications related to student membership and capacity of the Orange County Schools and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) as of November 15, 2003, as outlined in the revised draft Annual Report of the SAPFO Technical Advisory Committee (SAPFOTAC) and the incorporated forms. Commissioner Gordon asked what the Board is being asked to certify (blue sheet}. She said that if there would be a letter sent, then they should see the points or the letter itself. She said that she found some discrepancies with the report: Page 9 -CHCCS elementary membership figures for 2003-04 are not consistent with pages 33 and 36. Page 28 -the level of service numbers are not characterized correctly in the text. Commissioner Gordon said that it needs a little more work. Chair Jacobs said that they have already delayed this item and he asked if this would further delay anything. Craig Benedict said no. Commissioner Gordon said that she would share the other minor errors. John Link said that the Board of County Commissioners needs to receive from her the request of how to create a small work group to address the outstanding issue of the reduction of classroom size. THIS ITEM WAS TABLED 6. Resolutions or Proclamations a. Emeraency Medical Services The Board considered proclaiming the week of May 16 through 22, 2004 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Orange County in recognition of the many dedicated men and women that daily serve the citizens and visitors of Orange County, and authorizing the Chair to sign the proclamation. Commissioner Halkiatis read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to proclaim the week of May 16 through 22, 2004 as Emergency Medical Services Week in Orange County in recognition of the many dedicated men and women that daily serve the citizens and visitors of Orange County and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: A PROCLAMATION EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK May 16 through May 22, 2004 WHEREAS, Governor Michael F. Easley has proclaimed the week of May 16 through May 22, 2004 as Emergency Medical Services Week in North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the Emergency Medical Service in Orange County is a complex system involving Telecommunicators, First Responders, Law Enforcement Officers, Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, Nurses, Doctors, Volunteers and Employees of Orange EMS and Rescue Squad, County Staff, the UNC Hospitals Emergency Department, the UNC Airfare program, and various private enterprises; and WHEREAS, the residents of Orange County benefit daily from the dedicated efforts, knowledge, and skills of this team of emergency services personnel; and WHEREAS, the residents of Orange County support the emergency services and their efforts to improve the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and WHEREAS, observation of EMS Week in Orange County affords the opportunity to recognize the leadership and accomplishments of Nick Waters, who recently passed away while serving as Emergency Management Director for Orange County; and WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners publicly acknowledges its support and appreciation to all the members of the Orange County Emergency Medical Services System ; NOW, THEREFORE, do we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, hereby proclaim the week of May 16 through May 22, 2004, as EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK and encourage all residents of Orange County to continue to support their EMS system. FURTHERMORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do celebrate the life and achievements of Nick Waters as a visionary architect, proponent, and leader for the Emergency Medical Services System in Orange County, and join with his family, the public safety community, and the residents of Orange County in grieving this great loss to our County. This the 18th day of May, 2004 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 7. Special Presentations a. Final Report an Human Services Issues Forum 2003: Fifty Years After Brown v. Board of Education The Board received a presentation of the Final Report of Human Services Issues Forum 2003, Fifty Years after Brawn V. Board of Education: How African Americans in Orange County are Faring in Education, Health and Economic Opportunity. GWEN HARVEY LINDA TUTAY AND ROSETTA WASH - CO-CHAIRS, HUMAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Assistant County Manager Gwen Harvey said that 50 years ago yesterday, on May 17, 1954, the U. S. Supreme Court, by unanimous decision decreed that public schools should no longer be segregated in America. On September 10, 2003, the Human Services Advisory Commission of Orange County held its 13th annual Human Services Issues Forum an this theme. She introduced the co-chairs of the Human Advisory Committee -Linda Tutay from the United Way and Rosetta Wash from the InterFaith Council. Linda Tutay said that they are proud to present this report. She spoke about the history of Brown vs. Board of Education. She said that many of the complex problems that existed then, still exist now -affirmative action, under fire, schools and classrooms being racially identified, gaps in academic achievement, and economic disparities in population groups. She said that she was very involved in the planning of the forum but was unable to attend because she tore her ACL playing tennis. She said that the forum allowed citizens to look and reflect an the past and look at how to move forward together. Rosetta Wash said that the day was defined by activism, diversity, and memory. There were over 150 participants. She said that the HSAC has developed three recommendations {page 13}. The HSAC calls upon the Board of County Commissioners to continue its social commitment and progressive leadership by pressing the two school districts to join forces and share resources that would support high educational goals for all students in the County, by pushing forward with a social justice goal that would promote a safety net for families still struggling and at risk, and by prodding all state agencies and community partners and health care providers to work for progress that would eliminate the disparities that still exist. She thanked the Board of County Commissioners for its support of the HSAC and the forums over the years. Chair Jacobs said that they appreciate all of the efforts put into the forum. He said that the Board would take these recommendations into consideration, especially since they are things that the Board already agrees with. 8. Public Hearings-NONE 9. Items for Decision--Regular Agenda a. Southern Orange Senior Center Location on Southern Human Services Center Site The Board considered approving a building footprint on the Southern Human Services Center site for the Southern Orange Senior Center. John Link asked Purchasing and Central Services Director Pam Jones to speak to this. He also asked Rich Shaw to set up maps. He said that during the 1997-98 site search process, the judgment was that locating the new senior center on County property was the best decision. The question tonight is which footprint is the best on the County's property to locate the senior center. Pam Jones said that they asked the designers of the Southern Human Services Center to prepare a site master plan of the site to identify the building footprints that might be possible. They asked the designers to maximize the parking and minimize the use of the land for use of the parking. She pointed out the sites that were identified on the map. She said that the original site that they looked at had collaboration with UNC and the Institute on Aging, but it does not look like UNC will go forward with its expansion of the Institute on Aging. She said that none of the footprints have dedicated uses. The site on the east and north of the building has been previously discussed as a potential site for future justice facility expansion. This is the only property the County owns in Chapel Hill that is suitable for this type of future development. Land Conservation Manager Rich Shaw said that he was asked to walk the property and prepare a preliminary evaluation of the different sites from a natural resource conservation perspective. He found five sites. He described each site. Chair Jacobs asked about the square footage of the senior center and Pam Jones said that the estimate was 25,000 square feet. Pam Jones answered several clarifying questions of the County Commissioners. Chair Jacobs said that the Board should memorialize some of this analysis for future boards so they will not have to start over. He also suggested refining the plan to switch from a possible building site and incorporate it into the thinking as part of the park aspect of the campus. Commissioner Halkiotis said that seniors have contacted him that the preferred site is site B. He would like to make this as user-friendly as possible (i.e., accessible to wheelchairs). Chair of the Advisory Board on Aging Jack Chestnut said that both boards (Advisory Board on Aging and Friends of the Chapel Hill Senior Center) approved site B as their preferred site because of the visibility and they hope to attract drop-ins. A motion was made Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to designate Site B as the site for the Southern Orange Senior Center. Chair Jacobs added to have staff to come back with adaptations that he outlined for the master plan for the property, so that the Board could consider them at a later date. UOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Jacobs asked Pam Jones about next steps and Pam Jones said that the planning committee would designate some representatives to work with the architect. The RFP will be ready to go out very soon. Chair Jacobs asked that Pam Jones put this in memo form far the seniors and for the Senior Times. b. Animal Shelter Position, Classification and Pay and Personnel Policy Actions The Board considered position, classification, pay and personnel policy actions necessary to implement the County operation of the Animal Shelter effective July 1, 2QQ4; amending the Orange County Classification and Pay Plan as shown in Attachment 2 effective June 1, 2QQ4; and authorizing the Personnel Director to take the Personnel policy actions in Item 4. Personnel Director Elaine Holmes said that the purpose of this item is to take the personnel actions to staff the animal shelter. There are presently 16 full-time Animal Protection Society employees in the shelter. Of those 16, eight now have advised that they will continue working with APS at their new facility. Those eight include the Shelter Operations Manager, the Customer Relations Volunteer Manager, the Accounting Technician, and the Administration Manager. Eight employees have indicated that they want to transfer to the County. These include the Shelter Director, the Health Care Technician, the Office Assistant, the Animal Control Officer, and four Animal Care Technicians. This does do not include the Animal Services Director, which will be coming through the budget process. After establishing the positions, the Board will be asked to amend the classification and pay plan to add the job classifications for the shelter. The final action is to authorize several personnel policy actions to facilitate the transfer from APS to the County of those employees who would be coming to the County. Chair Jacobs asked if Elaine Holmes was satisfied that these are the necessary positions to run an operation that the County has never run before and if she was going to review the positions before they become permanent. Elaine Holmes said that she is satisfied that these are the needed positions effective July 1St in operating the shelter. In the first year, they will be evaluating the number and type of animal technician staff that will be needed. Chair Jacobs would like to have sufficient flexibility to adjust to a new function. He is supportive of the proposal. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Chair Jacobs to approve position, classification, pay and personnel policy actions necessary to implement the County operation of the Animal Shelter effective July 1, 2004; amend the Orange County Classification and Pay Plan as shown in Attachment 2 effective June 1, 2004; and authorize the Personnel Director to take the Personnel policy actions in Item 4. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Authorization to Contract with Corley Redfoot Zack {CRZ] for Desicin Services for West Ten Soccer Park The Board considered authorizing a contract with Corley Redfoot Zack (CRZ} for design services of the 34-acre West Ten Road Soccer Park; authorizing the preparation of an appropriate agreement with CRZ, contingent upon staff and Attorney review; and authorizing the Chair to sign. The pink sheet was additional information. Rod Visser said that Orange County acquired a 34-acre parcel several months ago along with the Orange County Board of Education's acquisition of an adjacent parcel for the third middle school. He said that this is a great opportunity far collaboration far the schools and the County. There are also opportunities for cost savings such as earthwork, parking, access roads, lighting, irrigation, etc. Other areas are listed on the pink sheet. Commissioner Halkiotis said that Corley Redfoot Zack is being very conservative on his estimate. He reminded the Board that the University and CHCCS could not get their schedules together for Smith Middle School and CHCCS had to spend another $100,000 for soil work. He thinks item two is underestimated regarding the potential savings in balancing earthwork. He hopes that Solid Waste Director Gayle Wilson will look at this site because there is a significant amount of leftover trees. He would like these to be recycled by chipping and used on both sites. Pam Jones said that the statute that is stated in the abstract could exempt the Board from the state-mandated process of selecting architects and engineers based on the qualifications. Chair Jacobs asked about page three and the third bullet. Rod Visser said that this is to make sure that there is public input on this process. Commissioner Gordon said that there are a number of issues with building this soccer complex in this area and she is concerned about this particular location. She is in favor of soccer fields, but she thinks the soccer complex is in the wrong location because it is closer to Mebane than any other town in Orange County. There is no access to public transportation. She thinks there should be a public forum or hearing before locating the soccer complex. She was surprised when members of the Soccer Alliance said that this was not something they supported. She read from an email that all of the County Commissioners received signed by Mike Strand, Patrick Sullivan, and Pam Hemminger as follows: "We understand that the super fund soccer complex is on the May 4th agenda as part of a fast track plan. We really want to urge you to consider a public forum for this item. There is so much at stake here as far as this complex ever being used to its potential. If you want this complex to succeed then you should include the multiple soccer groups and the public in its design. We still have major concerns about its location. If there are to be soccer tournaments so far out of town, there should be some coordination in design to encourage the soccer groups to want to run a tournament here. It would be best to talk with the soccer groups who have hosted tournaments to find out what works best and how the design could be incorporated to attract tournaments. Please open this process up for input before spending all the super soccer fund money on a project that might not be supported by the soccer groups who you want to use this complex. We still urge you to build fields closer to the people who want and need to use them. Keep Twin Creeks Park on track and continue looking for places closer to the center of soccer programs to build more fields. Thank you." Commissioner Gordon said that she did not realize that the soccer groups had not been involved in this and do not seem to be in favor of it. She will vote against this because it is not the right place in her opinion for a soccer complex, although one or two fields would be fine. Chair Jacobs asked about having one road going to the two sites. Rod Visser said that there is some consideration given to having one access road to serve both locations. Chair Jacobs made reference to something he read about reconstruction and an educator named Mr. Corliss. He thinks we should honor the history of this and name the access road after Mr. Corliss. He read a portion of the book as follows: "Alonzo B. Corliss typified the violence clansmen visited on white teachers of black schools during reconstruction. Employed by the Friends Freedman's Association, the lame teacher was dragged out of his bed and house without his crutches. The attackers flogged his body with raw cowhide and green hickory sticks, after which they cut off the hair from one side of his head and painted half of his face and shorn head black. For three hours on a cold November night, Corliss lay where they had left him in the woods before he regained consciousness. When found, he was attempting to crawl home. He had asked his attackers what offenses he had committed against them and they had replied, `teaching niggers."' He said that there are same very brave people that have gone unremembered. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to authorize a contract with Corley Redfoot Zack (CRZ} for design services of the 34-acre West Ten Road Soccer Park; authorize the preparation of an appropriate agreement with CRZ, contingent upon staff and Attorney review; and authorize the Chair to sign. VOTE: Ayes, 3; No, 1 {Commissioner Gordon) d. Acceptance of Recommendation of Justice Facilities Architect Selection Group; and Contract Approval with Consultant The Board considered accepting the recommendation of the Justice Facilities Architect Selection Group; and approving a contract with Corley Redfoot Zack Inc. {CRZ} of Chapel Hill to provide consultant services associated with the design of the Justice Facilities Expansion - Phase I, The Farmers' Market and the design of the trail system in River Park and authorizing the Chair to sign, contingent upon Attorney and staff review. Pam Jones introduced Judge Wade Barber, Chief District Court Judge Joe Buckner and Clerk of Court James Stanford and recognized that Commissioner Carey, Chair Jacobs, John Link, and other County staff participated in the selection committee. Pam Janes said that this project will double the size of the existing courthouse, with the addition of 27,000 square feet. There will also be a farmer's market and the completion of the plan and the building of the area behind the courthouse, ar River Park. She explained the different planning committees. Commissioners Jacobs and Gordan will work with the exterior committee and Commissioners Brawn and Halkiotis will work with the interior committee. The architect selection group went through seven proposals for the project and interviewed four of the firms. The recommendation still came back to the local firm of Corley Redfoot Zack. The design fees total $669,800. The fee components are broken down in the abstract. The completion of the project, based on the timeline from Corley Redfoot Zack, has the project being completed mid-2007. Judges Wade Barber and Joe Buckner made comments on the positive experience of being on the selection committee. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to accept the recommendation of the Justice Facilities Architect Selection Group; and approve a contract with Corley Redfoot Zack Inc. (CRZ) of Chapel Hill to provide consultant services associated with the design of the Justice Facilities Expansion -Phase I, The Farmers' Market and the design. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. Lease Approval: Parks Operations Base The Board considered approving athree-year lease with JCBH Properties, LLC for approximately 4,000 square feet of interior space and 3,500 square feet of exterior storage area at 503 Cornerstone Court, Hillsborough, to be used as a parks operations base, per the terms and conditions herein cited; and authorizing the Chair to sign. Pam Jones said that this item is to discuss athree-year lease far a parks operations base. She said that this is a three-year lease beginning July 1St. The County will clean the building and the landlord is responsible for the upkeep. The lease amount is $32,640 annually for the three years. The County pays utilities and janitorial services. The funds are coming from the Parks and Recreation Operations account. Parks and Recreation Director Lori Taft said that some of the work occurring at this space is wintertime and rainy day work for the parks. They will operate out of the base each day picking up equipment and moving out to the various locations. They currently have three staff that cannot be accommodated at the Central Recreation Center. They are continuing to buy equipment (hammers, rakes, etc.} and they do not have a place to store it. In the wintertime, they will be building picnic tables, constructing signs, repairing items, maintaining the mowers, etc. They are working closely with Public Works to set this building up the way it should be run. They have investigated other locations. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he has some real issues with this. He thought they had been working to move away from leasing. He is not convinced that throwing $100,000 into this operation is a wise investment. He is also not convinced that we have thoroughly looked at all property that Orange County currently owns, including the Public Works facility. He felt this same way about the facility in Efland and he cannot support this because it is not a wise investment of money. Chair Jacobs said that the County is in the process of finalizing a land swap with Hillsborough so that they could co-locate their Public Works with the County's and the County would still gain some additional land that could be used for Public Works expansion. He asked if any thought was given to this expansion area and if any thought was given to having a shorter lease. John Link said that the original lease was for five years and it was negotiated down. He said that even after a land swap occurs, a building must be built. He agrees that leasing is not the first alternative that he would recommend. The question is where to put equipment far maintenance now until buildings are built. He suggested coming back on June 2nd to answer the questions of how much equipment is out there and where it can be put. Chair Jacobs asked John Link to also investigate timeframe far the potential of developing a County facility or adapting an existing facility. Pam Jones said that they assume this on the first bullet and that it would take three years for the County to have a building of its own. Commissioner Halkiatis said that there are farmers that have put up metal buildings far their farm equipment. He suggested visiting some of these facilities to see how the equipment is maintained. THIS ITEM WAS TABLED 10. Appointments (1) Board of Health The Board considered one appointment to the Board of Health. A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to appoint Reverend Shoran Freeland to an At-Large position, with a term to expire June 30, 2006. VOTE: UNANIMOUS (2) Historic Preservation Commission The Board considered one appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to appoint Alice Remini to an At-Large position, with a term to expire March 31, 2007. VOTE: UNANIMNOUS (3) Solid Waste Advisory Board The Board considered one appointment to the Solid Waste Advisory Board. Commissioner Gordon nominated Shirley Lolly. No second. Chair Jacobs nominated Joe Clayton. Commissioner Halkiatis seconded. A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Joe Clayton with a term to expire June 30, 2007. VOTE: UNANIMOUS (4) Orange County Planning Board The Board considered appointments to the Orange County Planning Board. Chair Jacobs said that the Board was faxed today that the member from Bingham, Maria Tadd, has resigned due to ill health. There are actually three vacancies. There are two other people from Bingham (Noah Ranells and Nicole Gooding-Ray), so he suggested moving one of these into the Bingham slot and then filling two At-Large positions. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to move Noah Ranells to a now open Bingham Township position {with the resignation of Maria Todd today) and advertise far two At- Large openings on the Orange County Planning Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS {5) Carrboro Planning Board The Board considered one appointment to the Carrboro Planning Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Chair Jacobs to appoint David Clinton to an ETJ position, with a term to expire February 28, 2007. UOTE: UNANIMOUS 11. Reports-NONE 12. Closed Session-NONE 13. Adlaurnment A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to adjourn the meeting at 1 Q:00 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Barry Jacobs, Chair Donna S. Baker Clerk to the Board