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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20051213APPROVED 2/21/2006 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 13, 2005 7:30 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. in the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., Valerie P. Foushee, Alice M. Gordan, and Stephen Halkiotis COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill and S. Sean Barhanian COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Jahn 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. 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Chair Jacobs suggested moving item 8-a before item 7-a since the People for Progress were in attendance far that item. The Board agreed. Chair Jacobs reviewed the additional materials before the County Commissioners. PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Rabin Jacobs is the President of the Eno River Association. She thanked the Board for its support. She said that the Eno River Association feels like they are doing great collaborative work with the Board of County Commissioners. Before Christmas, they expect to close on the 67-acre conservation easement at the headwaters of Seven Mile Creek that is being funded with a grant. The lead work was done by their staff, led by Rich Shaw from the Orange County ERCD staff. She presented the Board with the 2006 Eno River Calendars. Chair Jacobs said that there was an article in the Durham Herald Sun about the one- yearanniversary of the Little River Park. An estimated 30,000 people used the park in the first year. This was also a partnership. Damon Seils, Chair of the Human Rights and Relations Commission, said that they are sending a letter to Congressman David Price about a new immigration bill HR4437. He said that approximately 10°~ of Orange County residents are immigrants. The bill would treat any felons as lawful permanent residents who have failed to report a change of address to Homeland Security within ten days. There is also a provision in the bill that treats as criminals any person, who in their professional or private lives, provides assistance in an undocumented manner. He thinks that this could have a serious chilling effect on the efforts of community organizations and local government organizations that provide services to the immigrant population. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda below.} 3. Board Comments Commissioner Foushee wished everyone a safe holiday and prosperous new year. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he has noticed at the solid waste convenience center on Highway 57 that there has been a significant accumulation of items that have blown out of trucks on their way there and have not been picked up. He thinks that Orange County has a responsibility to make sure that the roadways leading up to the convenience centers are clean. He suggested contracting with Orange Enterprises to do this work. He said that he was following a truck taming out of the waste center and a chair flew out of the truck and almost hit him. He suggested that twine be given out to those who take items out of the convenience center. Commissioner Halkiotis distributed his recycled Christmas cards to staff and wished a safe and happy holiday to everyone. These cards have been recycled for 20 years. Commissioner Gordon joined the other Commissioners in wishing the joy and peace of the season. Commissioner Carey wished all a happy holiday and he thanked Commissioner Halkiotis for his commitment to recycling with his cards. He also brought a framed award that Orange County received for its efforts to end homelessness. Commissioner Carey asked the Board if they would like staff to help them understand what the budget cuts are to be with mental health and other cuts and the Board agreed. Chair Jacobs said that the Winston-Salem Journal just had a series about mental health reform in North Carolina and how it is not working very well. He asked the Clerk to make copies of the article for the Board. Commissioner Carey said that these are actual service cuts for the disabled. Commissioner Carey said that there has been a decertification of all voter machines and he has heard that counties have a deadline of January 20t" to order new equipment. He is not sure if Orange County is affected by this decertification. John Link said that he saw the certified mail from the State Board of Elections indicating that they were adhering to the new law by the General Assembly, which decertifies a number of counties' voting machines. There is money coming from the General Assembly to replace the machines and there should be sufficient funds to address this issue. He said that he does not think that any county can comply with this law by January. He hopes to have the equipment in by the May primary. Rod Visser reiterated what John Link said. He said that there is grant money available to local governments and Orange County's share is around $580,000. Chair Jacobs said that part of what is driving this is that the federal government wants all machines more handicapped accessible. Commissioner Carey said that there is some movement in the State to reconsider the allocation formula for the proceeds of the lottery because of the way it seems to penalize counties that have kept their tax rates low. He wants the County Commissioners to keep an eye on this. Commissioner Carey said that there are two contract inventories bills that would remove inventories of contractors from taxable value in the county. This is a concern because it could have the effect of reducing our taxable property in the county and adversely affect the revenue. Another bill is the solid waste franchise vested rights bill that was considered last year. He would like to keep an eye on these bills. Commissioner Carey asked the County Commissioners if it was the intent of the Board to continue the Board of County Commissioners' listening sessions in the coming year and Chair Jacobs suggested adding this discussion to the retreat agenda. Chair Jacobs asked Assistant to the County Manager Greg Wilder to update the Board on the earmark that Senator Dole has been working on. Greg Wilder said that the County has been pursuing a grant from Senator Dole's office for a commercial kitchen facility at the senior center. About two weeks ago, they learned of substantial hurdles and Orange County may not receive the grant. Funds were earmarked for this through the labor, health, and education bill. All of the earmarks were deleted from this bill and Senator Dole's office was looking at alternative funding. He said that he learned this morning that they have exhausted all avenues this year and they will put it in their funding cycle for next year. The three big things that wiped out the funding for this bill was Iraqi war spending, Hurricane Katrina funding, and the highway bill in Alaska. Commissioner Carey said that this is not the first year that there has been a complete sweep of the earmark money out of the budget. Chair Jacobs said that he and Commissioner Foushee attended a meeting on prison labor, which is now a discussion on social entrepreneurship. He will keep the Board up to date on this. Chair Jacobs said that he and Commissioner Halkiotis attended another meeting on Fairview Park and they generally agreed on a design. They have one more meeting and he said that they are not sure if they have had adequate representation from the Fairview community. He said that they would be putting in a solid waste convenience center temporarily on the County's property on the Public Works site. It is only temporary and they are already looking at other options. Chair Jacobs wished all a happy holiday season. 4. County Manager's Report John Link thanked Commissioner Halkiotis far his card and he joined everyone with extending best wishes to all. John Link recognized Economic Development Director Dianne Reid, who gave an update on the economic development activities in and around Orange County. Dianne Reid said that in Hillsborough, there have been two developments. The first is Ellswood with a proposal for 106 homes and 151,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and hotel. The Town Board, after deliberating, decided not to approve the rezoning and annexation requests for the developers of the project. Another proposal is for Ashton Hall and calls for 272 town homes and custom built homes and about 20,000 square feet of retail space. In Chapel Hill, the two major developments are the redevelopment of parking lot five and the Wallace Parking Deck and University Village, which is a proposed mixed-use project for the property that is now University Inn on Highway 54. It will include 189 residential units and 115,000 square feet of office and 64,000 square feet of retail. In Carrboro, there is a proposal for the redevelopment of the ArtsCenter property on Main Street. The initial plans call for about 400,000 square feet of residential and commercial space. There is also a proposal to redevelop property on Jones Ferry Road as a grocery store and retail area. There is also a lot of development right on Orange County's borders. In Chatham County, there is a proposal for commercial and residential development on 100 acres on 151501 that would include 350,000 square feet of retail and office space and about 40 town houses and patio homes. In Alamance County, there will be a new Wal-Mart in Mebane. The Alamance Regional Medical and Surgical Center will be located at the old Arrowhead Golf Course. The Town of Mebane also approved a 312-unit subdivision that will connect the Mill Creek subdivision to The Village at Lake Michael. Dianne Reid said that they are currently working an four projects in her office and three came to them from the N.C. Department of Commerce and the fourth is a referral from a utility. She said that a few months ago she brought to the Board same information on some research EDC had done on private sectorjobs in Orange County and the fact that Orange County had lost about 3,000 private sector jobs between 2000-2005. The employment in the private sector dropped from 32,000 to 29,000 over this period, which is a loss of 8.3%. At the same time, the public sector employment increased by 11.4°~ and local government employment increased by 15.4°~. The largest type of private sector employment in the County is healthcare and social assistance. These jobs increased over the five-year period by 12.8%. The second largest is retail/trade and there was a slight decrease of 2.6°k over the five-year period. The next largest is accommodations and food services and these decreased by 6.7% over the five-year period. The next largest is professional and technical services, and these increased about 10%. She said that the total number of employers has remained about the same. She said that for October of this year, there were 457 new jobs in the County. They will continue to track this information. Chair Jacobs said that there was a meeting last week with representatives from the County and the Tawn of Hillsborough to interview consulting groups. A group was picked to help do a strategic growth plan. There will be an agenda item for this on January 24th with suggested advisory boards on the steering committee and a position far a Commissioner. 5. Items for Decision--Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below: a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes from October 18, 2005 and November 21, 2005 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. b. Appointments (1 } Board of Health -One New Appointment The Board appointed Dr. DeWana Anderson to the Board of Health, with a term expiring June 30, 2008. c. Motor Vehicle Property Tax ReleaselRefunds The Board adopted a refund resolution, which is incorporated by reference, related to 50 requests for motor vehicle property tax releases or refunds in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes. d. Classification Plan Amendment -Add Class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic Supervisor This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. e. Budget Amendment #7 The Board approved budget, capital, and grant project ordinance amendments far fiscal year 2005-06 far Environment and Resource Conservation, Health Department, and Sportsplex. f. CJPP Grant Acceptance The Board accepted Criminal Justice Partnership (CJPP) implementation grant funds totaling $163,914 from the NC Department of Correction; approved the release of $19,739 from the County's Critical Needs Reserve, and authorized the Chair to sign subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney. g_ CJPP 2045-2446 Service Continuation Contracts The Board approved contracts for the continuation of services provided through the NC Criminal Justice Partnership Program and authorized the Chair to sign subject to final approval by staff and the County Attorney h. Authorization to Contract for Two (2) Hook Trucks for Solid Waste and Sanitation The Board authorized the Purchasing Director to award a bid during the holiday break for two haak trucks, both of which will exceed the $20,000 authorization limit set for the Purchasing Director. i. Change in BOCC Meeting Calendar for 2446 The Board amended its regular meeting schedule for the year 2006 by adding a dinner meeting with the Advisory Board (Board of Health}, on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill and changing the date for the Board of Commissioners' Annual Retreat from Saturday, January 21, 2006 to Friday, January 20, 2006 at the Southern Human Services Center. L Letter to Congressional Committees on Cable Franchising Legislation The Board approved a draft letter to be forwarded to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, urging opposition to proposed legislation that would weaken local authority to regulate cable franchising and authorized the Chair to sign. k. Habitat far Humanity -Challenge Grant The Board awarded $5,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to Habitat for Humanity for land acquisition for future affordable housing development. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: d. Classification Plan Amendment-Add Class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic Supervisor The Board considered amending the Orange County Classification and Pay Plan by adding a new class of Heavy Equipment Mechanic Supervisor at Salary Grade 17. Salary Grade 17 has a hiring range of $37,039 - $59,211. Commissioner Gordon asked far clarification as to what this position was doing and Personnel Director Elaine Holmes said that this proposal is to establish a new classification of Heavy Equipment Mechanic Supervisor. The position is presently Heavy Equipment Mechanic II and has assumed additional supervisory and managerial responsibilities. Commissioner Gordon said that she is interested in what these people do in the departments. She remembers Commissioner Halkiotis asking for this information. Commissioner Halkiotis echoed this request and said that he would like a more substantial job description. He wants to know what this person would be supervising and who this person would report to. THIS ITEM WAS TABLED 6. Resolutions or Proclamations a. Resolution Honoring Piedmont Minerals The Board considered recognizing Piedmont Minerals, a mining operation located in Hillsborough, for its significant water conservation efforts and authorizing the Chair to sign the resolution. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordan to approve recognizing Piedmont Minerals, a mining operation located in Hillsborough, for its significant water conservation efforts and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution. RESOLUTION HONORING PIEDMONT MINERALS WHEREAS, Piedmont Minerals had operated a mine in Hillsborough for over fifty years and a processinglgrinding plant since 1968, and WHEREAS, three minerals are mined and processed at the site: pyrophalite, andalucite, and seracite, and WHEREAS, the Hillsborough mine has the only deposit of andalucite in the United States, and WHEREAS, all three minerals are used in the manufacture of ceramics and brick, helping increase durability and heat resistance, and WHEREAS, Piedmont Minerals currently employs 18 people, and WHEREAS, as a result of changing its dust collection process in 2004 from a wet mist dust suppression system to a dry bagging system, Piedmont Minerals water usage dropped from approximately 100,000 gallons per day to under 15,000 gallons per day, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners formally commends Piedmont Minerals and its Plant Manager, Bob Atz, for its dramatic reduction in water usage. This the 13t" day of December 2005. UOTE: UNANIMOUS 7. Special Presentations a. OWASA Policy for Reimbursing Costs far Building-in Excess Capacity in Utility Line Extensions The Board received the latest information on OWASA's discussions relative to revising its policy for reimbursing costs related to building in excess capacity in utility line extensions; and to allow the BOCC to provide comments that can be transmitted to the OWASA board for its discussion on this issue at its meeting of December 15, 2005. Paul Thames said that this came forward from earlier this year when the Board asked OWASA to reconsider its reimbursement policies. The Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro also asked for this, relative to public funds spent on developing water and sewer utility extensions. OWASA used to have a policy for dealing with reimbursements and did away with it because it was not very utilized. An ad hoc committee of OWASA board members and staff has been created and they will be discussing this on Thursday. The proposal is a policy for reimbursement far excess capacity. There is also a different reimbursement policy for sewer than for water lines. Sewer lines only have a benefit for the area that they serve and OWASA's proposal is to capture the cost associated with increasing the size of the line. Water lines have a system wide benefit by virtue of making the system more reliable and OWASA would reimburse incremental costs. Chair Jacobs said that OWASA is treating sewer lines like they did in their old policy and the water line policy will accommodate the County's concerns immediately. He said that this is a favorable response from OWASA. Chair Jacobs said that he could write to OWASA that the Board considers this responsive to the concerns. 8. Public Hearings a. Public Hearing for Buckhorn Road EDDICommunity Water/Sewer Project Engineering Report The Board held a public hearing on the Engineering Report for the sewer expansion portion of the Buckhorn Raad EDD/Community Water and Sewer Expansion Project. Chair Jacobs said that this was partially passible as a result of two earmarks that Congressman Price was able to get in previous years. County Engineer Paul Thames said that they have had two local grants that will total $1.4 million. With the grant comes a number of requirements, and one is the public hearing on the engineering report. The notebook contains an environmental assessment and evaluation of the City of Mebane's sewer system, a description of the system depth, cost estimates, etc. He said that the format is dictated by the State. He summarized the information in the abstract. This project includes providing sewer to the new middle school. The amount of money that the County would net out of the grant is $1.36 million and there is a 55% federal match to a 45% local match. This money is also being spread out to the project to provide sewer in central Efland. They will be using money from the 1997 bonds and additional monies set aside as the County match. The overall estimated project cost to do everything except far the water line is approximately $1.6 million and they are short $250,000. Paul Thames said that another portion of this is the interlacal agreement with the City of Mebane, which allows Orange County to build the system and turn over the ownership, operation, and responsibilities to the City of Mebane as the utility provider. Paul Thames said that individual households that will be connecting to this system will need to have an understanding as to what a sewer bill will be for usage of 5,000 gallons a month. The City of Mebane's in-town rate is $22.50, but out-of-town customers will be paying $45.00 a month for 5,000 gallons of sewer. If this area is ever annexed it will get in-town rates. Commissioner Gordon asked clarifying questions about the costs, which were answered by Paul Thames. She asked where they would get the money for the shortfall of $250,000. John Link said that staff is looking at ways of addressing this shortfall. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to page two of the abstract, item `c' and the third bullet, "not including engineering costs (estimated $175,000 with construction administrationlinspection)." He said that the last time they discussed this the County Commissioners asked if the County Engineer's office could do the construction administration. He asked what happened with this. Paul Thames said that they could do a major portion of this. He wanted to present the worst case. Commissioner Halkiotis wants to know the best case and Paul Thames said that they could save about $75,000. Commissioner Halkiotis said that this is significant and he wants to use the in-house capacity to assist in this and save the money. Chair Jacobs said that he thought the plan was for Mebane to eventually annex the areas that are served with this. He thought this was part of the agreement. Geof Gledhill said that Mebane has no plans to annex into the EDD, but they could. Paul Thames projected that most of this area on Buckhorn Road will eventually turn high dollar commercial soon and then Mebane will probably annex it at that time. PUBLIC COMMENT: Norman Umstead is Chair for the People for Progress and Pastor of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Buckhorn Road, and he said that they have some concerns about the double rate. He said that this was facilitated through the City of Mebane and mast of these people in this area are senior citizens and they need support to get these double rates eliminated. He said that this community has changed drastically over the past few years and they want to keep commercialism out. He thanked Chair Jacobs and Paul Thames for their support and hard work. Chair Jacobs said that they had their first meeting about six years ago and he welcomed everyone from People for Progress. Blair Pollack spoke about the Village Project. He said that this is an opportunity to look at a denser residential area and create atransit-oriented development in the node that surrounds Buckhorn Road. He urged the Board to look at the current zoning, which prohibits any kind of residential, and to consider putting a fair amount of housing and local commercial activity. Chair Jacobs suggested to Mr. Pollack that he raise this issue at the public hearings about the land use plan. Allen Rosen is Chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and said that he is glad to find out that the size of the sewer would have the capacity to support other uses besides the school and some residential areas and churches. The AHAD advocates for public investment to allow for "upzoning" -more dense residential development. They see this as an opportunity to zone for mixed-use and to change zoning in the area to lead to opportunities for affordable housing and reduced transit times. He said that he is frustrated that his board found out about this process by accident. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to close the public hearing. UOTE: UNANIMOUS The Board directed the staff to proceed. 9. Items for Decision--Regular Agenda a. Transfer Funds From the Critical Needs Reserve to Social Services for Emergency Energy Assistance for Low-Income Families The Board considered appropriating $102,865 in additional County funds to help address increased emergency needs of low-income families due to rising energy costs and increased numbers of eligible families. Social Services Director Nancy Coston gave an update on the emergency assistance programs. They have three funding sources for emergencies: Crisis Intervention Program (federal program}, Work First Block Grant ($110,000}, and County funds ($112,000}. The federal funds have not come in this year yet so right now they are concerned about their projection of needs of the families in the area. They have had a significant increase in demand in the first quarter of this year compared to the first quarter of last year. Spending is already up about $20,000 and this was prior to entering into the winter months. In the last year, they have had about a 13°~ increase in food stamp recipients this year and utility costs are also going up. She said that they did get $41,000 from the State but this is included in their charts. She said that now they are $46,000 short so far this year. She said that they have met with utility companies and others to help meet demands, but these funds will be used quickly. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he heard today on a program that someone making minimum wage could not find a suitable one-bedroom apartment to live in. Also, fuel for cars or to heat homes is becoming a trade commodity for the average citizen. He is concerned about the national priorities. Chair Jacobs referred to the article at their places that reference these issues. John Link commended Nancy Coston and her staff for working on this. He said that the utilities have been working very cooperatively with the staff. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve appropriating $102,865 from the Critical Needs Reserve Fund to help address increased emergency needs of low-income families due to rising energy costs and increased numbers of eligible families. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Jacobs asked John Link to look at the article in the paper today referring to one of the school districts paying people below living wage. He asked John Link to find out what is going on with this. b. Memorandum of Understanding between Triangle Transit Authority and Orange Public Transportation for Public Route Service between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill The Board considered a redesigned public route between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill that will offer enhanced transit options to Orange County residents; and considered authorizing Triangle Transit Authority and Orange Public Transportation to enter into a MOU to jointly fund (75 percent 125 percent, respectively) and for OPT to operate the Hillsborough to Chapel Hill public route, pending final review and approval by Orange County Management and the County Attorney; and considered approving the addition of one full-time permanent (40 hour) and one part-time permanent position (20 hour), subject to continued funding and approving the acquisition of the Triangle Transit Authority vehicle for use on the route. Department on Aging and Transportation Services Director Jerry Passmore presented this item. This route will begin on January 3, 2006. For their work an getting this route implemented, he recognized Public Transportation Manager AI Terry, Patrick McDonough from TTA, Assistant Manager Gwen Harvey, Personnel Director Elaine Holmes, Finance Director Ken Chavious, Budget Director Donna Dean, Purchasing and Central Services Director Pam Jones, Karen Lincoln from the Planning Department, and Commissioner Gordon as the TTA representative. He made a PowerPoint presentation. The New HillsboroughlChapel Hill Route OPT-TTA Partnership Beginning January 3, 2006 New TTA-OPT Route Important Partnership Features 1. Replaces existing OPT Fixed-Deviated Public Route {began in 1993) with a more efficient and effective fixed Public Route. (current disabled route clients will use aseparate/deviated route service.} 2. TTA-OPT Route Agreement - a 75°!0125°~ cost sharing. {County cost will not increase with new replacement route.) 3. Route Start-up: Begins Tuesday, January 3, 2006. 4. TTA Marketing: Begins the Week of January 3~d 5. Official Kick-off: Week of January 16th (TBA) New TTA-OPT Route Important Route Features 1. Expanded number of daily round trips: from 5 to 11 2. Expanded hours of operation: approximately 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. M-F 3. Shorten one-way trips: from 80 minutes to 35-40 minutes 4. Use of larger purchased bus: 22 to 28 passenger bus 5. Route stops include transfer hubs to OPT, CHT, and TTA systems 6. New route fare: from $1 to $2 per trip Monthly pass: $64 and $32 Elderly/Disabled Day Pass {Unlimited trips on OPT, TTA, DATA, CAT): $4 7. Hillsborough Sportsplex stop is designated Park/Ride. Description of Route Stops ^ First sfop begins in Hillsborough (Hwy86170) ^ Last stop ends in Chapel Hill (UIIIC Hospitals) ^ Distance between first and last stops is 77 miles ^ Hwy 86 South and MLKJ Blvd/Airport Rd is the primary route corridor between Hillsborough & Chapel Nill Route Map (Distributed) North HillslMaxway Shopping Center at Hwy 86 and Hwy 70 Hillsborough -Downtown at Churton and Tryon Streets Hillsborough-Downtown at Churton and Tryon Streets (Police Station Stop} Triangle SportsPlex at U.S. 70 Business and Kidd Drive Transfer Hub /Park-Ride Highway 86 Corridor at Valley Forge Rd and Hwy 86 S Highway 86 Corridor at Hampton PointelWal-mart MLKJ/Airport Rd Corridor at Chapel Hill North and Weaver Dairy Rd MLKJ/Airport Rd Corridor at Homestead Rd Chapel Hill Downtown at Columbia St. and Franklin St. Transfer Hub Chapel Hill Downtown at Columbia St. and Franklin St. Transfer Hub NC Memorial Hospital at Main Front Entrance NC Memorial Hospital at Main Entrance Transfer Hub The Year 2406 Brings: ^ Anew partnership model for rural-urban transit system coordination. ^ Anew transit opportunity to travel across Orange County in a safe and efficient manner. ^ Anew challenge to encourage citizens to ride the bus: "A 11Jew Resolution for 2006. " ^ A future route planning goal to include a new Durham Tech Satellite Campus stop for 2007. Chair Jacobs thanked Jerry Passmore and Commissioner Gordon for their work on this project. Commissioner Foushee made reference to the recommendation of the purchase of a bus with a fare collection box. She asked if there was a backup plan with equipping an existing bus with the box. AI Terry said that it is $10,000 for the fare collection box. Commissioner Foushee asked if this was part of their future plan and AI Terry said not at this time. He said that he would have a magnetic roll out sign that will cover the Orange Public Transportation that will say Triangle Transit Authority, since it will be operated under TTA. They will manually tag all of the clients. Commissioner Foushee suggested looking into fare-free service for Orange County employees and to encourage conservation of fuel. Commissioner Gordon thanked all that assisted with establishing this bus route, including the TTA Board of Trustees. It was not certain that this new route would be started, especially since TTA had just cut same other routes. Chair Jacobs asked haw long of a commitment TTA is making for maintaining this route and Patrick McDonough said that they have asix-month commitment from TTA and they feel that they will have a good performing service. Chair Jacobs said that it will be 18 months before Durham Tech Satellite campus comes on board and this will be a large user. This was one of the arguments for the route. He is concerned that the route will be started too soon and then decided that it would not be performing adequately before the campus came online. Patrick McDonough said that if they know when and where this school comes online, they would take this very seriously before making a decision. AI Terry said that this is a new route, but it is replacing a route that already has ridership, It will gain more riders with the express route. Chair Jacobs asked about changes in staffing and the costs. Jerry Passmore said that the County's contribution will be the same and will actually save about $2,500. He said that they see no additional costs to the County. Commissioner Gordon underscored the fact that this route connects Hillsborough to the region, and the region to Hillsborough. This new route means that you can connect to the regional bus service a lot better than you could before. She said that the vision for transit in Orange County is larger than this but this is great far now. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to: 1. Authorize Triangle Transit Authority and Orange Public Transportation to enter into a MOU to jointly fund {75 percent/25 percent, respectively) and for OPT to operate the Hillsborough to Chapel Hill public route, pending final review and approval by Orange County Management and County Attorney; 2. Approve the addition of one full-time permanent (40 hour} and one part-time permanent position (20 hour), subject to continued MOU funding, to operate the route; and 3. Approve the acquisition of the Triangle Transit Authority vehicle for use on the route. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Acquisition of Storage Facility The Board considered approving the acquisition of a facility at 510 Meadowlands Drive, Hillsborough, for use as a storage facility and office space. John Link said that they are asking the Board to approve the acquisition of a new facility called the Tweeter building at The Meadowlands. This is a facility for storage and for at least three County departments for office space. The acquisition of this facility is also an important step in efforts to improve capacity for space. Purchasing and Central Services Director Pam Janes made a PawerPoint presentation. 510 Meadowlands Drive EMS EQUIPMENTISUPPLIES ELECTIONS EQUIPMENT (some slides were pictures only) • ~ 1.000 s. f. warehouse • ~ 1, 000 s.f, offices (on two levels} • Up fo 30, 000 s, f. expansion area on site • Ample parking for full build out Terms • $ 9.735 million - $1.7 million: building (approximately $77/s.f.} - $35,000: equipment and furnishings (forklift, pallet, furniture, etc.) • $50K down payment • Owner financed - 10 years - 5% interest • Contingent upon LGC approval Proposed Occupants • EMS Administrative Divisions • Economic Development • lnformafion Systems EMS • Nigh Priority in Space Needs Update 2005 Elections • EDC is relocating to allow BOF expansion at existing site Information Systems • Will allow expansion within the Government Services CenterAnnex for Personnel, Budget and Finance Getting Ready to Move • CRZ to meet with departments to determine appropriate layout • CRZ to design elevator installation to meet RDA requirements Next Steps • County Attorney to draw up agreement • Public Hearing fo be held 1/24/06 • LGC Approval 2/7/06 • Closing Timeline • CRZ to begin working with departments after January 1 • Bids for upfit and elevator installation to be solicited as needed prior to closing • Anticipate 60 day upfit/elevator installation • Departmental moves projected for April-Nlay 2006 Commissioner Halkiotis said that this is a wonderful opportunity for Orange County and he remembers the lack of storage facilities from years past. He said that this is small change compared to the maximum benefits of this facility. Commissioner Carey shared Commissioner Halkiotis' support. Chair Jacobs said that there is enough parking here for a park and ride lot for the TTA route. A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to: -Approve the terms of a contract to purchase the land, building, and related personal property at 510 Meadowland Drive, Hillsborough for a sum of $1,735,000; $50,000 of which to be paid at closing and $1,685,000 to be owner financed for a period of ten years at a 5°~ interest rate, the purchase contingent upon approval of the Local Government Commission; and -Authorize the Manager, County Attorney, and Finance Director to execute documents incident to the purchase and consistent with the terms cited herein; and -Authorize the Finance Director to submit application to the LGC for approval of the acquisition; and - Establish January 24, 2006 as the date for Public Hearing of the acquisition and instruct the Clerk to notice as appropriate; and - Exempt this project from the qualification-based selection process for architect services as allowed by GG 143-64.32 and authorize the Manager to negotiate and sign a contract for services between the County and Corley Redfoot Zack to provide services as cited in this abstract. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. School Sales Tax Reimbursements - Interlocal Agreements The Board reviewed and considered approving interlocal agreements between the County and each school system that will allow the County to pursue reimbursement for state and local sales taxes paid to contractors on major school capital projects subject to final review by County staff, County Attorney, and bond counsel and authorizing the Chair to sign. Finance Director Ken Chavious summarized this item. He said that during the 2005 session, the legislature rescinded the ability of the boards of education to claim refunds of sales tax paid for all goods and services. At the September 26, 2005 joint meeting with the school boards and County Commissioners, it was suggested that staff look into ways that these actions could be changed to allow far the refund of the sales tax reimbursements. Staff provided information on November 15t" and the Board directed staff to develop the necessary mechanisms. The Local Government Commission has since issued a memo related to this issue, which is attached to the abstract. The memo clarifies how counties, under certain circumstances, may request and receive sales tax reimbursements on school projects. The memo also states that the legislature may take this issue up at the end of the short session with the possibility of restoring this ability to the school boards. The mechanism is an interlocal agreement between the school boards and the County. He described the agreement. Chair Jacobs welcomed Lisa Stuckey, Chair of CHCCS Board. Commissioner Carey asked for a review of the two mechanisms for the benefit of the public. Bob Jessup said that the primary text is that whether it is a school board project or a County project. If it is a school board project, it will not be eligible for the sales tax reimbursement. If it is a County project, two main criteria are that the County be the owner of the property and that the County be responsible for the work. They have accomplished both of these in the agreement by providing for conveyance of property, subject to being re-leased back to the school board for its use. Commissioner Halkiotis said that it is a shame to have to go through this process to benefit the children of this County. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve interlocal agreements between the County and each school system that will allow the County to pursue reimbursement for state and local sales taxes paid to contractors on major school capital projects subject to final review by County staff, County Attorney, and bond counsel and authorize the Chair to sign. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. Draft Water Conservation Policy For County Facilities and Report on Water Use and Performance Measures The Board considered adoption of a Water Conservation Policy covering Orange County government facilities and equipment, in follow up to the Board's Environmental Responsibility goal and to receive a report on building water use and possible water conservation performance measures. John Link said that they have already brought forward policies how to make their buildings more efficient and their vehicles more efficient and tonight they are bringing a policy for water. Public Works Director Wayne Fenton made a PowerPoint presentation and then summarized water use and billing errors in the notebook. Draft Water Conservation Policy and Water Use Report Purpose Tonight - Consider adoption of a Preliminary Water Conservation Policy covering County buildings and facilities - Receive a report an water use and passible methods for measuring reductions in water use Preliminary Policy - Pending further research and broader reviews - Focus on County buildings and grounds - Address most immediately attainable conservation measures Policy Highlights - Purpose: "Reduce Orange County government's water use, wherever possible, and improve the efficiency of use for that water that must be used at County buildings. " - Building energy and vehicle fuel conservation addressed in separate policies adopted December Stn Policy Goals - Establish foundation of responsibilities, planning, programs, standards, and performance measures - Manage and minimize water use while maintaining clean, safe conditions and meeting service needs - Achieve a reduction in average water consumption per square foot - Incorporate water conservation into new construction, renovation, and replacement equipment Policy Scope Applies to: - All County owned and leased buildings, including those owned by County but occupied by others Water from municipal sources and wells Responsibilities Assigns responsibilities among: - Energy Conservation Task Group - Public Works Department - Department Heads - Employees Water Use Action Plan - Provides for annual Water Conservation Action Plan - Jointly developed with Energy Task Group, Public Works, others - Identify specific actions to conserve water - Developed and submitted to BOCC during annual budget process Water Use Standards Provides for water use standards including: - Minimization of water used for irrigation, vehicle washing, and the like - Low-flow or no water fixtures - Maintenance standards Programs Programs to support water conservation including: - Employee awareness - Incentives - Preventative maintenance and retrofits - New construction ReportinglPerformance Measures Provides for: - Obtaining information and reporting to assess progress - Using information to benchmark and measure performance Measuring Success We are looking for: - Straight reduction in water consumption - Reduction in consumption per square foot Water Use and Cost Report - First draft intended to present sample format to BOCC for feedback - Has been prepared to show use and cost information - Other infalmare ar less detail per BOCC wishes - Presents totals for all buildings combined and by individual departments - Focus for comparison is on gallons per square foot, due to changes over time in unit costs for water Commissioner Halkiotis praised Wayne Fenton and Elaine Holmes for this report and he said that you could tell a lot about water usage. He said that he would like to know if they could put together a list of five high priority buildings and to create a budget to up fit these with water saving devices. He said that, when the new animal shelter is built, they should hire an architect and design engineering people that are on the cutting edge of water conservation. Chair Jacobs said that under vehicle washing, there would be an opportunity to use rain water collection. He also asked about 911 New Hope and if the County is paying double water rates to Hillsborough for this facility or any other facility and Wayne Fenton said that he would check this out. Chair Jacobs said that they did have $100,000 in the capital investment plan for water fixtures and facilities, and he would like to suggest moving this up for these high priority need buildings such as the Whiffed Building and the jail. Chair Jacobs said that he and Commissioner Gordan mentioned to the Commission for the Environment last night that the environmental responsibility goal has been passed. He said that the first goal is to institute a standing Orange County Environmental Action Committee and he would like for the next step to be outreach to the community and get this action committee together. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve adoption of a Water Conservation Policy covering Orange County government facilities and equipment, in follow up to the Board's Environmental Responsibility goal, effective January 1, 2006, and to receive a report on building water use and possible water conservation performance measures. VOTE: UNANIMOUS f. Appointments (1) Central Orange Senior Center Design Committee -Appointments The Board considered appointments to the Central Orange Senior Center Design Committee. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Chair Carey to appoint Mary Ann Peter to the Central Orange Senior Center Design Committee. VOTE: UNANIMOUS (2) Carrboro NTA Advisory Board -One New Appointment The Board considered making one new appointment to the Carrboro NTA Advisory Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordan, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Linda Bowerman to the Carrboro NTA Advisory Board to a first full term ending January 31, 2008. VOTE: UNANIMOUS (3) Commission for Women -New Appointments The Board considered making new appointments to the Commission for Women. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to appoint Gwendolyn Jordan to aNon- Chapel Hill Township position expiring March 31, 2007 and Laura Leonard to a Chapel Hill Township pasition expiring March 30, 2006 on the Commission for Women. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordan to appoint Sally McKenzie to aNon-Chapel Hill Township position expiring June 30, 2006 and Ashley Canon to a Chapel Hill Township pasition expiring June 30, 2006 on the Commission for Women. VOTE: UNANIMOUS (4) Human Relations Commission -New Appointments The Board considered making new appointments to the Human Relations Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Chair Carey to appoint Paul Hrusovsky, Sally McKenzie, Latisha Watford, and A. John Uogt to At-Large positions on the Human Relations Commission. VOTE: UNANIMOUS (5) Orange County Planning Board -Appointments The Board considered making one new appointment to the Orange County Planning Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to move Jeffrey Schmidt from an At-Large pasition to a Cedar Grove Township position expiring March 31, 2007 and to have the Clerk's office advertise for the two at-large positions. VOTE: UNANIMOUS (6) Orange-Person-Chatham Area Praarams Board -New Appointments The Board considered making new appointments to the OPC Area Programs Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Lori Ireland to the OPC Area Programs Board to a first full term expiring December 31, 2008. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to appoint Kathleen Herr to the OPC Area Programs Board to a first full term expiring December 31, 20Q8. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 10. Reports-NONE 11. Closed Session-NONE 12. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordan to adjourn the meeting 10:25 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Barry Jacobs, Chair Donna 5. Baker Clerk to the Board, CMC