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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20041206APPROVED 1/24/2005 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING December 6, 2004 7:30 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, December 6, 20Q4 at 7:30 p.m. in the F. Gardon Battle Courtroom in Hillsborough, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Mases Carey and Commissioners Valerie P. Foushee, Alice M. Gordon, Stephen Halkiotis and Barry Jacobs COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: 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. Oaths of Office far Board Members Judge Joe Buckner gave the oaths of office to these Commissioners: a. Moses Carey b. Valerie P. Foushee Board Organization Clerk distributed ballots for Chair and Vice-Chair a. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair Chair: Vate: Mases Carey -UNANIMOUS Vice-Chair: Vote: Barry Jacobs -UNANIMOUS b. Designation of Voting Delegate for all NCACC and NACo meetings for Calendar Year December 1, 2004-2005 Commissioner Gordan nominated Chair Carey. Commissioner Carey said that he had been voting chair when he was Chair of the County Commissioners previously, and he would like to give the opportunity to another member of the board wha is not in his position. He plans to attend as many meetings as passible, but would like others to be involved. Chair Carey asked for volunteers and Commissioner Gordon and Commissioner Halkiotis volunteered. The Board agreed to divide the responsibilities between the two Commissioners. 2 2 Appointments a. Manager A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to reappoint John Link as Manager of Orange County. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Clerk to the Board A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reappoint Donna S. Baker as the Clerk to the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs pointed out that Donna S. Baker has been designated as a Certified Municipal Clerk. c. County Attorney A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reappoint Geoffrey Gledhill as the County Attorney and also to contract for services with the firm Coleman, Gledhill and Hargrave. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Chair Carey reviewed the items at the County Commissioners' places. The yellow sheet is a substitute for item 5-c; the salmon sheet is item 5-n; the sky blue sheet is item 6-b; three items for item 9-a (yellow, pink, and lavender}; the orange sheet is 9-e (one more application for the Planning Board); and the dark blue sheet is item 9-b-6. PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Aaenda Kenneth Meardon spoke about the Fax Meadow subdivision, which is being targeted for annexation by the Town of Carrboro. He said that the process for developing the Joint Planning Agreement that resulted in their being placed in Carrbaro's jurisdiction was flawed. Seventeen years ago, they were afforded the opportunity to comment on the Joint Planning Agreement. This would have been the process by which the County Commissioners and the other governing boards would have the opportunity to consider the comments and modify the draft agreement as appropriate. He and several others presented reasons 17 years ago why they should either remain in Orange County, or, if not that, in Chapel Hill's jurisdiction. At the end of that public hearing, one of the Commissioners told him that they had very persuasive arguments, but that he was stepping in front of a speeding train, essentially indicating that nothing could have been said or done to change the outcome. Mr. Meardon said that the public hearings were a sham, and their opinions, preferences, and reasons were ignored because the decision had already been made. He said that their neighborhood was originally slated to be in Chapel Hill's jurisdiction, but they became sacrificial pawns to appease Carrboro when they threatened to overbuild the watershed, thereby destroying the water supply for the larger community. He said that their preference would be to simply remain a part of Orange County alone, but they realize that this will not happen. They are requesting that the County Commissioners contact Carrboro's Board of Aldermen and request that Carrboro stop the annexation proceedings and initiate reopening the Joint Planning Agreement to reevaluate the jurisdictional placement of their subdivision and neighbors and to provide a truly meaningful public hearing to consider where their neighborhoods should be placed. He believes that if this Joint Planning Agreement is allowed to remain as is and if Carrboro is allowed to proceed as planned with this annexation, then this will result in both annexation and taxation without representation. Chair Carey said that the Board takes comments of this nature under advisement and will get back in touch with Mr. Meardon. Lynne Holtcamp lives on the western part of the border of Mebane. She is asking the County Commissioners to consider some resolutions with respect to Mebane's growth into Orange County. Tonight there was supposed to be a Mebane City Council hearing to approve 300 new houses. The hearing has been put off to January. This property and the one next to it is proposed to have 600 houses right on the Orange County border. She said that Mebane is continuing to move and she is asking the Board for two resolutions -one is to open dialogue with the Town of Mebane with respect to these properties, specifically how it affects Orange County; and to discuss with the Town of Hillsborough its urban growth interests as it relates to Mebane. She said that in joining with Hillsborough as it relates to Mebane, the County might have the power to do what it could not otherwise do in terms of dealing with Mebane. Commissioner Jacobs said at agenda review today they talked about having at the December 14th meeting to have the work group appointments for the planning in the Efland- Mebane area. Mebane will be invited to send representatives. b. Matters an the Printed Aaenda (These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda below.} 3. Board Comments Commissioner Halkiotis asked if any County Commissioners had emailed him lately because he had received emails from Commissioner Gordon and Commissioner Jacobs but they were actually viruses. He asked that people call him if they need anything. He is tired of cleaning the viruses from his computer. He returned from Florida and had 500 emails, with only 10 legitimate ones. Commissioner Halkiotis said that a citizen sent him an email about the loss of recycling opportunities at the old Wal-Mart site. He asked the Board to consider asking the Manager to ask the Town of Hillsborough, the school systems, and County government to see if there are any other sites within the town limits to use for another recycling site that is centrally located. In Wake County, they use school sites and he would like to look into this. Commissioner Halkiotis said that this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, there would be a meeting of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association. If anyone would like to attend, they should go to www.enpulse.com and tell them haw many are coming. There is no charge to attend. Commissioner Halkiotis asked far more information about the Northwood subdivision and the water issues out there. Commissioner Halkiotis thanked Geof Gledhill for his response in sending out the response as to what the penalties are for failing to meet mandated class sizes from the State. It was stated clearly and he would like this to be in the forefront of the Board's thinking when they 4 4 are challenged from the State and the realities of what they are trying to accomplish in the local level. He said that the school systems have opportunities to deal with the issues of mandated class sizes without it becoming an immediate capital consideration. Commissioner Gordon said that the Intergovernmental Parks work group met on November 17`" far the first time in about a year and there was good attendance. She represented Orange County and chaired the meeting in the absence of Commissioner Brown. She said that the Town of Mebane is going to be building four soccer fields in town in the near future. She is going to ask Environment and Resource Conservation Director David Stancil to get this map and the notes of that meeting to the Commissioners. Commissioner Gordan said that there is a TAC meeting on Wednesday far the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization. The request to keep the metropolitan area boundary the same in Orange County appears to have been granted for now. The staff is recommending that na change be made to the boundary in Orange County at this time, but they want to review the boundary in the future. Commissioner Gordon said that there was an article in the News and Observer today entitled, "When Medicines III-Serve the Public." This was done in the wake of the Vioxx recall and other drugs. She said that the article points out that the adverse drug reactions could be quite severe. It also makes reference to a controversial study in 1998 that found that mare than 100,000 hospitalized patients died mainly because of adverse drug reactions, making prescription drugs the fourth leading cause of death in America. She asked Health Director Rosemary Summers to look into this matter and the status of this and if there is any effect on the operation of the Health Department. Commissioner Jacobs congratulated Library Director Brenda Stephens as the State Librarian of the Year. The Cedar Grove Library was also honored. Commissioner Jacobs thanked Congressman David Price for his assistance in funding for Orange County. Through his efforts $500,000 was added for additional water and sewer improvements at the Northern Center and the Efland-Mebane corridor in the economic development district serving the middle school, soccer complex, and the community of Buckhorn Road. Also, $150,000 was added to improve equipment at the 911 center. Congressman Price has been very supportive of Orange County. Commissioner Jacobs said that last week was the groundbreaking for Orange County middle school #3. There is conversation about how to bring in the power lines without destroying any of the trees. Commissioner Halkiotis suggested that the Board draft a letter to Mike Mills of DOT. The issue with the three-phase power line is for Duke Power to come across a section of the property that is heavily wooded that everyone tried to preserve and protect. There is an alternative way of bringing the power behind the state weigh station, along the DOT right-of- way, onto the property that has already been timbered. This would save the trees. He said that Mike Mills from DOT is currently considering this, and he thinks it would help if the Board would get behind this concept. Maybe the school board could do the same thing. He volunteered to work an this letter with Commissioner Jacobs. Commissioner Gordon asked that Chair Carey write a letter thanking Congressman Price for what he has done far the County. Chair Carey also suggested that they formally invite him to one of their meetings. Commissioner Jacobs said that he and Commissioner Halkiotis met with DOT last week. The Smith Level Road improvement project is going to be discussed again on January 5t" at the DOT offices in Raleigh at 10:00 a.m. in room 117. He said that there is a difference of opinion between DOT and Carrboro as to how the road ought to be configured. The County has supported Carrboro's position. Commissioner Jacobs said that he and Commissioner Halkiotis met with the North Carolina Forestry Service colleagues, and they will be inviting the Board of County Commissioners on a tour of the forests in Orange County in the spring and will explain some of the forestry practices. Commissioner Jacobs said that there was a Space Needs Committee meeting and they will have an interim report in January. The Hillsborough Joint Planning group also met and will have a report in time for their meeting with Hillsborough in mid-February. Commissioner Jacobs said that Chair Carey and he were at the dedication of Little River Regional Park yesterday, and it far exceeded his expectations. He thanked the staff, Durham County Commissioners, Triangle Community Foundation, Triangle Land Conservancy, Eno River Association, Clean Water Management Trust Fund, DENR and Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, and Orange Mountain Bike Association. He said that there were many volunteers there that participated in building this park. Commissioner Jacobs said that there is a discussion about a recycling center at Hampton Pointe and there is a schedule to make that happen. They still may need to look at other sites, such as the property next to Cedar Ridge High School. Rod Visser said that it is tied to the development of the Home Depot and they have talked with the Town of Hillsborough. Commissioner Jacobs said that on December 9t" there would be a public meeting for people to comment on the children's play area at the Whitted Center. Parks and Recreation Director Lori Taft said that at the last County Commissioners' meeting the Board addressed this project and they are now moving forward for community input. The meeting will be at 6:00 at the Whiffed Center. There will be signs to direct people to the appropriate place. Commissioner Foushee thanked the voters for the opportunity to serve. She thanked her family and members of the staff that have helped her. Chair Carey said that he shares Commissioner Jacobs' assessment of the group at Little River Park. This will be an exciting project. Chair Carey said that the Board asked him to reconvene the Animal Services Task Force far a review of the interim operating procedures and policies for the shelter. There has been one meeting and they will meet one more time. The new advisory group will be appointed next March. He emphasized that the shelter is operating under a set of policies. Chair Carey distributed some documents that the Cooperative Extension asked him to share with the Board. Chair Carey shared another document, which is a proposal that he will be pursuing with the Vice-Chair during the next year. This is a proposal to develop a series of outreach listening sessions, which tries to achieve an informal dialogue with the public. One of the things that he heard during the campaign is that the Board holds a lot of meetings and some people are too intimidated to came and speak, but they have views that they would like to share. He would like to communicate with the public in an informal way. These would not be meetings of the entire Board, but only one or two can be present at each one. Each meeting would be in a different place in the County. He asked the Clerk to help him set up the dates and locations. 4. County Manaaer's Resort Jahn Link introduced "Doctor" Tara Fikes, who has successfully defended her dissertation from UCLA and now has a Ph. D. in Public Administration. John Link asked Milan Pham to come forward. She has been interim director for Human Rights and Relations for the past year. She has been hired as the permanent position of Director of the Human Rights and Relations Department. Milan Pham thanked her mentors at UNC Law School, her parents, and John Link. John Link reported that Jack Ball is the new Emergency Management Director. He comes from Virginia and has served over the last few years as Director of Public Safety in Amhurst County, Virginia. He has 30 years of experience. 6 6 Jack Ball said that they had a meeting today with Duke Power representatives and emergency responders about winter weather and he feels very comfortable with the staff. He is impressed with the operation so far. ~. Items for Decision--Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Valerie Foushee to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes from the October 21, 2004 and October 25, 2004 meeting as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. b. Appointments (1 } Commission for the Environment -Four Reappointments The Board reappointed Chris Wachholz, Heather MacDonald, Mark Ginsberg, and Hervey McIver to the Commission for the Environment to terms ending December 31, 2007. (2} Orange CountylChapel Hill Visitors Bureau -One Reappointment The Board reappointed Rick Strunk to the Orange CountylChapel Hill Visitors Bureau to a first full term ending December 31, 2007. c. Examination of Bonds The Board maintained bands at their present levels, pursuant to G.S. 109-5. d. Acceptance of Grant Award far Emergency Services Training Exercise The Board accepted the allocation award of federal Homeland Security funds in the amount of $3,000 to reimburse Orange County for the cast of an emergency services training exercise and authorized the Emergency Management Director to sign the Memorandum of Agreement, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney. e. Acceptance of Grant Funds to Continue Citizen Corps Council and Community Emergency Respanse Team Programs The Board accepted the grant award in the amount of $9,500 to continue the Citizen Corps Council and Community Emergency Response Team Programs in Orange County; authorized the County Manager to sign the Memorandum of Agreement, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney; and designated the Emergency Management Specialist as the point of contact for the grant funded programs. f. EMS and Rescue Franchise Agreements (First Reading} This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. ,g: Dental and Primary Care Fees for the Health Department The Board approved dental fee adjustments based on Medicaid adjustments effective October 1, 2004 and proposed primary care fees effective January 1, 2005. h. Agreement with UNC Health Link for After Hours Nurse Triage Services for Primary Care The Board approved an agreement with UNC Health Link for After Hours Nurse Triage Services for Primary Care Services, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney and authorized the Chair to sign. i. Active Seniors Project Agreement with TJCOG This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. L Bid Award: Glass Crusher for Orange County Recycling The Board awarded a bid for a GP-05 Glass Crusher from Andela Products, LTD of Richfield Springs, NY in the amount of $32,900 for Orange County recycling operations, and authorized the Purchasing Director to execute the necessary paperwork. k. Bid Award: Crawler Dozer for Orange County Landfill The Board awarded bid number 251 for a Crawler Dozer to Gregory Poole Equipment Company of Raleigh, NC at a delivered cost of $274,700; authorized the Purchasing Director to execute the necessary paperwork; and authorized the Finance Director to obtain the appropriate financing and execute all associated paperwork. I. Bid Award: Paving of Access Road at Orange County Landfill The Board awarded bid number 1417 to Barrett, Irvin, & Jordan Construction, Inc. of Durham, North Carolina to pave the access road at the Orange County Landfill at a cost of $50,665; and authorized the Purchasing Director to execute the necessary paperwork. m. Contract far a Cultural and Archaeological Survey of Fairview Park The Board approved a contract to Environmental Services, Inc. for a survey of cultural and archeological resources on the 67-acre property awned by Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough for an expansion of Fairview Park; and authorized the Chair to sign, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney. n. Resolution Authorizing the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro to Assume Maintenance Responsibilities Respectively for Proposed Sidewalks on Homestead Road and Rogers Road The Board adopted a resolution approving requests from the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill respectively to assume maintenance responsibilities far proposed sidewalks on Homestead and Rogers Roads. o. Petition for Addition of Edwards Drive Extension to the NC Secondary Road System This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. ~ Expansion of Membership for Orange County Arts Commission The Board approved amending the Orange County Arts Commission's enabling resolution to increase the number of members from eleven to fifteen, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney. ~ Adoption of Draft Rules of Procedure Governing the Organization and Operation of the Orange Countv Animal Services Advisory Board This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: f. EMS and Rescue Franchise Agreements [First Reading) The Board considered approving, on first reading, proposed franchise agreements by ordinance for the Orange EMS and Rescue Squad, Incorporated and for Technical Rescue Services, Incorporated in Orange County. Commissioner Gordon asked if Geof Gledhill had looked it over and he said yes. She asked if it is approved on the first reading and then questions come up, could they be brought upon the second reading. Geof Gledhill said that questions could be brought up if there are changes in the second reading, but the changes would have to have a second reading. Geof Gledhill said that franchising ordinances are unique in that they require two readings. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve, on first reading, proposed franchise agreements by ordinance for the Orange EM5 and Rescue Squad, Incorporated and for Technical Rescue Services, Incorporated in Orange County. VOTE: UNANIMOUS i. Active Seniors Project Agreement with TJCOG The Board considered approving an agreement with the Triangle J Council of Governments {TJCOG} for the services of a regional planner and other project costs to determine the walkability of trails surrounding the Southern Human Services Center site, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney and authorizing the Chair to sign. Commissioner Gordon asked about the role of the seniors and how they would be involved. She is interested in the Southern Orange Senior Center Design Committee being involved. She wants some assurances that there would be members on the design committee to help in designing the trails. She would also like someone from the County, such as Purchasing and Central Services Director Pam Jones, to be a representative. Health Director Rosemary Summers said that this is a collaborative group and they want to put as many users of the trails as possible in the design group. She said that Myra Austin helped write the grant proposal, so she is one of the links to the senior group. If there are specific people that are interested, she can pass those along to the project team. Commissioner Gordon also asked that the Board of County Commissioners approve the report and the trails. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the agreement, with changes as noted by Commissioner Gordon above, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney, and authorize the Chair to sign. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs said that they discussed in the space needs group about coming back to the Board of County Commissioners with a complete site plan based on previous investigations and discussions. Also, Commissioner Jacobs said that in the mast recent TJCOG newsletter, they congratulated one of the County Commissioner colleagues for winning a state award for advocacy for seniors. In the same meeting, the Master Aging Plan was also honored and TJCOG neglected to mention that. He asked for the Clerk to ask TJCOG about this. The Master Aging Plan has been used as a model around the state and the country. o. Petition for Addition of Edwards Drive Extension to the NC Secondary Road System The Board considered a petition to add an extension of Edwards Drive to the state- maintained Secondary Road System. Commissioner Jacobs would like an analysis of the roads that keep getting added to the North Carolina Secondary Road System. He would like to know how many roads are put on the system that were developed by developers as gravel and now the taxpayers of North Carolina have to pay for it. He would like to have some sense of how many are out there. Karen Lincoln said that she would work with DOT on this number. She said that the roads that were built before September 30, 1975 were not part of the new standards. Geof Gledhill said that this road will be gravel and will not be paved. A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve a petition to add an extension of Edwards Drive to the state-maintained Secondary Road System. VOTE: UNANIMOUS gL Adoption of Draft Rules of Procedure Governing the Organization and Operation of the Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board The Board considered adapting the third draft of the Rules of Procedure Governing the Organization and Operation of the Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board. Commissioner Gordon said that number one should say, "The Animal Services Advisory Board, hereafter the Board, should consist of 12 members appointed by the Orange County Board of Commissioners." On, number five, Committees, it should say Professional Animal Management Slot and not slots. Also, on page six, rule three, proposed agenda, it should say, "Each Board member shall receive a copy of the proposed agenda and any relevant materials for each agenda item at least three working days before the meeting." A motion was made by Commissioner Gordan, seconded by Chair Jacobs to adopt the third draft of the Rules of Procedure Governing the Organization and Operation of the Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board, with editorial corrections. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. Resolutions or Proclamations a. Winter Weather Awareness Week Proclamation The Board considered designating the week of December 5-December 11, 2004 as Winter Weather Awareness Week in Orange County. Emergency Management Specialist Eric Griffin said that this item is to bring to their attention the dangers of winter weather. He read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: A PROCLAMATION Winter Weather Awareness Week December 5 through 11, 2004 WHEREAS, The National Weather Service and the Governor of North Carolina have proclaimed the week of December 5 through 11, 2004 as Winter Weather Awareness Week; and, WHEREAS, Orange County frequently experiences winter weather each year; and, WHEREAS, Most injuries and fatalities are indirectly related to a winter and associated storms, such as heart attacks while shoveling snow, vehicle collisions, carbon monoxide poisoning, etc.; and, WHEREAS, Residents must use safe alternative heat sources during the winter months; NOW THEREFORE, The Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims the week of December 5 through 11, 2004, as Winter Weather Awareness Week, and encourages all residents to learn more about winter weather and be aware of its dangers, especially during the winter months. Adopted this 6th day of December, 2004. VOTE: UNANIMOUS la 10 b. Resolution Supporting Accreditation for Local Health Departments The Board considered adopting a resolution of support for promoting health department accreditation in North Carolina, and have the Clerk forward executed copies to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and to the Orange County Legislative Delegation. There was a revised abstract (blue sheet}. Health Director Rosemary Summers said that the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors has been studying this issue of accreditation for more than six years and it gained some impetus this past year when the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services appointed a Public Health Task Force, and Chair Carey was appointed to the task force as a Commissioner representative. One of the subcommittees of the task force studied accreditation. This system of accreditation will serve a lot of benefits in professionalizing the departments and put some quality control measures upon services being delivered, and it is a way of recognizing in the community the level of services that are provided. This does not mean that public health will be the same across the state, but there is the capability of providing a basic set of services. The revised resolution calls for voluntary accreditation and the Board of Health called for mandatory accreditation. Chair Carey said that the NCACC will be acting on a similar resolution and he encouraged the Board to support this. He served on two groups that reviewed this process. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the revised resolution of support as stated below for promoting health department accreditation in North Carolina, and have the Clerk forward executed copies to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and to the Orange County Legislative Delegation. Resolution Promoting Health Department Accreditation In North Carolina Whereas, the North Carolina Public Health Task Force 2004 was established in mid-2003 to study public health in North Carolina and to devise an action plan to strengthen public health infrastructure, improve health outcomes, and eliminate health disparities; and Whereas, the six committees of the Task Force reflect the Task Force's six focus areas: accreditation of state and local health departments; public health structure and organization; public health funding; workforce development and training; improving public health planning, resources and health outcomes; and quality improvement and accountability; and Whereas, the North Carolina Public Health Task Force 2004 recommendations on accreditation are to establish state-level support for a system of accreditation and to fund local health departments for the accreditation process; and Whereas, accreditation is a publicly and professionally accepted mechanism far demonstrating the competence of organizations; and Whereas, competent local public health departments are essential to the protection of the public's health; Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Orange County Board of Commissioners supports the statewide effort to accredit local health departments on a voluntary basis provided that $50,000 per year of ongoing State funding be provided to each health department to support accreditation and continuous quality improvement, and with na additional costs to counties. This 6t" day of December, 2004. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 7. Special Presentations a. Proposed Donation for Orange Soil and Water Conservation District -The Quentin W. Patterson Photographic Art Collection Projects The Board considered authorizing the County Attorney to craft an agreement between Orange County and the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District that would permit the County to administer a donation of $20,000 and a photographic art collection on behalf of the District. District Conservationist with Orange Soil and Water Brent Bogue introduced Don Cox, Secretary and Treasurer for the Orange and Soil and Water Conservation District. Dan Cox said that this is a magnificent opportunity. Quentin Patterson served as the District Conservationist for many years and also on the soil and water board upon his retirement. He was an avid photographer and his wife, Evelyn, was a teacher in Orange County and started environmental education programs. It was her wish that Quentin's photograph collection be made available to the public and for environmental education. He said that they have approximately 54,000 photographic items. They will not be able to digitize all of them and they will be looking for an archival depository eventually once the digital processing has been done. He hopes the County can help them find a place to keep the photographs. The other alternatives are the North Carolina Collection at UNC or the state archives. Commissioner Jacobs thanked Evelyn Patterson and said that if they ever build a Heritage Center, it would be the perfect place to put the photographs. Commissioner Halkiotis said that this is a wonderful gesture. He met Evelyn Patterson 32 years ago and then met her husband Quentin and Orange County is better off because of these two people. He thinks this is a wonderful foundation piece of the Heritage Center. Commissioner Gordan said that they should write Evelyn Patterson a letter expressing appreciation. Don Cox said that she wanted to attend, but she is at a Rehabilitation Center in California hoping to more adequately use her walker and be mare physically active. Commissioner Gordon asked who is going to pursue this archiving. She said that it might make sense to have some early interaction with the County staff. Don Cox said that they will have a large number of the collection digitized and they would like to make them available on a website, and that would take substantial storage capability. Mark Peters came forward said that Paul Jones at UNC runs a website called ibiblio, and it is for storing things just like this. He recommended discussing this with him. Commissioner Jacobs said that Tina Moon with ERCD and Planning is a liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, and would be a good resource. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to authorize the County Attorney to draft an agreement between Orange County and the Orange Soil and Water Conservation District that would permit the County to administer a donation of $20,000 and a photographic art collection on behalf of the District. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 12 12 b. Chapel HilllOrange County Visitors Bureau Annual Report The Board received a presentation from the Executive Director of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau of their Annual Report. Executive Director Rene Campbell presented this report, which is incorporated by reference. She thanked the County for all of the assistance to the staff on and ongoing basis. She said that one of the key things far them was the increase in hotel occupancy of 3%. On page 4, it shows that Orange County ranks 22nd in terms of economic impact on visitor spending out of 100 counties in North Carolina. The sales tax in Orange County amounted to $9.28 million. This represents a savings of $75 to residents of Orange County. As they look ahead to 2004-05 she wants to accomplish several things. One of the things is a sense of place in Orange County. They will also be looking to do a visitor profile, which will help them to make good marketing decisions. The dining guide will be broken down by community as well as by food type. They will also be doing a bridal guide and redesigning the website. The first package they will be working an is a "food adventure" because there are a lot of restaurants in Orange County that buy food locally. She wants to tie into this. Commissioner Halkiotis asked about the usage of the Dean Smith Center for non- universityfunctions. Rene Campbell said that the RBC Center is getting a lot of the concerts now. She will do same more checking on this. Rene Campbell said that she can now set up meetings and she would like to meet with each of the County Commissioners to get perspective. John Link asked about the statistic on page nine and the year-end totals. The number of rooms generated in 2003-04 is 1,200 mare than the previous year, but the occupancy tax receipts are less. Rene Campbell said that sometimes it is the rate that is being charged. John Link asked if they counted the Carolina Inn and she said part of the time. When people are visiting the University on University business, they do not pay the bed tax. This is divided out in the report. Commissioner Gordan asked Rene Campbell to check about the Carolina Inn. $. Public Hearings-NONE 9. Items for Decision--Regular Agenda a. Twin Creeks Park -Follow-up Report and Potential Decisions) The Board considered a report on the Twin Creeks {Moniese Nomp*} Park and Educational Campus Project, with possible decision points. Twin Creeks (Moniese Nomp*) Status Report December 6, 2004 Tonight's Focus ^ Report on Research and Activities since June 8 Worksession ^ Present "Alternative Scenario" Master Plan Design ^ New Citizen Proposal /Next Steps Quick Summary ^ 993 acres, acquired 2009 ^ Co-located park and schools campus ^ Pre-Concept Plan adapted in 2002 ^ Work Group developed proposed Master Plan - 2003 June 8 Follow-up Requests ^ Send smart growth principles to CHCCS ^ Ask CHCCS for info about Elementary #90 ^ Create an alternative design with focus on smart growth and shared facilities ^ Hold an open house for comments ^ Evaluate water/sewer & develop cost estimates ^ Discuss transit possibilities ^ Continue Garrboro CUP application prep CHCCS-Related Follow-up ^ Smart Growth Principles from June S Conveyed to GHCGS ^ Elementary#90 Slated to Open 2007, but... SAPFO Projections may extend timetable? Creation of "Alternative Scenario" 14 14 ^ Grouping of soccer fields for coordination and economies of scale ^ "Red-line" walkway/trail to connect schools to neighborhoods (EMS) ^ Smart Growth Design for Schools Campus ^ Connector Road - no hairpin turn Creation of "Alternative Scenario" ^ Orient Recreation Facilities to Optimize Shared-Use Potential (track to south) ^ No facilities lost in the redesign ^ Park interior road shifted to east ^ No parking areas separate 4 field complex October 4 Public Input Session ^ Two one-hour sessions, publicized ^ 72 citizens attended ^ Generally favorable response to the "alternative scenario" ^ Comments on page 8 of agenda Water and Sewer Demand ^ County Engineer preliminary cast estimates ^ Connections to proposed restroomlconcession building ca $575,000 ^ But Phase 7 of Park may not need water/sewer ^ Vast majority of ultimate demand will be from schools campus Phasing Plan ^ Initial Phasing Plan -map 2-b ^ New Phasing Plan -map 2-d ^ Would propose to build two fields, parking area, picnic shelter and trails in Phase ^ Also propose to pre-grade remaining playing field area (7-A) Cost Estimates ^ Cast Estimates prepared in early 2004- being refined and updated ^ Park would likely be multiple phases ^ $1, 2 million from 200 ~ Band ^ Additional Funding Sources? ~ NC Parks & Recreation Trust Fund ($500,000} ~ Soccer Superfund? Transit Service Potential Chapel HIII Transif ~ No service at this time ~ Carrboro requesting grant funds to provide limited service to area ~ New Routes Funded by Requesting Governments Initially ~ Transit Service Potential Orange Public Transportation ~ Changes in Service may be coming ~ Potential for Addition of Routes, if TTA Takes over Hillsborough-Chapel Hill Route Carrboro CUP Process ^ Town CUP process fakes approximately 1 year ^ Requires significant "consfruction level" detail ^ Parfs of application prepared ^ Need Master Plan to create the resf ^ Same in-house, same by engineering consultants ^ Liston page 1 ~ Proposed Citizen Plan #3 ^ Separate memo in packet on page 21 ^ Citizens group proposes to reverse locations of park and schools campus ^ Proposal just received, little time to review ^ Origins of the Pre-Concept Plan tied to acquisition and funding Plan #3 -Possible Pros and Cons ^ Promoting walkabitity an important goal ^ Schools to south would be closer to existing sewer -lower costs? ^ Schools would be closer to existing neighborhoods ^ Opportunities for truly seamless design? Plan #3 -Possible Pros and Cons ^ Delays in park from redesign ^ Non consistent with original plans ^ Schools campus already walkable? - 906 homes within 1.5 miles, new homes to easf ^ May not be able to site park facilities an the northern portion -south better suited to park Next Steps ^ Consider Master Plan (tonight or at subsequent meeting)? ^ Opportunity for truly comprehensive redesign with no boundaries? ^ More detailed assessment of what would be involved in a new look in January? ^ OtherlssuesforDiscussian(pagel2) Qave Stancil said that a redesign could offer an opportunity of a reassessment of the property, or an evaluation of how a fully integrated schools and parks site might operate. 16 16 Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to listen to the public before making comments, but she asked far a clarification on page 12, Next Steps. She made reference to number eight and said that it should be added to get the road right-of-way from Duke Forest and any other properties where it is not County property. Also, on number 12, there should be a separate item to highlight and make sure there is public input and a schedule. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he would like a clean copy of the pink sheet. He asked if County Engineer Paul Thames had done an analysis based on the proposal from the citizen's group for the savings for water and sewer and Dave Stancil said not yet. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he would like the County Engineer to look into re-siting the location of the schools and if there would be any savings. He thinks the notion of walkability should be tempered because parents would not want their children walking to school without supervision. Cammissioner Halkiotis said that since the Town of Carrbaro has a yearlong review process, he would like some answers to the questions and there is no need to rush this. Commissioner Foushee agreed about the walkability issue. She made reference to page 25, and number five in the "cons" section indicates that the citizens plan may show greater walkability for the schools, but it would conversely affect walkability for the parks. She asked for clarification an this. Dave Stancil said that if there is an issue of a distance that a person will walk, and if the schools are not walkable at the current location and the parks are moved to that location, then that makes the parks less walkable. Commissioner Foushee said that this is probably one of the most major projects that the County has undertaken, sa it seems that it is important to make this an inclusive process. PUBLIC COMMENT: Andrew Farris spoke in support of an action sports complex at Twin Creeks Park, such as far mountain biking, rollerblading, BMX riding, and skateboarding. He said he is representative of the new generation of athletes in the community. He said that these sports extend very deep into the youth of the community. There are no legal opportunities for these kinds of sports in Orange County. There is a pay for play facility in Wake County. He said that there are numerous benefits far a facility like this. Commissioner Jacobs asked for some information about the Wake County sports complex. Chair Carey asked if Wake County was the nearest one and Andrew Farris said that there is a facility at Homestead Park, but it is only for skateboarding and is privately operated and also pay for play. Brian Decker lives in Orange County and is the manager of a cycle shop an Franklin Street. He lives near the park and he is excited about this park, but he feels that the plans only expand the existing recreational opportunities but there are new forms of recreation that the community is involved in such as bicycle action sports. He said that this is a huge growing segment of the population and there are no facilities at all. He said that people would come if the County has a complex like this. He feels that Twin Creeks Parks would be a great place to include this facility. He said that this event takes up less space than other types of facilities. Cammissioner Gordon asked if this was indoor or outdoor and Brian Decker said it would probably be an outside facility made out of concrete and steel. Commissioner Gordon asked about ages and gender that participate in this sport and Brian Decker said that mostly younger men participate, and some of the top pros of the sport are in their late 3Q's. Commissioner Halkiotis asked for a picture of a concrete and steel facility like this. Mark Peters said that he appreciates Commissioner Halkiotis pointing out the safety issue of walkability. He thinks the 1 ~/-mile zone is a bit far. The wooded area also concerns him. He pointed out the layout of the property and said that there is only one way to do this right. He wants to make sure it is done right. He wants to make sure that there is sufficient input. Mike Allingham said that he is part of the group that advocates for an action sports facility. He is supportive of the other speakers in favor of the action sports facility. He said that Brian Decker is the owner of the Premier Bike Shop in Chapel Hill and Andrew Farris is one of the most vocal riders in the community. He said that he is in his fourth year of his M. D. Ph. D. At UNC, and most of his clinical experience has been with pediatrics and children are not getting enough active recreation. They watch too much television and a lot of kids do not play group sports, but would rather do the action sports activities. Commissioner Halkiotis asked how many people are involved in this kind of activity in Orange County. Mike Allingham said that he could not begin to put a number on it. He personally knows 20-30 people locally, but he believes there are certainly more. Steven Mills said that he is the father to Peter Mills (who had to go home). He said that his son is 18 and he loves this sport and he works at a bike store. His son's complaint is that there is not a good safe facility in this area to participate in biking. He thinks that there is a need to develop this type of facility in Orange County. Commissioner Gordon asked about the Homestead Park facility and why it is not more successful. Steven Mills said that it is only for skateboarding, and it does not fulfill the need. Gene Shelton spoke an behalf of himself and his wife and his three children. He said that they just moved here but they are concerned with two areas. One is the extensive walking distance from the Lake Hogan Farm area to the proposed school site on Eubanks Road. He said that the last 7110 of a mile is predominantly through a wooded greenway. The other thing is that since they live within the 1-'/ mile radius, they cannot use the bus and they will be forced to walk or be driven to school. He said that this defeats the purpose of reducing automobile traffic. He thinks it would be in the best interest of everyone if the Board would take into consideration the Citizen's Revised Plan #3. Chair Carey asked one of the school board members to comment on the 1 '/2 mile radius policy for using the school bus. He asked that this person speak after the next speaker. Martha Sheard-Farley is a parent of students at McDougle Elementary School and McDougle Middle School and is also a teacher. She is also a representative on the Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools District Wide Health and Safety Committee. She wants her kids to walk to school, and she would like the school to be moved further south. She thinks that a mile and a half is not walkable far a kindergartner. She would prefer it to be called the no transportation zone and not the walkable zone. Regarding safety, she does not consider a wooded area to be safe for her children to walk through. She is also concerned about a public transportation stop near that wooded area. She does not see this as a safe place for children. She asked that the school be moved south. Matthew Barton brought a map. He is a Carrbora resident and he presented a Carrboro subdivision map that shows the Twin Creeks site and the subdivisions to the south and east. There is almost no development to the west and north. The big red X is the County plan for the proposed school and the green circle shows the citizen's plan 3. He said that he was a CHATPEC member. He said that the school site in the County plan is too far from the dense neighborhood to the south, and since the County owns the whale site, the school can be moved. If the school is moved closer, many more people will walk to school instead of drive. He believes that some walking is better than none, but he thinks that there will be no walking if children are required to walk 314 to 1 % miles each way. Regarding timing, he believes that 18 18 getting the concept plan the whole community supports is worth the extra time it would take to develop a new plan. He said that plan #3 or some revised version can help on funding issues by deferring the building of the connector road and possibly helping the water and sewer installation costs. He asked the Board of County Commissioners to invite the Town of Carrboro Aldermen, Carrboro Planning Board, Carrboro Transportation Advisory Board, CHCCS Board and facilities staff, and the County Planning staff and participate in a discussion of revision of concept plans. Jay Bryan said that he asked the Clerk to mail to the County Commissioners some proposed recommendations regarding the Twin Creeks plan. He asked that the Board refer this master plan to the Orange County Planning Board for input. He said that there is a lot of history to this site. He said that the Carrboro Northern Transition Area Facilities Plan that Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro approved included a school site to be located west of the intersection of the proposed Lake Hogan Farm Extension and Eubanks Road at the approximate site of the Hunter property. The school site in the revised plan is where it is in accordance with the plan approved in 1999. The primary amount of money was $2.7 million from the 1997 parks band that went to buy the property. He continued with the history of this piece of property. He said that this plan was considered thoroughly and there was plenty of input. He said that the path on the revised plan was not a part of what the Planning Board recommended. He does not see any reason for it. The way to get to the school on the site the way it is now is through the connector road. The other aspect is to put the elementary school on the part that is labeled educational facilities. He said that it could be redesigned but the principle should not be gutted because the park is on the most beautiful part of this land. Lisa Stuckey said that she was pleased to see the letter from Elizabeth Carter and Neil Pedersen was in the packet. She said that she agrees that the citizen's plan warrants some further study, and she would be glad to participate in that effort. She currently serves on the Chapel Hill Active Living By Design Committee and on the Safe Routes to School subcommittee of this group. She has learned that active living truly is by design and does not just happen. She said that a long walk on a pathway like this would be a barrier that would inhibit pedestrian access and walkability, especially for children. Steve Scroggs said that, from the way they measure the safe distance, a mile and a half can be relatively close. Some children are bussed that live really close to schools because they would have to cross major roads. Commissioner Halkiotis asked about the greatest distance at Scroggs Elementary in Southern Village. It was answered that there was nothing over a mile. Chair Carey said that the intent of this item is not to make any decision tonight but to give the staff time to do further study and bring it back sometime in January with a more thorough analysis. The process is that the Board would adopt the concept plan and then the phasing plan before it is submitted to the Town of Carrboro. Commissioner Gordon said that they need to do more than send the staff to get mare information. She thinks the Board should articulate what information they need and whether the staff should consider citizen's plan #3. She would like to see this back on December 14`". She would like to see a set of decision points as to what the Board would like the staff to do over the winter break. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he is interested in getting information on the engineering piece. He does not think the information is needed by the 14`" Commissioner Jacobs agreed with Commissioner Halkiotis and said that the staff could come back in January. Commissioner Jacobs said that it is a good idea to listen to what people are saying, but he also thinks that this process involved a lot of stakeholders and it was not just whipped together. Also, he is fascinated at the notion of looking at this as an integrated site and he would like to open it up to more usages. He would also like an estimate of how many users there would be far the different facilities -school facilities and the recreational facilities. Chair Carey shares the perception that there are many constituencies that these facilities are designed to serve. He expects all of the other stakeholders to show up the next time this is addressed. Chair Carey asked the staff for a potential application for Clean Water Management Trust Fund money and the timing for that. He agrees that the agenda is full for next week and it is all right to wait until January. Dave Stancil said that park grants are due February 1St. The Board would have to authorize staff to submit a grant application in January. Commissioner Gordon asked what would be done with citizen's plan #3. Dave Stancil said that they will not be able to answer all questions in five weeks, but they could come back with information on the different possibilities. Commissioner Jacobs asked John Link if any of the remaining items must be addressed tonight and John Link said that item 9-c would have to be addressed at the next meeting. Commissioner Carey suggested adding this item to the next agenda as one of the first items to address. b. Access to Weather and Emergency Information at the Government Services Center The Board was to consider taking action to provide access to weather and news information on the television located in the large meeting room at the Government Services Center. DEFERRED c. Southern tJrange Senior Center Project Budget The Board was to consider establishing a budget to support the facility program for the new Southern Orange Senior Center, being developed in collaboration with the Southern Orange Senior Center Planning Committee. DEFERRED d. Appointments {10:20-10:30) (1) Orange County Planning Board The Board was to consider making new appointments to the Orange County Planning Board. DEFERRED (2) Intergovernmental Parks iIP) Work Group -New Appointments/Reappointments The Board was to consider making new appointments/reappointments to the Intergovernmental Parks (IP) Workgroup. DEFERRED (3) Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC Boardl-Two New Appointments The Board was to consider making new appointments to the ABC Board. DEFERRED {4) Agricultural Center Work Group The Board was to consider making appointments to the Agricultural Center Wark Group. DEFERRED (5y Orange County/Chapel Hill Visitor's Bureau -One New Appointment The Board was to consider making one new appointment to the Orange County/Chapel Hill Visitor's Bureau. DEFERRED 2Q 20 (6) Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee The Board was to consider making new appointments to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. DEFERRED 10. Reports-NONE 11. Closed Session-NONE 12. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adjourn the meeting at 10:45 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Moses Carey, Jr., Chair Donna S. Baker Clerk to the Board