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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20061114 APPROVED 1/23/2007 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING November 14, 2006 7:30 p.m. The Orange Caunty Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Barry Jacobs and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., Valerie P. Foushee, Alice M. Gordon, and Stephen Halkiotis COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: Interim County Manager Rod Visser, Assistant County Manager Gwen Harvey, and Clerk to the Board Donna S. Baker {All other staff members will be identified appropriately below} NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE. 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Chair Jacobs reviewed the two changes. Item 9-c will be pulled and the Manager will address this under his comments. It will come back as a decision item probably on December 4t''. Also, Commissioner Carey asked that item 9-d-1 be pulled until there is a clarification from the Town of Chapel Hill. PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Megan Gifford is a member of the Orange County Rescue Squad Board of Directors. She was joined by other members. The rescue squad's board met last night and viewed videotape of the public comments made at the November 2°d Board of County Commissioners' meeting. She formally apologized on behalf of the Orange County Rescue Squad Board to the County Commissioners for these comments. She said that Jamie Daniel is a former member of the squad, but in no way was he authorized to speak on behalf of the organization. She said that the comments made by Chief Brian Matthews were his own opinions and his attendance at the last BOCC meeting were not sanctioned or authorized by OCRS Board, nor was the board informed of the Chief's intent to attend the meeting and speak. She said that the comments made by Chief Matthews were unfortunate and largely inaccurate. She said that it is true that the rescue squad has sought funding from the County Commissioners for the past two years, and it was only in the past year that the appropriate channels to request funds were followed. This was the rescue squad's error, and was a learning experience. She said that, upon learning of the funding needs, the Board of County Commissioners was proactive in sponsoring a study of all emergency services in the County, including rescue, EMS, and fire. It is unfortunate that the Sage Group study did not meet the goals and standards set forth, but this was through no fault of the County Commissioners. She said that the OCRS Board feels that the County Commissioners have been diligent in their efforts to gather information that would allow them to make an educated decision regarding emergency services in the County that would provide both excellent service and maintain their fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers of Orange County. She said that the citizens of Orange County should knave that the Board of County Commissioners cares about their safety and is committed to working with all County emergency organizations to do this in the most cost-effective and efficient manner. The OCRS Board of Directors wishes to thank the County Commissioners for the countless hours they have spent hearing the requests and researching needs. She said that they look forward to working together in the future to ensure that County rescue needs are met in a spirit of mutual teamwork and respect. Commissioner Halkiotis said that no apology is necessary to him. He said that the work that the rescue squad has done over the years has been largely unheralded in many circles, but has not gone unrecognized by the County Commissioners. He said that the County did contract with a group that failed with the study results. All of these things were done in a good faith effort. He said that during election time people say all sorts of things. He said that the County Commissioners are intelligent enough to separate rhetoric from service. He said that he did not perceive that Mr. Daniels was speaking for the rescue squad but for himself. He said that Chief Matthews was in uniform and was voicing his opinion. He respects and appreciates what the rescue squad is doing. Chair Jacobs said that Commissioner Halkiotis speaks for the entire Board of County Commissioners on the work the squad does in the community. He said that none of the County Commissioners took those comments from Mr. Daniels in an adverse way regarding the rescue squad. He thanked the attendees for coming and said that the County Commissioners will try and figure out a way to salvage the work that was done on the study and try to move forward in this budget year. Dan Waugh lives in the Meadow Run Subdivision off Rogers Road. He raised concerns about the landfill on Eubanks Road and the transfer station that may be going somewhere in the community. He said that the Eubanks area has had a landfill for many years, and elected officials have said that there would be no more landfill there after 2009-2010. He is concerned about the possibility of a transfer station in the area. He asked the County Commissioners to consider other sites. He said that he and some of his neighbors would be willing to help in the process. He asked to be included in updates on the process of finding a transfer station site. Chair Jacobs asked Mr. Waugh to give his contact information to the Clerk. He said that the Board was going to discuss tonight the possibility of having a community meeting, but some information came to the Board's attention that the complete picture was not being portrayed in the neighborhood. He assured Mr. Waugh that, before any decision is made about any neighborhood, there will be a public meeting in the neighborhood. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda below.} 3. Board Comments Commissioner Gordon reported that she attended the Commission far the Environment Meeting last night. There was discussion about stream buffers, which will be heard at the public hearing on November 20th. The members would like an opportunity to comment on this at the public hearing. Commissioner Gordon said that she was glad to hear that the consultant item on the comprehensive plan was being pulled because the Planning Board is holding a special meeting tomorrow night and this contract and the scope of the work will be discussed. Commissioner Gordan reported that the Transportation Advisory Committee met and Karen Lincoln will provide a summary of the meeting notes. Commissioner Gordon reported that there was a Nuclear Regulatory Commission hearing. She heard the proceedings by telephone utilizing the process the NRC provided for interested individuals to call in and make their presence known and thereby be part of the proceedings. She said that Progress Energy was going to make an application to the NRC to extend the years of operation at the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant. Previously it was brought to the BOCC's attention that Progress Energy had been out of compliance with the fire safety regulations for a long time. The Board passed a resolution supporting an action by the NRC to enforce the fire safety regulations. Yesterday, there was a delayed hearing on the fire safety petition. She said that it was not reassuring because the NRC does not seem inclined to enforce the regulations. She said that today she received an email that Progress Energy is going to submit a license renewal application to the NRC requesting an additional 20 years of operation of the Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant. She is very concerned by this. She hopes that the County can do everything possible to try and get the plant into compliance before it gets another 20 years. She said that she heard from Tom Vanderbeck, a Chatham County Commissioner, that Chatham County might also pass a resolution sometime after the first of the year regarding the fire safety regulations. Commissioner Gordan asked for information about the progress of instituting the six-mile fire district. Commissioner Gordon said that she has been asking far a public hearing on December 4t" for the schools and capital projects and debt issuance schedule. She asked if this was on the agenda. Rod Visser said that this will be discussed with the County Attorney and it will go through the normal agenda process. Commissioner Gordon thanked all the citizens that supported her during this past election. This is her fifth term. She thanked her family and her husband Alan, who was a strong supporter. Commissioner Foushee said that the County Commissioners received a NCACC Medicaid alert by email. In the alert, it indicates that the Health Subcommittee on Medicaid has chosen as its top priority a recommendation to continue the Medicaid cap as it stands now for the next fiscal year, 2007-08, while a permanent solution is being pursued. She reminded the County Commissioners to weigh in an this issue. Commissioner Foushee said that the Mental Health Association in Orange County's fall forum will present "School Shootings -Facts and Myths -Keeping Our Schools Safe" at A. L. Stanback Middle School on Tuesday, November 28t", from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Commissioner Foushee reported that the Affordable Housing Advisory Board is in the process of investigating the impact of development on mobile hams parks. The AHAB will be using interns to do research on what has happened around the country that relates to this issue and will bring some recommendations to the Board. Commissioner Foushee thanked Dan Bruce from the Planning Department for showing her the new GPS software that will be used when the ruggedized laptops come in. She is excited about the customer service that will be available with this new equipment. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he would wholeheartedly endorse not supporting the re-licensure for the Shearon Harris plant. Commissioner Halkiotis congratulated all newly elected County Commissioners who won in the election. Commissioner Halkiotis thanked Rod Visser for the update on the bike racks. He said that the greatest opportunity for use of bicycles is within the heart of Hillsborough. He said that this would be a great place to mandate bicycle racks. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he was sad to hear about the death of Ed Bradley. He said that it brought to mind a comment that we need to remember about the truly meaningful and serious things in life. He said that the young architect that designed the Southern Human Services Center, Mark Zack, was in a motorcycle accident and is in serious condition at Duke Hospital. He asked everyone to please keep him in their thoughts and prayers. Commissioner Halkiotis gave all his recycled Christmas cards to the recipients far keeps. He has kept these cards for 20 years. Commissioner Halkiotis spoke very highly of each Commissioner and said that they all care for people. He asked the County Commissioners to continue to care about people the way they have always done. Commissioner Carey congratulated his counterparts on the election and he also congratulated Commissioner Halkiotis for the last 20 years. He said that the County Commissioners would miss him more than he will miss them. He said that he will also miss his humor and vivid memory of events. Commissioner Carey thanked all of the people that served on the District Elections Referendum Education Task Force and the voters that supported it. He said that people want to be inclusive in Orange County government. Commissioner Carey said that six former County Commissioners have been appointed to the Legislative Task Force to study the fiscal relationship between county government and state government. The task force will make a recommendation back to the legislature by May of next year. Chair Jacobs said that the Board of County Commissioners will hold a reception to honor retiring Commissioner Halkiotis and to welcome Commissioner Elect Mike Nelson and the new County Manager Laura Blackmon on Monday, December 4th at 6:00 p.m. at the Jahn Link Government Services Center. There is a regularly scheduled meeting at 7:30 p.m. Everyone in the public is welcome to attend. Chair Jacobs said that he received a call from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regarding the two resolutions passed by the County Commissioners. The NRC called him to find out the County's position and he refused to do that until he shared it with the Board. He will get the County Commissioners an email that he sent to the staff and others. He was asked if Orange County wanted to be an active petitioner regarding fire safety compliance or just receive information as Chapel Hill and Carrboro were. The NRC wanted to know if Orange County wanted its resolution about evacuation route parameters considered as part of the fire safety petition or separately. He distributed the email around. He said that the Board might want to go ahead and at least indicate that it does consider the evacuation planning resolution to be in support of the fire safety petition. He said that he could be in touch with the person at the NRC and then prepare a letter from the Board. The Board agreed. Chair Jacobs said that at their last meeting he discussed a meeting with N. C. State about the Breeze property that had been given to N. C. State as a research farm off Walnut Grove Church Road. There is interest in a collaborative effort with Orange County on sustainable agriculture and same incubator projects to get people involved in farming at a basic level. There have been two people from N. C. State appointed to work with the County on this. It occurred to him that there should be a Memorandum of Agreement with N. C. State. He will work on this MOA and bring it back on a consent agenda and forward it to N. C. State. Chair Jacobs said that Bill Hallman, Director of the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, is resigning to take a fellowship at the Nicholas School at Duke. There will be a lot of changes at Clean Water Management Trust Fund. He thinks that the environmental and the land preservation community in North Carolina owes him a debt of gratitude for his time. Chair Jacobs said that the Board will also be getting information about a business that the County has been trying to work with in the economic development areas that has been purported to be very friendly to the community and family-oriented. In the middle of making these assurances, the company cleared the property without any kind of permits and has cleared some stream buffers without any notification to anybody. Chair Jacobs said that at the Triangle J meeting, there was a long presentation and discussion about immigration. He said that Rod Visser framed the discussion as looking at what the dysfunctional federal policy on immigration is doing and what its effects are on local government. Chair Jacobs thanked the citizens that Game out to vote. He congratulated Commissioner Gordon and Mike Nelson on their wins. He said that it is an honor and a privilege to serve. Chair Jacobs made reference to the district elections and said that they need to look at the possibility of having non-partisan Commissioner elections. He is also becoming concerned about the Gost of County Commissioner elections in Orange County. He is worried about pricing some peaple out of running far office. He urged groups like the League of Women Voters, the Chambers of Commerce, citizen groups, the newspapers, and the radio stations to do a better job of providing forums for the voters to hear the candidates. He said that there was one forum for the entire November General Election campaign and it was not publicized and there was no media. 4. County Manager's Report Rod Visser recognized Elections Director Barry Garner far the work that his department did an the election and the support he got from other departments and volunteers. Barry Garner said that over 37,000 people voted and all 44 precincts opened and closed on time. There Were no machine problems at all. There was a provisional recount today and there will be a recount on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. He said that several departments helped: Public Works, Information Technology, Purchasing, Finance, Personnel, Budget, and Library Services. The one-stop voting was moved to the library and this was the first time that Hillsborough outvoted Carrboro. He would like to have three or four more one-stop voting facilities in 2008. This year, there were 6,781 peaple that voted early. He is expecting 50,000 people to vote early in 2008. Commissioner Gordon thanked Barry Garner. She asked him about the 50-foot marker for campaigning. She said that sometimes the marker is not at the polling places the night before the elections. Barry Garner said that he tells the precinct workers to try and patrol this because they know the area better than he does. Barry Garner reported that the final turnout was 37,624, Which Was 36°~. This Was higher than the State average. Rad Visser asked County Engineer Paul Thames to come forward to talk about the progress at the Northern Human Services Center's infrastructure. Paul Thames said that he put a memo and support materials at the County Commissioners' places. The staff has been in the permitting process with the public water supply since early last May. Everything has been submitted and the design is approved. Mast of the equipment will be installed by staff, with the exception of a licensed plumber. The wastewater treatment system is about six months behind. It might be next spring before it is completed. Chair Jacobs suggested to the Manager that the County get requirements from the State and other entities in writing up front in the process. He would like to be more aggressive and get clarity in writing for what is supposed to be done and the timeframe. Rod Visser made reference to item 9-c, related to the comprehensive plan update, and said that staff has tried to accelerate the timeline. The neW timeline is about two years, which includes the addition of a public information meeting and a joint advisory board meeting and Planning Board meeting in January. This is one of the County Commissioners' top six goals for the rest of the calendar year. Rod Visser extended his best wishes to Commissioner Halkiotis on his retirement. 5. Items for Decision--Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below: a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes from September 19, 21, 26 and October 3, 17, 19 of 2006 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. b. Appointments (1) Adult Care Home Advisory Committee -One Reappointment The Board reappointed Laura Deloye to a third two-year term to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee. (2} Personnel Hearing Board -Reappointments The Board reappointed Anita Badrock and Lawrence Daquioag to second full terms ending June 30, 2008 to the Personnel Hearing Board. c. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Release/Refunds The Board adopted a refund resolution, which is incorporated by reference, related to 53 requests for motor vehicle property tax releases or refunds in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes. d. Budget Amendment #6 The Board approved budget ordinance and grant project ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2006-07 for Health Department, Department of Social Services, Criminal Justice Partnership Program, Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, and Non-Departmental. e. Agreement far County Co-Holding of Conservation Easements with the Eno River Association The Board approved an agreement between Orange County and the Eno River Association for the ca-holding of conservation easements subject to final review by the County Attorney and authorized the signing by the Chair and Clerk. f. Agreement with UNC Master of Public Administration Program for Permanent Budaet Internship The Board approved an arrangement with the Master of Public Administration {MPA) Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill under which the County will employ a selected MPA student annually to serve as Budget intern, and authorized the Manager to complete the administrative details through a memorandum of understanding with the UNC MPA Program. q; Bid Award: Laminate Structure for Use as a Public Market This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. h. Approval of Easements for Gravelly Hill Middle School The Board authorized the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners to sign easement documents for utility and access for Orange County Gravelly Hill Middle School and West Ten Soccer Center. i. Chance in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule The Board approved one change in the County Commissioners' regular meeting calendar for year 2006 by changing the location of the December 7, 2006 work session from the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill to the Link Government Services Center in Hillsborough. L Acceptance of 2006 Department of Homeland Security Grant Funding The Board accepted $29,606.40 in Homeland Security funds for the purchase of 800MHz radios identified as needed for various Orange County public safety and volunteer agencies, with the State of North Carolina to purchase the radios on the County's behalf and authorized the staff to administer and sign all grant paperwork as may be required. k. Confirmation of Plans to Relocate Orange County Emergency Management Department to 510 Meadowlands Drive Facility The Board approved plans to relocate the Orange County Emergency Management {OCEM) Department from its present location at 1914 New Hope Church Road to the County-owned facility in the Meadowlands Business Park at 510 Meadowlands Drive. I. Terms of Employment far County Manager The Board approved the terms of appointment of Laura Blackmon as Orange County Manager. m. Ethics and Conduct for County Public Servant Policy This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda far separate consideration. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS TO BE REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: g_ Bid Award: Laminate Structure for Use as a Public Market The Board considered awarding a bid to Enwoad Structures, LLC, Morrisville, NC, in an amount not to exceed $55,372, plus freight cost (estimated $1,500) for a laminated beam structure for use as a Public Market House in Hillsborough; and authorizing the Purchasing Director to effect the purchase. Chair Jacobs pointed out that the County Commissioners made a commitment to opening a public market with a shelter for the Hillsborough Farmer's Market. Congressman Price helped the County acquire the money. This will be part of the justice facilities expansion. A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to award a bid to Enwood Structures, LLC, Morrisville, NC in an amount not to exceed $55,372, plus freight costs for a laminate beam structure to be used as a Public Market: and authorize the Purchasing Director to effect the purchase. VOTE: UNANIMOUS m. Ethics and Conduct far County Public Servant Policy The Board considered an Orange County policy establishing ethics and conduct for County public servants. Chair Jacobs suggested having this on the next agenda for approval because it is a complex and detailed policy. He thanked Geof Gledhill for his work an this and said that this tracks with what the State is doing. The new process is mare in depth. The Board tabled this item until December 4tn Commissioner Carey said that he would like the documents that support this item. He supports the transparency of this approach far County government. The Clerk and the County Attorney will work together on a process for the County Commissioners that were just elected. 6. a. Kesoiution to support the ivorin ~aroima vietnam hencopter riiots Association The Board considered a resolution to support and preserve the North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. Commissioner Halkiotis thanked the Chapel Hill Herald and the News and Observer for the goad stories that were published regarding the North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. He said that the press really gave momentum to this. Commissioner Halkiotis read the resolution: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AND PRESERVE THE NORTH CAROLINA VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION WHEREAS, the North Caralina Chapter of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (NCC- VHPA) was founded in 1989 and the Articles of Incorporation were certified by Secretary of State, Rufus L. Edmisten; and WHEREAS, the goal of the Chapter is "...to promote and perpetuate the bonds of brotherhood that binds a group of men who have shared and survived an experience fraught with danger yet filled with the essence of pride and satisfaction"; and WHEREAS, the Chapter works to preserve and present a part of living history to the public and to schools through its acquisition and display of Vietnam era helicopters, consisting of two LOH'S, a Mike Model gunship, a Cobra gunship, and a Medical Evacuation H-Model lift ship; and WHEREAS, the helicopters have appeared in two Presidential Inauguration Parades and one July 4t" parade in Washington DC as well as numerous events in North Carolina and surrounding states; and WHEREAS, the helicopters have been made available to over 80,000 school children in North Carolina from the mountains to the coast; and WHEREAS, the Chapter is supported 98 percent by the membership with no state or federal funding; and WHEREAS, the North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (NCUHPA) has been notified by the Tank-Automotive and Armaments Commands (TACOM) that they are not a recognized veterans' organization and are not authorized to possess or display these aircraft; and WHEREAS, NCUHPA will need an exception or waiver for the January 2007 deadline to meet required mandates or the helicopters will be removed from the Association; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Orange County Board of Commissioners do hereby request an exception or waiver from the Secretary of the Army for the North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association to continue to function as they have for the past fifteen years, and beseech Congressman David Price to support the historical and patriotic services of the NCUHPA. This, the 14t" day of November 2006. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordan to approve a resolution to support and preserve the North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilats Association. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Jerry Seago from NCUHPA thanked the Board of County Commissioners far their support and he said that the NCUHPA would endeavor to continue to honor the State of North Caralina and bring education and history to the students of North Caralina. b. Citizen-Soldier and Veteran Recognition The Board considered recognizing the tremendous service provided to the Orange County community and the nation by its men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces, domestically and abroad, past and present, and authorizing the Chair to sign the "Statement of Support". Rod Visser said that with Veterans Day and the war in Iraq, it is a good opportunity to reflect on our servicemen. He asked for a statement of support for the National Guard and he recognized Mr. Bowles, Central Region Community Program Liaison for the Citizen Soldier Support Program; Lois Harvin-Ravin, Orange County's Veteran Services Officer; and Mr. Herring, wha serves on the North Carolina Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. He said that Orange County does a tremendous job of supporting its citizen soldiers. Mr. Bawler thanked the Board of County Commissioners and Rod Visser. Ms. Lois Harvin-Ravin thanked the Board of County Commissioners. A matian was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to approve recognizing the tremendous service provided to the Orange County community and the nation by its men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces, domestically and abroad, past and present, and authorize the Chair to sign the "Statement of Support" (as stated below): STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR THE GUARD AND RESERVE We recognize the National Guard and Reserve as essential to the strength of our nation and the well being of our communities. In the highest American tradition, the patriotic men and woman of the Guard and Reserve serve voluntarily in an honorable and vital profession. They train to respond to their community and their country in time of need. They deserve the support of every segment of our society. If these volunteer forces are to continue to serve our nation, increased public understanding is required of the essential role of the Guard and Reserve in preserving our national security. Their members must have the cooperation of all American employers in encouraging employee participation in Guard and Reserve. Therefore, we join other employers in pledging that: 1. Employment will not be denied because of service in the Guard of Reserve; 2. Employee job and career opportunities will not be limited or reduced because of serve in the Guard or Reserve; 3. Employees will be granted leaves of absence for military service in the Guard or Reserve, consistent with existing laws, without sacrifice of vacation; and 4. This agreement and its resultant policies will be made known throughout our organization. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 7. Special Presentations a. Orange County Key Volunteer Recognition The Board presented certificates to Orange County Key Volunteers and announced the North Carolina Outstanding Volunteer Award Winners. Chair Jacobs read the write-ups. ORANGE COUNTY RECOGNITION WINNERS OF THE 2005 N.C. GOVERNOR'S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE --The five North Carolina Award winners are: Megan Jones Ms. Jones has a developmental disability, but she has not let that The Arc of Orange Caunty slow her down. Megan's influence is well known in Chapel Hill, where she has represented to Arc at Rotary meetings, and fundraiser and events. She is an inspiration to clients, families and staff. Bert Liverance Mr. Liverance has shown great leadership and commitment in Habitat far Humanity of chairing the Canstructian committee far Habitat far years and far Orange County completely running their fire safety program. He has functioned as an extra staff member with the sprinklers, taking full responsibility for installation. Judy Lohman For 13 years, Ms. Lohman has served the Ronald McDonald Ronald McDonald House of House with her time, compassion, and best of all her talent by Chapel Hill single-handedly publishing the bi-monthly volunteer newsletter. Patricia Merriman Many of Duke's hospice volunteers specialize in one type of Duke Community Hospice hospice care; Ms. Merriman does it all. She lovingly supports our community through hours spent with our neighbors who are dying and their families. Abby Phelps For over 13 years, Ms. Phelps has run the front desk at the RMH. Ronald McDonald House of Even with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, she drives from Chapel Hill Raleigh to answer phones, write thank you notes, and assist guests and visitors. ORANGE KEY VOLUNTEERS: Karen Doran Ms. Doran has served countless families and children at the Ronald McDonald House of Ronald McDonald House over her 8.5 years of commitment. Chapel Hill She has put in countless hours over the years, and it's the understanding and motivation that she brings to the RMH services that is award winning. Mike and Sue Faulkner Mike and Sue Faulkner work with children, adults, and the World Day of Prayer elderly to bring the community closer together for activities and events. Liz Garman Ms. Garman's dedication and love for the animal shelter dogs Orange County Animal is a precious asset. Her involvement helps to pair the Services hundreds of dogs that are adopted with forever homes. George George Since May 2005, Mr. George has donated over 513 hours, 4.5 Raleigh-Durham Airport times as many as the average volunteer. He soars to great Authority heights by offering the highest level of services, coupled by a friendly smile. Shelley Golden Since becoming a Community Education Volunteer in 1999, Orange County Rape Crisis Ms. Golden has been a central part of the Orange County Rape Center crisis Centers effort to stop sexual violence and its impact through support, education, and advocacy. Janet and Caroline Long Janet and Caroline Lang are dedicated Animal Shelter Orange County Animal volunteers. Their love for the cats is obvious in their work. Services Jim Parsley Mr. Parsley has served as a tutor and reading partner for Cameron Park Elementary students at Cameron Park since 2003. He is a strong advocate School far positive and consistent interaction between students and their community. Marie Pauwels Ms. Pauwels is a dedicated hard worker at the animal shelter. Orange County Animal Staff says she reports to work early and stays as long as she is Shelter needed. Her love for the shelter animals is evident in her work. Wendy Pease Ms. Pease works with a large percentage of Alzheimer's Duke Community Hospice patients. She remembers those patients who may be forgotten, advocating far better care, alerting staff to any problems. She serves as a voice for those who have lost theirs, and demonstrates by her caring compassionate presence the lives of thane who may seem to have little value and those incapable of remembering. Kristin Tucker Ms. Tucker humbly claims that she contributes in a small way Ronald McDonald House of to a very big picture, but after raising over $21,000 in a first Chapel Hill time fundraiser, it is hard to agree with Ms. Tucker's definition of small. b. Final Report of the Child Care Task Force The Board received the report of the Child Care Task Force, assigned the responsibility for implementing the recommendations to the Social Services Board with help from the County Manager's Office, and sunset the Child Care Task Force. Chair Jacobs thanked Commissioner Foushee for representing the Board of County Commissioners. Social Services Director Nancy Coston said that Commissioner Foushee was the chair of this committee and she is asking the County Commissioners to accept the report from the task farce. She said that the report includes a list of recommendations, which is in the agenda abstract. She thanked the other groups such as the Chambers of Commerce, families on the waiting lists, providers, etc. She said that, in addition to the support that the County gave in subsidies, this task force brought the issue to the forefront and State funds were received, which allowed the waiting list to be reduced greatly. The total received in State and federal funds was $400,000. Nancy Colton made reference to the benchmarking recommendation and suggested updating the waiting list before budget time and suggested for the Social Services board to track this information. She said they will spend over $4 million an subsidies this year and there will still be children on the waiting list. One of the goals is to make the waiting list a matter of months and not a year. She thinks that it is important that the County Commissioners get at least an annual update on all of the data about the subsidy programs. Commissioner Foushee thanked Nancy Colton and her staff. She said that she thinks that there is more community awareness now. She hopes that the recommendations will be able to be implemented. She thanked everyone involved. Commissioner Carey asked if the awareness was conveyed to the people in the private sector concerning quality childcare environment and tax subsidies. Nancy Coston said that she thought that the ones that were involved did get it but this should remain on the radar for increased community awareness and getting a larger audience. She said that all employers agreed that there is a need for more subsidy funding. Commissioner Foushee said that during the discussions, employers did think about this and were willing to take it back with them, and one of the main focuses of the Women's Assembly agenda is childcare. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he considers it an honor to have served with the best two Social Services Directors -Marty Pryor-Cook and Nancy Coston. He asked Commissioner Foushee to keep the fire burning on this issue. Chair Jacobs made reference to Durham Technical Community College and asked if an opportunity was lost to incorporate childcare. Nancy Coston said that DTCC is open to discuss it, but they expect money for it. Chair Jacobs asked the Manager to speak with the architect of DTCC about whether it is too late to have a conversation about accommodating childcare at the new building. Chair Jacobs made reference to education and said that the County Commissioners originally were inspired by a suggestion from the Mayor of Carrboro about the governments covering the subsidy costs necessitated to deal with their own staff people and Orange County did this. He does not think that any of the other municipalities have done this. He asked Nancy Colton or the Manager to write a letter to the three municipalities and the University and suggest that the County is trying to lead by example and that it was inspired by Mayor Chilton's suggestion, and that the County Commissioners urge the municipalities to join the County in a leadership role in the community to try and ease the burden of childcare subsidies for employees. Nancy Coston said that UNC does put money in childcare services but UNC Healthcare does not. work. Commissioner Gordon commended Commissioner Foushee and the task force for their The Board agreed to sunset the task force. 8. Public Hearings a. North Carolina Community Transportation Program (CTP) Administrative and Capital Grant Application FY 2007-2008 The Board conducted a public hearing an the North Carolina Community Transportation Program (CTP) grant application by Orange Public Transportation for FY 2007!2008 in the total amount of $429,431 with a local match of $52,183; and considered approving the grant application, including the adoption of a resolution authorizing the applicant to enter into an agreement with North Carolina Department of Transportation for all necessary assurances and authorizing the Chair to sign. Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore said that this funding source is an annual event that the County has to go through and this is a requirement. This is the core funding for OPT and far the vehicles. The funding from this source from this past year provided over 116,988 trips traveling 34,125 hours of service, and traveling 464,299 miles accident free, at a cost of $8.16 per trip. AI Terry said that there is an 85% DOT payment and a 15% local payment for all administrative funds this year. The department is requesting $184,000 in administrative costs, which requires a 15°l0 local match of $27,718. On the capital side, the department is requesting three replacement vehicles, all of which will be handicapped accessible and compressed natural gas fueled. The local match is 10°~, which is $24,465. The total local match would be $52,183 and the total grant application is $429,431. There was no public comment. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Cammissianer Gordon to close the public hearing. Cammissianer Halkiotis verified that there is no smoking on the vehicles and in any County buildings. Chair Jacobs asked if the CNG fueling facility would be open in time and Rod Visser said that this should be up and running by the end of November. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the North Carolina Community Transportation Program (CTP) grant application by Orange Public Transportation for FY 2007/2008 in the total amount of $429,431 with a local match of $52,183; including the adoption of a resolution authorizing the applicant to enter into an agreement with North Carolina Department of Transportation for all necessary assurances and authorize the Chair to sign. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. Items for Decision--ReaularAaenda a. Approval of CHCCS Elementary #10 Property Exempt Subdivision Ownership Signoff The Board considered authorizing the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners to sign the exempt subdivision plat far Chapel Hill-Carrbora City School District Elementary #10. Rod Visser said that this is related to creating an exempt plat far CHCCS #10 of 19 acres of the total 193 acres of the Twin Creeks Park and Educational Campus that is earmarked for the construction of this school. The Town of Carrboro has accepted this project for expedited review. The plan is to open this school in 2008. Commissioner Gordan asked if the access will be from the main road to the connector road and Rod Visser said not at this time. There is a small portion of the connector road that will be required as part of this. Geof Gledhill said that this is being done this way to avoid to having to build this road in connection with the construction of the school. Chair Jacobs asked why this subdivision could not be part of the approval process in and of itself and Geof Gledhill said that the way Carrboro is looking at this is that if the land is part of the overall approval, then all of the infrastructure associated with the whole subdivision would have to be accounted for in the process. Carrboro is encouraging the County to do this. Chair Jacobs said that he finds this a very uncomfortable position because the County Commissioners often complain about how it is unfair that the State allows developers to be exempt from the subdivision process by having a 10.01-acre lot. He thinks that it is a way to avoid the planning process. Commissioner Halkiotis asked if this came from Carrboro and Geof Gledhill said that in the process of developing an expedited process, Carrboro has encouraged the County to create this parcel so that it could be addressed in an expedited manner. Commissioner Halkiotis asked if this lowers the estimated cost of constructing the school and Rod Visser did not know. Geof Gledhill said that this impacts mainly road construction. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to approve authorizing the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners to sign the exempt subdivision plat for Chapel hill-Carrboro City School District Elementary #10. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Central Orange Senior CenterlSpartsplex Proposed Design The Board reviewed project scope and budget pricing far the Central Orange Senior Center, the Adult Day Health Center, considered contraction of a mezzanine over the ice rink area and other modifications that allow mare efficient operational space within the Sportsplex; and authorizing the Construction Manger at Risk contracting method for the construction of the facility, which action will enable the construction documents to be prepared for the Project. Purchasing and Central Services Director Pam Jones said that the Board of County Commissioners authorized staff in June to move forward with design development drawings and pricing. She pointed out areas on the drawing. Staff has compared the membership numbers and growth and is recommending one mezzanine area over the ice rink and then renovating some of the area in the Sportsplex. This is under the Construction Manager at Risk method of contracting and the staff is asking to negotiate with Resolute Builders. The preliminary budget number is $4.9 million for the three elements -Standalone Senior Center, Adult Day Health Care, and Sportsplex Renovations. She said that she hopes to have this project priced out, under construction, and completed by the spring of 2008. The staff is asking the Board of County Commissioners to approve the scope of the project, the CMR method of contracting, and the contract with Resolute Builders. Commissioner Halkiotis thanked Pam Jones and Ken Redfaot far coming to the Central Orange Senior Center to make this presentation. He said that the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment has approved the changes in the Sportsplex. Chair Jacobs asked how much money was in the 2001 bond for the senior center and Pam Janes said $4 million total for the two senior centers. This was split equally. Chair Jacobs asked haw much money was spent for rental for the adult day health center and Pam Jones said $10,000/year. Jerry Passmore made reference to a letter from Carol Woods indicating the intent to provide aver the next three years $175,000 toward the adult day health center capital construction. Chair Jacobs said that the County Commissioners sent Carol Woods a letter of thanks for pledging to financially support this project. Chair Jacobs said that since the County has more control over this project than others, then the County could recruit minority contractors. He asked if this was being done aggressively. Pam Jones said that there is still a 10°~ participation goal in all construction projects. The County works through the HUB (a State government listing) and advertises in minority contractor papers. The 10°~ target has always been met. Commissioner Carey asked if the school systems achieve their target and Pam Jones said that she did not know. Chair Jacobs would like to aspire to reach higher than 10% minority contractor involvement. Commissioner Gordon asked some clarifying questions about the present rental space. Pam Jones said that the County would be entirely vacating this 6,000-square foot building. Chair Jacobs said that the Friends of the Sportsplex would have its first meeting on December 6th. He particularly thanked Pam Jones, Commissioner Halkiotis, Jeff Thompson, and Ken Redfoot. Chair Jacobs asked Pam Jones to list out the sustainable design features of the Sportsplex. A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve this project for CM at Risk contracting and exempt this project from the qualifications based selected process for architects and Construction Managers at Risk as provided in G. S. 143-64-32 and approve the project scope of work as cited above, to include the Senior Center, the Adult Day Health Center and the construction of one mezzanine and interior renovations in the Sportsplex area; and authorize the Staff and County Attorney to prepare and present a Construction Manager at Risk contract based on construction documents prepared by the consultants in collaboration with the Project Team. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Process and Facilitation Consultant Contract for Comprehensive Plan The Board considered approving a contract between the Orange County Dispute Settlement Center (DSC) and Orange County for the provision of process and facilitation services related to the Comprehensive Plan update and authorizing the Chair to sign. This was addressed under Manager Comments. d. Appointments (1) Animal Services Advisorv Board -Appointment The Board was to consider making one appointment to the Animal Services Advisory Board. DEFERRED (2) Human Services Advisorv Commission -Appointments The Board considered making appointments to the Human Services Advisory Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Vivette Jeffries-Logan, Michael Owen, G. Kenneth Morgan, and Meghan Morris to At- Large positions expiring March 31, 2007; Louise Echols for the OCIM position; and Angie Welsh for the United Way position. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 10. Reports-NONE 11. Closed Session-NONE 12. Adiaurnment A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adjourn the meeting at 10:18 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Barry Jacobs, Chair Donna 5. Baker Clerk to the Board