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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20040909APPROVED 10t19t04 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 2004 ?:30 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday September 9, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom in Hillsborough, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Barry Jacobs and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., Alice M. Gordon, and Stephen Halkiotis COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Margaret Brown 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. TIME MEETING BEGAN: 7:30 p.m. 1. Additions or Chanaes to the Aaenda The pink sheet was a replacement for item 9-c, Efland/Mebane Corridor Study Task Force. PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda NONE b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda below.) 3. Board Comments Chair Jacobs said that Commissioner Brown was out of the country tonight. Commissioner Carey - no comments. Commissioner Gordon said that the next DCHC Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting on the Long-Range Transportation Plan would be on September 22"d. On September 24th, a subcommittee of the DCHC TAC is going to meet with asub-committee of the CAMPO TAC; and then on September 29th, both the TACs will meet together at Cisco from 9:00 - 11:00. The "regular" meeting of the TAC will be held immediately following that meeting. She reported that at the last TAC meeting, they talked about the new metropolitan area boundary (MAB). She thinks the County should develop a response. They need to find out what the federal government requires and then make the County's position clear to the other jurisdictions in the DCHC TAC. Commissioner Gordon said that there was a public hearing at the last TAC meeting, and one of the items was Elizabeth Brady Road. She said that NCDOT would hold a citizens informational workshop on September 23rd regarding the Elizabeth Brady Road Extension. The workshop will be at Cameron Park Elementary School library from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Gordon said that the Long Range Transportation Plan will be approved shortly and that is why they are having the extra meeting on September 22nd. If there is anything Orange County wants to submit about this, it needs to be sent in. Also, the staff should find out the federal rules concerning potential expansion of the MAB (metropolitan area boundary) by September 21St Commissioner Carey asked if the staff knew why the federal government might want them to expand the boundary. Commissioner Gordon said that it has to do with what is defined as urban now, and also what will be urbanized in the next 20 years. Commissioner Halkiotis asked for an update on what the Information Technology staff is doing to clean up issues with email transmissions. He has received many spam/virus emails and it has gotten worse. Commissioner Halkiotis asked Economic Development Director Dianne Reid to give the County Commissioners an update about what is happening in the greater Hillsborough area. He said that he has heard a lot of talk among citizens. He would like a report on what is happening at the old Wal-Mart site, the truck stop on Hwy 86, the car wash, Hampton Pointe, the construction at the State Employees' Credit Union, and Waterstone Development. He would rather hear from staff than from people on the street. Commissioner Halkiotis thanked Chair Jacobs for sending them information on the tax increment piece (Amendment One) that the Chapel Hill Town Council took action on last night. He would like to know the pros and cons of this, how it impacts citizens of this County, and how it interacts with what county government is doing. Chair Jacobs said that Dianne Reid could report on that issue too. Chair Jacobs congratulated the Human Services Advisory Committee for putting on a Forum an Volunteerism and he appreciates the work that staff does on this. Chair Jacobs pointed out that the I-85 widening scoping meeting is on September 15th at the DOT building. For anyone in central Orange County that lives on property that backs up to the interstate, it is going to be expanded to at least asix-lane highway, and it may have some significant impact on their property. He said that the County Commissioners have repeatedly asked DOT to consider putting an HOU lane on this and it is not even mentioned. Chair Jacobs said that the Library Task Force has been meeting frequently and they hope to have a series of recommendations for the County Commissioners in mid-October regarding the Durham Technical Community College potential collaborations. 4. County Manager's Report NONE 5. Items for Decision--Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiatis, seconded by Commissioner Gordan to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below: a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board for meetings an June 3, 8, 10, and 23. b. Appointments Southern Orange Senior Center Design Committee (SOSCDC) -One New AppointmentThe Board appointed Lee Pavao to an additional At-Large seat on the Southern Orange Senior Center Design Committee. c. Establish Public Hearing Date on 2005 Schedule of Values The Board established the public hearing on the "schedule of values" for the 2005 real property revaluation on October 5, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom in Hillsborough. d. Adopt Salary Schedule Reflecting Approved 2.0 Percent Cost of Living Increase Effective October 11.2004 The Board adopted a new salary schedule reflecting the 2.0 percent Cost of Living Increase for employees that the Board budgeted and approved effective October 11, 2004. e. Acceptance of Award from U.S. Department of Justice The Board accepted an award from the U.S. Justice Department State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCARP} in the amount of $27,614 for Orange County. f. Contract with Hillsborough Medical for Jail Medical Services The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the medical health care contract for inmate medical services at the jail facility for fiscal year July1, 2004 thru June 30, 2005, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney. g_ Contract with Chapel Hill Institute for Cultural and Spanish Language Education for Employee Spanish Language Training The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract with the Chapel hill Institute far Cultural and Spanish Language Education (CHICLE} to provide six standard levels of Spanish grammar and conversational Spanish training ranging from beginning to advanced, for Orange County employees. h. Contract Renewal -Removal of Scrap Tires The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract renewal with Central Carolina Holdings, LLC of Cameron, North Carolina for the removal of scrap tires. i. Contract for Orange County Branch Library at McDougle School The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contractual agreement with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools to continue public library services at the Charles and Lucille McDougle Middle and Elementary Schools, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney. L Smith Middle School Soccer Fields -Development and Joint Use Agreement Amendment The Board adopted an amendment of the revised agreement to remove language remaining and considered to be redundant given the proposed design of the field lighting project. k. Petitions for Addition to the NC Secondary Road System The Board approved the request to add Trinity Lane, Ausling Way, Lake Orange Road Extension, Lattimore Drive, Harold Latta Drive, Lemontree Lane, Orchard Place, Claverfield Drive, and Red Fox Trail to the State-maintained Secondary Road System. L Change in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule The Board approved changes in the County Commissioners' regular meeting calendar for the year 2004, by adding a Comprehensive Plan Land Use Update and BOCC Guiding Principles work session on Thursday, October 7, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center and a dinner meeting with the Board of the Department of Social Services on Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. in Room D at the Southern Human Services Center (prior to the 7:30 BOCC meeting}. m. Budget Amendment #2 The Board approved budget ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2004-05 for the Department on Aging, Library Services, Arts Commission, Sheriff's Department, and Solid Waste Enterprise Fund. n. HUD Cooperative Agreement for Federal Fiscal Year 2004 The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a Cooperative Agreement between Orange County and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) far services performed during the Federal Fiscal Year 2004, subject to the approval of the County Attorney. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: NONE 6. Resolutions or Proclamations a. Resolution - To Declare Saturday, September 11, 2004 as a Day of Remembrance in Orange County The Board considered a resolution to declare Saturday, September 11, 2004 as a Day of Remembrance in Orange County and to authorize the Chair to sign. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the resolution as stated below to declare Saturday, September 11, 2004 as a Day of Remembrance in Orange County and authorize the Chair to sign. RESOLUTION TO DECLARE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2084 AS A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE IN ORANGE COUNTY WHEREAS, the attacks of September 11, 2001 were a grievous blow struck against individuals, the people of the United States, and against life, freedom, and religious tolerance; and WHEREAS, no words or deeds can bring back the people who were killed or hurt that day, or restore them to their families and friends; and WHEREAS, the events of September 11, 2001 tested the resolve of all people and nations who believe in the sanctity of life and in the peaceful resolution of conflicts; and 1NHEREAS, in the intervening days, amid threats of further terrorist violence, a threat hardly new to modern experience, and despite heightened attention to domestic security, we have nonetheless returned to normal pursuits; and WHEREAS, we should resist any exploitation of the memory of that day, those events, and their lasting meaning for political or other purposes; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby declare Saturday, September 11, 2004 as a day of remembrance, and calls upon all Americans to pause to reflect on the sacrifice made that day and every day so that we and others may live as free people. This the 9t" day of September 2004 VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. National Preparedness Month In Orange County The Board considered a proclamation designating the month of September 2004 as National Preparedness Month in Orange County, and to encourage residents to engage in sound emergency preparedness practices. Assistant County Manager Rod Visser said that this was proposed by the Department of Homeland Security at the federal level. There was a kickoff today in Washington, DC. The purpose of this proclamation is to let citizens know the importance of being prepared and havinc on hand athree-day supply of food, water, batteries, a radio, etc. Commissioner Gordon read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below designating the month of September 2004 as National Preparedness Month in Orange County, and encourage residents to engage in sound emergency preparedness practices. A PROCLAMATION National Preparedness Month September 2084 WHEREAS, The United States Department of Homeland Security, along with state and local governments, has designated September 2004 as National Preparedness Month; and WHEREAS, Orange County frequently experiences impacts from and is vulnerable to most types of natural disasters, including in recent memory the November 1992 Hillsborough tornado, Hurricane Fran in September 1996, Hurricane Floyd in September 1999, the major snowfall of January 2000, and the December 2002 ice storm; and WHEREAS, There is an ever present risk of hazardous materials emergencies, building collapse, fires, terrorist attacks, and other man-made disasters in and around Orange County; and WHEREAS, From 1993 to 2003, Orange County government, residents, and businesses have received nearly $16.4 million in federal disaster assistance funding; and WHEREAS, The need for residents to learn more about the various disasters and haw to protect themselves should be emphasized; NOW THEREFORE, The Board of County Commissioners hereby proclaims the month of September 2004 as National Preparedness Month in Orange County, and encourages all residents to learn more about emergencies and disasters and engage in sound preparedness practices. Adopted this 9th day of September, 2004. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 7. Special Presentations a. Report on Air Quality Conformity and Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization 2030 Lonq-Range Transportation Plan The Board received an update on the air quality conformity process and Draft 2030 Lang-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC). Planner Karen Lincoln summarized the information in the agenda. She said that in April of this year, Orange County was designated as part of a larger ozone non-attainment area that also contains all of Person, Granville, Franklin, Durham, Wake, and Johnston Counties, and four townships in Chatham County. The non-attainment areas must have transportation plans approved by the Federal Highway Administration and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency by June 15, 2005. The plans have to show attainment of the ozone eight-hour standard far the year 2009. If any of the areas of the transportation plan fails to meet conformity, then the whole region fails. The consequences are no new federal authorization for federal-aid projects until the entire area comes into conformity. Commissioner Halkiotis said that all of these areas have politically different ideas. He spoke with one elected official from one of these areas that spoke about needing mare growth and residential development. He is worried about what happens in 2008 if the goals are not achieved. Karen Lincoln said the area is now considered anon-attainment area and if you miss the date, you are moved to a higher non-attainment area. Commissioner Halkiotis said that the County can do a lot of things right, but that it would get negated by the actions of others. This is discouraging. Karen Lincoln said that as long as your plans are adopted and you are working on the plans, you would not lose money. The funding is lost if there are no planning documents. Chair Jacobs asked who oversees this process on the federal level. Karen Lincoln said that the plans have to be approved by the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Chair Jacobs pointed out that the standards may or may not be enforced, depending on the election. Karen Lincoln pointed out some maps of the non-attainment area. There are three Metropolitan Planning Organizations involved -Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro (DCHC), Capital Area (CAMPO), and the Burlington-Graham MPO for the portion of Mebane that is in Orange County. There are also Rural Planning Organizations, which will assist in reviewing the documents and the public comments -Kerr-Tar RPO, Triangle Area RPO (TARPO), and Upper Coastal Plain RPO (UCP RPO). Karen Lincoln explained the various attachments, which are incorporated by reference. The TAC released the Long Range Transportation Plan for public comment on June 23rd and held a public hearing on August 25t". They will accept comments on the document until September 22nd, and anticipate adopting the plan on September 29t". NCDOT and the Division of Air Quality are running an initial air quality analysis on the plan before it is put up for adoption to see if it will meet the air quality conformity standards. Once the plan is adopted by the MPO, it will be forwarded to the State agencies to do the emissions analysis portion, which is a 30-day process. Then there will be a Draft Conformity Determination Report to determine if the plan works. Then the State agencies will review it and there will be an initial review by the Federal Highway Administration, EPA, and the Federal Transit Administration. After the review and comments, the MPOs will have a 30-day public review and comment period. At the end of that time, the Long Range Transportation Plan will be adopted, which should happen sometime in February. The final plan then goes to the federal agencies for final analysis. Commissioner Gordon said that the model development has been behind and therefore there has been a delay in getting the final draft of the LRTP to the DCHC TAC. She wonders haw there can be a rational approach. When the TAC, a policy board, receives a complicated plan at the last minute, it is difficult to make any changes. She wonders what information will be available before the meeting on the 22nd Karen Lincoln made reference to the Cast and Revenue Comparison and said that there is over $1 billion shortfall. In the 2025 plan, the TAC approved a motor gasoline fuel tax of 5% on retail gas costs for additional revenue and also a phased vehicle registration fee increase. With this, the shortfall would be $130 million. Chair Jacobs said that at the DurhamlChapel Hill/Orange County work group, there was a discussion about this, and the Durham County Commissioners brought up the fact that the alternatives should be considered as recommendations and that other revenue sources should be considered. Discussion ensued about the short time period of developing this model. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he heard that Wake County has opened up seven new schools this year and they have so many temporary buildings because of the influx of people. The school board is trying to figure out what to do. He said that they need to talk about sustainability. He said that Orange County is going to be the last area to benefit from any of the funding. He has a problem with this. Commissioner Halkiotis pointed out that the number of counties with emission control regulations for vehicles is growing. Chair Jacobs asked if the 2030 projections have HOV lanes on I-40 and Karen Lincoln said yes. Chair Jacobs pointed out a stretch of road that was left out in the bicycle plan section of the LRTP. A bicycle facility is shown from from Hillsborough Road in Durham, to the Orange County line, which almost comes to Eno River State Park. This stops the bicycle lane at a very dangerous two-lane road. He suggested asking staff to find out the length of the road from the County line to the entrance of the Eno River State Park and recommend that it be added to this section of the LRTP. The Board agreed to add a bicycle lane, along this stretch of road, to the LRTP. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he did not understand the necessity of having segregated HOV lanes going into RTP. 8. Public Hearings a. Local Law Enforcement Block Grant The Board conducted a public hearing for written and oral comments on the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant and considered acceptance of the Grant. Budget Director Donna Dean said that the purpose of this meeting is to get written and oral comments on the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant and consider acceptance of the Grant. This grant will help the Sheriff offset casts of operations. The Town of Chapel Hill Police Department this year will receive $16,835 and will share 20°l0 of the proceeds with the Sheriff's Department, which equates to $3,200. There was no public comment. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded Commissioner Carey to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to accept the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. Items far Decision--Regular Agenda a. Town of Chapel Hill Funding Request -Bolin Creek Greenway Phase III Design The Board considered a funding request of $75,000 from the Town of Chapel Hill for the planned engineering and design study for the extension of the Bolin Creek Greenway with funds from the 2001 Parks and Open Space Bond funds {Joint TownlCounty Open Space portion). Environment and Resource Conservation Director Dave Stancil summarized the information in the agenda abstract. He said that the 2001 Parks and Open Space bond included funds for greenway expansion. Some of the funds went towards the Adams Tract, which is also part of the Bolin Creek corridor. In recent months, the project planning committee looked at greenway projects in Chapel Hill and developed a recommendation, which was to pursue extension of the Bolin Creek Greenway from Airport Road westward toward the Carrboro line. In June, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution identifying the stretch of greenway as a project for County bond funds. A Request for Qualifications has been submitted and five firms have responded. He pointed out the areas on a map. Commissioner Gordon asked some questions about the preferred alternative. Chair Jacobs was on the project planning committee and he said that they preferred the continuation as part of the vision of the future of the greenway system as it leaves Chapel Hill's jurisdiction. Commissioner Gordon asked about the implications of having three different alternatives and what the Town of Carrboro had to say. Dave Stancil said that he has not heard any comments from Carrboro. He said that Carrboro's assumption has always been that the Bolin Creek Greenway would continue westward along Bolin Creek near the Adams Tract. Bill Webster, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation far the Town of Chapel Hill, said that they want to enlarge the study area because they do not believe that the money would be able to take them as far as Seawell Schaal Road. He said that they are trying to study the whole area and identify logical possibilities for the first phase of construction. Commissioner Gordon asked about the distribution of funding from the Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County and if the Town had identified the rest of the funding. Bill Webster said that the Town has a preliminary schedule for funding for greenways. They believe that if they join the County money with a probable source of funding from the bonds {not formally adopted), then they could have about $3.3 million. He said that the logical ending point is Umstead Park. But if they have enough money, then they will probably make the connection to Carrboro and this would serve both communities. They would like to study the entire corridor and one of the areas they have looked at is Village Drive. One significant obstacle is Estes Drive Extension and the elevation of the road above the creek. They would like to study the corridor up to Seawell School Road and identify terminus points. Chair Jacobs said that this is $1 million that the Orange County voters approved in the 2001 bond for greenways for Chapel Hill, just as they approved $750,000 for greenways for Carrboro, which went to the acquisition of the Adams Tract. Commissioner Halkiotis suggested sending a letter from the BOCC Chair to the Town of Chapel Hill on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners saying that the Caunty Commissioners are interested in seeing the projected western terminus of the greenway all the way. He thinks there is a tremendous amount of uncertainty about casts based on the trend in construction casts. Chair Jacobs asked Dave Stancil to draft a letter. Dave Stancil said that as this proceeds the project committee will meet regularly and will came back to the Board for approval. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the allocation of $75,000 from the 2001 Parks and Open Space Bond funds (Joint Town/County Open Space portion} toward this project, to be provided to the Town of Chapel Hill in a manner similar to the process far reimbursement funding of other current TownlCaunty partner projects, with an accompanying letter from the Chair to the Town of Chapel Hill as stated above by Commissioner Halkiotis. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Employee Health Insurance for 2005 The Board considered renewal of employee health insurance plans through the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Health Insurance Trust effective January 1, 2005. John Link said that the County is part of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Health Insurance Trust, and the idea is that, by counties pulling their sources together, the County gets a better deal on health insurance. Personnel Director Elaine Holmes gave a PowerPoint presentation as shown below. She pointed aut a salmon colored sheet, which was an update from Cigna after the agenda was distributed. Cigna is asking for a rate increase of 30.56 % partly due to their experiencing several large claims from Orange County. Employee Health Insurance For 2005 September 9, 2004 Current Health Plans 1VCRCC Health Insurance Trust ^ Blue Cross Blue Care ^ Blue Cross Blue (Jptions ^ Gigna Healthcare Current Enrollment 2005 Rates With New Rates -Cigna Employee Monthly Amount Cigna ^ Cigna benefits comparable or in some cases slightly less than Blue Care (and with renewal an increase in non-preferred brand name prescription drug co-pay) ^ Cigna provider network largely the same as Blue Care ^ Probable impact of rate increase . Makes Cigna na longer affordable for employees Many employees will leave Cigna Sole Provider Option ^ Through IVCACC Trust ^ Would discontinue Cigna Plan ^ Provides an additiona19.5% reduction on employee and County rates -tots! reduction of 3.6% Summary ^ Cigna no longer affordable ^ Many employees will leave Cigna ^ Go ahead and take advantage of sole provider rate reduction for employees and County Draft Monthly Rates ^ Based on discontinuing Cigna and implementing sole provider option ^ Continue the County's contribution for employee health insurance as: ^ Full cost for individual employee coverage ^ 52 percent of cost of dependent coverage based on Blue Care plan . Family friendly policy . Addresses Lower salaried 2004-05 County Budget for Health Insurance ^ Approved budget included funding for up to a 12 percent increase effective January 7, 2005 ^ Budgeted amount for increase is $268, 000 20Q4-05 County Cost Recommendation ^ Approve renewal of employee health insurance with the 11ICACG Health Insurance Trust as the County's sole provider ^ Discontinue the Cigna plan effective January 7, 2005 ^ Adopt the health insurance rates for 2005 . Attachment 1 of abstract Commissioner Halkiotis said that he is intrigued by the reorganization of Blue CrosslBlue Shield and how they are spending millions of dollars doing television commercials. He said that he would like to think about, before the next budget cycle, some kind of anticipatory response scheme where the County is not held hostage based on some concern of the fuzzy area of anticipated health insurance increases. He said that the Board did a lot of agonizing aver the budget. He is wondering if this is a one-time capture of savings. He is suspicious. Commissioner Carey said that Commissioner Halkiotis' concerns are warranted. He said that the reduction probably has to do with the huge profit that this company has accrued, and they are trying to ward off some regulation. He asked about the experience from the employees' perspective of the two companies in processing claims. Elaine Holmes said that they have had better experience with Blue Cross/Blue Shield over the past year. The Trust has put in new systems, and this works much more smoothly. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the $400,000 in budget cuts that John Link was supposed to find, and if these savings have affected that. John Link said that they are going to be more aggressive than the Board of County Commissioners requested. He said that they would continue to delay filling positions that are not critically necessary. He said that this was welcome news, but it will not be used for reducing the budget. Chair Jacobs asked if it was feasible to ask Blue Cross/Blue Shield to include certain medical providers in their plan and Elaine Holmes said yes. Chair Jacobs said to survey the CIGNA enrollees and ask if there are any providers that are not part of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to renew the employee health insurance plans through the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC} Health Insurance Trust effective January 1, 2005 as the County's sole provider; discontinue the CIGNA plan effective January 1, 2005; and adopt attachment 1 health insurance rates for coverage effective January 1, 2005 including continuing the dependent subsidy at 52 percent. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Efland/Mebane Corridor Study Task Force The Board considered approving formation of the Efland/Mebane Corridor Study Task Farce and authorizing the Clerk's office to advertise far volunteers. Planning Director Craig Benedict said that this is a task force concerning the area between the Eno River and Efland area all the way over to the MebanelAlamance border. This was originally discussed during the economic development standards discussions. The task force would comprise six to eight citizens that would volunteer along with some members of the Planning Board as well as people from the City of Mebane. The purpose of the task force is to examine the entire area, which has become a high growth area. The staff thinks it is appropriate, with the update of the comprehensive plan, to further analyze this area to find out the implications of water and sewer and the land uses. He said that in 1991, after two years of small area planning, a plan was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. This can be used as a basis for the new plan as well as the Shaping Orange County's Future report. He pointed out the areas on the map. In answer to a question from Commissioner Gordon, Craig Benedict said that the study would at least include the 10-and 20-year transition areas, the economic development districts, and the commercial activity nodes. Commissioner Gordon asked why they should have this study now in this area since the County is in the comprehensive plan process. She said that it is passible to do the comprehensive plan and then do small area plans to refine it. She asked if it would delay the adoption of the comprehensive plan. Craig Benedict said that when they had the outreach meetings, they got as many questions about the rural area as the urban areas. Part of the comprehensive analysis is to address rural areas, specifically the Efland/Mebane corridor. He said that this small area plan can be independent of the comprehensive plan and would not delay it. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the composition of the group. She asked how this group compares in size to other groups that the Planning Department gets together. Craig Benedict said that there is a difference in this task force because there are no comparable elected officials in this area, sa there is mare citizen involvement. He said that even members of the 1991 task force want to participate. Chair Jacobs asked if there would be a recommendation for a TDR consultant and Craig Benedict said by the October 19th meeting. Chair Jacobs said that this person could sit in on this planning process. Commissioner Gordon said that it would be better to have the group to focus on the colored areas on the map which include the 10 and 20 year transition areas, the economic development districts, and the commercial activity nodes. She thinks the Board of County Commissioners should be working directly on the other areas. She said that the initial charge should be on the corridor area. Commissioner Halkiotis said that the planning group in Hillsborough was very focused, but that process was undermined by consultants. He said that he would be concerned about other task forces that lost track of their initial purpose and then people felt that they had been betrayed and the original purpose got lost. He said that it is important for someone to keep a hand on the pulse of this task force to see that it does not go astray. Chair Jacobs suggested that they come back with a map during the appointment process that delineates the area to be focused upon. The map could even go in the advertisement. He said that the issue of water and sewer extension from Mebane is of tremendous interest to people in this area. He would like to begin discussion of the service boundary agreement that might be proposed with Mebane. The staff will come back at the next meeting with a map and a mission statement of the task force. 10. Reports a. Political Sign Regulations and Discussion of Potential Revisions to Sign Ordinance The Board received a report an: 1) enforcement of political sign regulations prior to the November 2, 2004 election based on existing ordinance requirements; and 2) potential revisions and modifications to Article 9 of the Zoning Ordinance -Sign Regulations, for consideration at the November 22, 2004 Quarterly Public Hearing. Craig Benedict said that that there are existing sign regulations and existing political sign regulations. He said that during the primary season, there was a lot of misunderstanding and confusion. He listed some of the existing regulations. The maximum size of any one sign or combination of signs can be nine square feet. They only allow one side of the sign at this time. There is no maximum height to signs. The maximum number of signs far any one property is three. The signs cannot be located in the public right-af-way, which means that they have to be put an private property. The staff is interpreting that the Department of Transportation does not even have maps of every right-of-way that exists. Some right-of-ways go from ditch to ditch, or 10 feet off the pavement. They are considering this to be the operational right-of-way far the implementation of the regulations. Signs go behind the ditch line or at least 10 feet off the edge of the pavement. It may or may not be right-of-way. The existing regulations also say that the signs should not look like traffic signs. The staff will continue to remove these signs because they are traffic safety issues. There is no provision in the ordinance at this time for the timing of the signs. Once someone files for office they can start to post signs. The regulations for sign removal are to remove signs seven days after elections unless there is another primary. Signs cannot be hung from guardrails, telephone poles, or electric poles. Presently, it is required by the code to have a zoning compliance permit for political signs. It is not an exempt sign. The form must be signed and will be available at the Elections Office. Regarding enforcement, the owners of signs that are in violation will be notified of non- compliance, but not for every sign. It is not very specific as to who removes the signs. He would like to be mare specific in future regulations. He welcomed any feedback from the Board. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he finds this overly restrictive. He said that, based on past performance, if these regulations were followed the only place they could put up signs would be in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough. He said that there are some real estate signs that really block the view on the road. He said that if it is going to apply to people running for political office, then it should apply to everybody. He does not know what this accomplishes. He asked what happened to get to this point. He said that he will not support any of this. He said that these regulations have existed for at least 20 years and he does not think it is fair to tell people that signs are only allowed an residentially zoned lots outside of the rights-of-way unless it is applied to every other sign in the rights-of-way right now. Commissioner Gordon said that the practice of where signs have been put up in the past is much less restrictive than what has been shown tonight. She also referred to the restrictions on the colors and shapes of the signs, and said that they should only regulate signs that are similar in shape and color to traffic signs. She thinks there should be a balance for safety issues and conforming more to the actual practice. Commissioner Carey said that he thinks that there is a need to make a few changes that promote public safety and minimize confusion, but he does not want to infringe on rights and not drive up the cost of running for public office, because the cost of running now is too high. He does not think that taxpayers' money should be spent on staff time to remove signs. He thinks that signs should not be put up more than 45 days before elections. Chair Jacobs said that this was very badly handled in June and that it is overkill. He does not think that the County should tell people how many signs they can put in their yard and what should be on them. He said that the only good thing he sees in this is the time limit far when to post a sign before the election. He would like to see what Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough do with signs. He said that the NCDOT Division Engineer said that he did not care if people put them upon the far side of the ditch on their right-of-way. He does not want to get into the business of having staff running up and down roads and picking up signs. He would like to make as seamless a transition as possible between the jurisdictions. Commissioner Halkiotis agreed. Craig Benedict said that his job is to take the regulations the Board of County Commissioners have passed in the past and try to enforce them. He said that he hears to change what the regulations say to what the practice is. This makes it easier for him to implement the rules. Right now he is caught between what the regulations say and what has been the practice. He said that the regulations would have to be changed to bring it into conformity with the actual practice. Chair Jacobs would like to see what the other jurisdictions do first. John Link said that he will provide guidance to staff and they will report back to the Board before the November election. b. Report on the Functions and Responsibilities of the Orange County Department of Human Rights and Relations The Board considered the results of a staff review of the functions and responsibilities of the Department of Human Rights and Relations and provided feedback and direction as may be desired. Jahn Link recognized Assistant County Manager Gwen Harvey, Human Rights and Relations Acting Director Milan Pham, and Personnel Director Elaine Holmes for putting together the excellent report on the functions of this department. Assistant County Manager Gwen Harvey reviewed the background of the Human Rights and Relations Department as stated in the agenda abstract. Since 2003, the department has dealt with fair housing and employment discrimination. The report includes a transmittal memo, executive summary, evolution timeline, departmental plan, and an organizational chart. This information has been shared with the Chairs of the Commission for Women and the Commission for Human Rights and Relations. Commissioner Carey said that the County has been enjoined from being involved in the employment area, and asked if anything was being done in the employment area at this time. Milan Pham said that they are completing intakes for the EEC~C. They are also conducting education and outreach especially to the limited English proficient communities. Commissioner Gordon said that when the Commission far Women staff became part of the Human Rights and Relations Department, she thinks that things got last in translation and the Commission for Women did not have the staff to support it. Her concern, on page 19, is that there is not anybody on staff that is only for the Commission far Women. She would like to see a staff position dedicated to the Commission far Women and women's issues. Commissioner Carey wants to know how the staff is currently addressing needs of the various groups that are in the constituency of the department, including the Commission far Women and others. He does not think that it should be segmented. He wants to hear how these issues are dealt with now. Milan Pham said that there are three staff members far civil rights and women issues. She said that they are in constant contact with these minorities in their communities. Commissioner Halkiotis asked far Milan Pham's opinion about the Commission far Women and if the attention has been redirected since she took over as Acting Director. Milan Pham said yes and the Commission is working on more substantive projects and there is staff presence and the presence of the Friends of the Commission far Women. They are working on three major projects: a community dialogue about women's issues called "Where my feet have gone, where my feet are taking me;" an agenda assembly; and an education and health care project involving childhood obesity. Commissioner Halkiotis asked if it was safe to say that the Civil Rights Specialist on the organizational chart could be rewritten to present a focus on the fact that the primary program staff of the Commission for Women is coming out of this position. He asked if there was a significant portion of time for this person devoted to issues dealing with the Commission for Women and Milan Pham said yes. He asked how many hours per week approximately and Milan Pham said at least 15 hours. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he does not want it segmented either, but there are ways that the importance can be highlighted. And the title should specify Commission for Women. Chair Jacobs said that the Commission for Women does a report every other year and that it might be good then to have the Human Rights and Relations Board to da a report on the alternate years to give a picture of what is going on. Chair Jacobs made reference to page nine and enforcement related responsibilities and asked if anybody was focused on farm workers. Milan Pham said that they do not currently, but Scott Liles from the School of Public Health has recently approached the department to ask them to work with him on a project involving day laborers and farm workers, specifically out of Carrboro. They have close connections with people at Student Action for Farm Workers in Durham, and they work with people in Orange County. Chair Jacobs said that this is a group of people that have historically been abused, and it would be nice for someone to connect with them. Milan Pham answered several clarifying questions of the County Commissioners. Chair Jacobs said that having someone with the primary responsibility for the Commission for Women is good, and he thinks nomenclature may be part of the problem here. Commissioner Gordan said that they need to address the Commission far Women. She said that recruitment is pending on two positions. She respectfully disagreed with her colleagues about this. She believes it would be a huge upgrade to have a person devoted to women's issues. She said that the County is not addressing women's issues significantly. Women make up 50°~ of the population and the County has not made significant progress. She feels strongly that there needs to be an entire position devoted to women's issues. She said that the 15 hours a week is not adequate. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he thinks there is a focus for women an the staff, and he respectfully disagreed with Commissioner Gordon. He thinks the staff should keep the Board pasted with respect to what they are doing for women. He thinks the department is doing a good job. Commissioner Carey commended the staff an a jab well done also and said that he has noticed the improvement. He thinks that when there is a team approach to addressing the needs of all the populations, including women, there should be mare than 40 hours devoted women's issues. Commissioner Gordon said she agreed there should be more than 40 hours per week devoted to women's issues. John Link will come back and respond to the comments made. 11. Closed Session A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to go into Closed Session at 10:35 p.m.: a. "To discuss the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and County VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion as made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to re-adjourn into Regular Session at 11:30 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 12. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adjourn the meeting at 11:35 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Barry Jacobs, Chair Donna S. Baker Clerk to the Board