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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20070212APPROVED 3/27/2007 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION February 12, 2007 5:30 pm The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Public Input Session & BOCC Work Session on Monday, February 12, 2QQ7 at 5:3Q p.m. in the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr. and Commissioners Valerie Foushee, Alice M. Gordon, and Barry Jacobs COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Mike Nelson COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Brian Ferrell COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Laura Blackmon, Assistant County Manager Gwen Harvey and Clerk to the Board Donna 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 Dinner - 5:3Q p.m. Public Input Session - 6:QQ - 7:15 p.m. Work Session - 7:3Q p.m. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION Chair Carey said that this session is for the purpose of sharing with the public the process of the animal services facility design. Two consultants were present, along with the architect, Ellen Weinstein. Ellen Weinstein from Dixon Weinstein Architects said that this is a team effort. She introduced Project Architect Jim Compton. She said that they are working out of Animal Arts out of Denver, Colorado, and they are specialists in animal sheltering environments. Heather Louis is the Project Architect at Animal Arts. They are also working with McCallough Engineers, who will be dealing the plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems of the building. The civil consultants representative is Tony Whittaker. Ellen Weinstein made a PowerPoint presentation of photos and site maps. The project was started the first week of January. Just prior to that, she and Animal Services Director Bob Marotto spent time traveling across the country visiting exemplary facilities. This was made possible with a grant secured by the County. They visited about a dozen facilities. Regarding the site, it is south of the landfill on Eubanks Road. The site is 5.8 acres, and there is a power easement on the corner of the site. The buildable site area is 3.5 acres. She said that there is a lot of potential to bring day-lighting into the building because of the way it will be placed. As of last Friday, the application for the site was submitted to the Town of Chapel Hill. This will go to the Community Design Commission on February 21St Heather Louis said that this is an opportunity to think about what is possible for this facility. She said that this was a time to brainstorm and they welcome the public's input on this. At this time, Animal Control, the shelter, and administration are separated, and the plan is to integrate all of these functions with this facility. This is a huge step and will be more effective and efficient. The terms that have been discussed are the Animal Services Facility or the Animal Resource Center. They want this to be a community destination where people can have a positive experience at the shelter. She then spoke about the housing choices for dogs and cats. For dog housing, the goal is to reduce stress in the shelter so that the animals do not come back to the shelter once they are adopted and that they do not have additional behavioral problems. Some ideas are to have natural light, fresh air, and animals not right across from each other and barking at each other. The other concept is a "real life room", which is also referred to as a suite. This is a good way to display animals and encourage better behavior. Regarding cats, they are very stressed in the sheltering environment. They are learning that cats are more social than they are given credit for, and colonies within the shelter can be appropriate if done correctly. Another possibility is a cat condo, to allow for higher and lower places to be. Regarding the Animal Resource Center, they would like to see the shelter promoting education. They want the public to be able to look into spaces, if appropriate, and break down the barrier between the front and back of the facility. She said that the successful shelter programs that they have heard input from so far start with creating an integrated services facility, creating a destination, increasing adoptions, fostering healthy environments, incorporating sustainable design, promoting human education, being efficient and easy to maintain, and being flexible and expandable. She said that they welcome additional input. Public Input Daniel Textoris said that the building will be approximately 20,000 square feet and he cannot believe that. He said that within a year, the building would be too small. He said that funding may be constraining them, but he would stress that it is important to work on getting a larger building. Pat Sanford said that she shares Dan Textoris' concerns. She asked about the runs and if they were going to be all-indoor. If so, then the new shelter will be even smaller than the existing one. Heather Louis said that they put together comparisons of square footage with the current shelter versus what they are considering. The existing shelter is 14,000 square feet. She said that the 20,000 square feet will be mare effective because the three functions will be integrated. She said that the extra 6,000 square feet is animal space. She clarified that the outside area would be more of a community area where animals would go when cages were being cleaned, etc., but there would not be dedicated outdoor runs. Pat Sanford asked if there was going to be a grooming area or a kitchen for the volunteers and the staff. It was answered that space has been allotted for this. Daniel Textoris said that there is no place for weekend and evening drop-offs. It was answered that this is included in the conceptual plan and it has not been fleshed out yet. Daniel Textoris said that it is important to have meeting space for the different groups -staff, board, and volunteers. Heather Louis went through the bubble map. The night drop would occur between the public area and adjacent to the administrative area. The spaylneuter clinic is directly adjacent to the isolation area. Pat Sanford said that she is concerned about the spaylneuter room and she thinks there should be a separate area that is not close to the isolation area. Heather Louis said that they do not want to encourage contamination, and they expect the isolation area would be sealed and not adjacent to the vet clinic. Pat Sanford would like to see the spaylneuter clinic at the other end of the building. Commissioner Gordon asked about the destination concept and what kind of education was envisioned. Heather Louis said that a lot of shelters do public education such as behavioral training, an animal library, etc. There might also be a retail area or a kiosk for interactive education. Commissioner Gordon asked about staffing far this and Heather Louis said that the community room could offer functions for after hours and it would not be staffed full time. Commissioner Gordon asked about the infrastructure needs (water, sewer, etc.). Ellen Weinstein said that they are at the very beginning of the process with Chapel Hill, but there is sewer and water available to the site. Tony Whittaker said that water and sewer lines are near the site and the facility can tie in to that. He said that sewer is at the intersection of Millhouse Road and Eubanks Road. Commissioner Gordon asked about the rural buffer line and the zoning and Tony Whitaker said that it is on the other side of the landfill and the zoning is R-1 now and a zone change to OI-1 (Office-Institutional} will be requested. The specified use is for a public use facility and will require a special use permit from the Tawn of Chapel Hill. Commissioner Gordon asked about the use of rainwater and Tony Whitaker said that there will be regulatory requirements for storm water management. Storm water from the impervious portions of the site will be directed to two storm water facilities that are located side by side. This will provide a water quality and a water quantity benefit. Commissioner Gordon asked about sustainable features and Ellen Weinstein said that they will be looking at sustainable features as they proceed with the project, such as capturing water, day lighting, etc. She said that they would be coming back to the County Commissioners with options far these features. WORK SESSION 7:34:51 PM 1. Animal Resources Center: Concept Plan Review Chair Carey asked the Board of County Commissioners far specific questions of the consultants and there were none. Ellen Weinstein clarified the process and said that as of Wednesday, they will officially be in the Town of Chapel Hill planning process. On February 21St, they go to the Community Design Commission, and in March they go to the Town Council. At that point, the concept plan part of the process will be complete and the application for the special use permit will be submitted. This process will begin in March. In the months of April and May, they will go to the various design commissions. The plan is to continue to work with the Town through the summer for final approval of the special use permit in September-October, and then the zoning compliance permit. This project is on a super- expedited approval process. The plan is to be back to the Board of County Commissioners in June with real information about the building and the site. At that time, they hope to bring in life cycle costs, building systems, etc. The plan is to have the site under construction by December 20Q7. The County Commissioners had no questions. 2. Economic Development Commission 2007-08 Goals Update Economic Development Director Dianne Reid said that this process was started with individual meetings with each of the board members to come up with priorities for the year, and then the EDC prioritized the goals as high to low priority for the year. The goals have been organized for the four work groups related to the Strategic Plan - Research Goals, Business Retention and Expansion Goals, Benchmarking Successes, EDC Board Development Goals, and EDC Staff Goals. She summarized some economic statistics for Orange County. She said that for every dollar that is paid out for services to residential, only 76 cents comes in. Therefore, residential development does not pay for itself. In the commercial sector, for every dollar in services, the revenue is $4.21. The impact of increasing the commercial base would be even mare significant. She said that economic development is an honorable profession and she has a goal of creating jobs for Orange County. She reviewed the Economic Development Commission priorities, as follows: Economic Development Commission 2007-08 Priorities EDC Mission: Our purpose is to make Orange County a smart, innovative place - a great place in which to live and work. We encourage public-private investments to provide jobs for county residents and to increase the non-residential tax base. Through these investments, we enhance the financial well-being and quality of life of county residents, and the ability of their local governments to provide high-quality services. Five Year Goal (from Investing in Innovation: Orange County Economic Development commission Five-Year Strategic Plan: 2005-2010): To create 5,000 new private sector jobs in Orange County and add $125,000,000 in new commercial property by June 2010. Business-focused Strategies: Business Climate Goal: Publiclprivate partnerships will have formed to create a stronger business climate and Orange County will have a clear set of guidelines, standards and procedures designed to sustain and nurture existing businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and attract targeted employers. Current Year Objectives: • Get Commissioner buy-in for desirable businesses in EDDs (Highest priority - will bring preliminary list of targeted businesses to April 12 work session) • Continue more toward central permitting (High priority -will bring plans and potential budget implications to April 12 work session) • Review regulations governing nodes, EDDs, Rural Economic Development Areas {High priority -- work underway on Eno EDD, some aspects of Buckhorn EDD, review of current land use in existing nodes, potential conditional use permitting - will provide update to Board at April 12 work session) • Approach other governments regarding desirable businesses (Medium Priority - undertake late in Fiscal Year) • Monthly recognition of businesses (Medium Priority -Begin in August 2007) Infrastructure Goal: Infrastructure will be in place to support the county's economic development goals of increasing the commercial tax base and retaining and attracting targeted businesses. Current Year Objectives: • Pursue water/sewer for Eno EDD (Highest priority -work underway through Eno EDD Work Group, partnership with Durham to complete engineering plans for wastewater system to serve the area. Work group recommendations will address timetable and process; budget implications to be addressed at that time. Expand cell coverage (High priority -continue work with Planning, EMS, cell providers} Expand high speed network (High priority -will be focus of Infrastructure Work Group during spring/summer) lNorker-focused Strategies: Workforce Development Goal: Effective systems will be in place to train and support residents and those who work in Orange County. At least 75 percent of new jobs in the county -far both new and expanding businesses -will be filled by county residents. Current Year Objectives: • Compile information on occupational projections -confirm with employers (High priority -focus of Workforce Development Work Group throughout the year} • Work with DTCC on curriculum development (High priority -information from projections will feed into curriculum development process) • Build relationships with both public school systems -explore model program with local employer(s) (Medium priority -Chambers of Commerce are taking the lead; Workforce Development Work Group will support current efforts) Quality of Place Goal: Orange County will have thriving partnerships ensuring that the county is a great place to live and work, attracting and retaining the creative community of innovators, artists and civic leaders that will drive the desired economy. Current Year Objectives: • Reestablish committee with focus on collaborative efforts to build community, support arts and culture, and celebrate diversity (High priority - Winkie LaForce, Executive Director of Leadership Triangle and Jon Wilner, Executive Director of the ArtsCenter, have agreed to co-chair the Wark Group and help refocus its efforts) • Enhance the uniqueness of area to continue attracting creativetentrepreneurial individuals while support those already here (Priority to be determined as Work Group proceeds} Research Gaal: To conduct research required for innovative economic development programs. Current Year Objectives: • Complete feasibility study for regional value-added agricultural processing facility (High priority -- $9,500 committed to date from Weaver Street, Whole Foods, and Alamance, Chatham, and Durham Counties. Cost of study is $15,000. Will bring contract forward for BOCC approval on March 13) • Investigate retail development opportunities within county (High priority -Given the explosive growth just across border in Durham, Alamance and Chatham, there is significant leakage of retail dollars from Orange County -convene task force in Fall 2007) • Complete an inventory of commercial space and land in the county (High priority - work with tax office to identify all existing commercial space; may require intern to complete) • Explore development regulations requiring commercial developers to provide affordable space as part of approval process {Medium priority -Internet research project to be completed by December 2007} • Explore viability of land swaps to open large underutilized property for development (Medium priority -Internet and economic development list serve project to be completed by December 2007} • Create comprehensive business data base (Low priority -would require large commitment of existing staff time, probably interns as well, reexamine goal for next year) Retention and Business Development Goal: To encourage business development in Orange County through entrepreneurship, business retention, and recruitment. Entrepreneurship: Current Year Objectives: Partner with UNC to explore creation of early seed fund and support technology transfer (High priority -Secure formal support for EDC strategic plan by March 2007; work with UNC Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic Development on plan to help retain spin-off ventures) Develop seminars for aspiring entrepreneurs (Low priority -many agencies currently offer such programs, continue to refer individuals) Retention and Recruitment: Current Year Objectives: • Ensure that EDC is aware of upcoming space needs of existing businesses (High priority -enhance partnerships to provide advance information) • Focus on expansion of medium-sized industrial/manufacturing businesses (High priority -with partners, meet regularly with existing businesses to assist in their expansion plans) • Wark with economic development partners and developers to position Orange County as a preferred location for identified desirable businesses (High priority - this is a multi-year effort; during upcoming year, establish strong network) • Establish business (including farm) visitation program with volunteers (Medium priority - in 2007-08, focus on industrial/manufacturing businesses, farms with high growth potential) • Expand Orange County Business Expo to include smaller and home-based businesses (Medium priority -expand volunteer base and rely on partners to achieve goal) • Buy Local campaign with business-to-business component, government purchasing preference (Medium priority -Multi-year goal, in 2007-08 explore model programs via Internet, list serve research; bring proposal to BOCC by Spring 2008) • Explore UNC's program for historically underutilized businesses (Medium priority - Develop relationship with HUB office, work with partners to market program to local business owners) • Create Farm Linkage program {Medium priority -Continue work with group of volunteers to develop a program to aid immigrants with agricultural background and others interested in forming farm ventures; may be combined with farm incubator program) Marketing of Successes Goal: To make both internal and external audiences aware that "Orange County is open for business" Current Year Objectives: • Close one (or more) small business loans through Orange County Small Business Loan Program {Highest priority - Proposal for revamping program to be presented to BOCC at March 13 meeting} • Complete small area planning work far Eno EDD, Cornelius Street/Highway 70, speedway area (High priority -Complete at least one positive change in each area in 2007-08) • Help plan and produce successful ninth Agricultural Summit (High priority - Summit to be held on February 13) • Complete zoning changes for Agricultural Support Enterprises (High priority - Contact staff of planning partners in Rural Buffer in February, work with Planning and ERCD staff to bring forward final proposal as part of April 12 work session) • Review development potential in designated nodes within the county (High priority - Work with Planning staff to review existing land use, make recommendations for changing standards by Fall 2007) • Celebrate opening of Hillsborough Farmers Market; explore opportunity far another market somewhere within the county (High priority -Working with partners, increase sales opportunities far local farmers} • Assist in at least one major business expansion project {High priority -Currently working with manufacturing concern negotiating purchase of facility within the County; continue effort and celebrate its success) • Complete branding exercise {Law priority because of expense; rely on work of others) EDC Board Goals: To enhance the effectiveness of the Economic Development Commission Board. Current Year Objectives: • Participate actively in the update of the County's Comprehensive Plan; oversee completion of economic development element for plan (High priority -Six Board members attended the initial joint Advisory Boards meeting; this will be a monthly meeting item until work is completed) • Develop land use primer/training program so that all EDC members fully understand basic land use terms and principles (High priority -Training to be held at March 8 EDC meeting) • Host presentations from economic developers from neighboring counties, towns within Orange County (High priority -Invite development staff to talk about their initiatives and priorities at regular EDC meetings throughout the year} • Seek greater participation from Chapel Hill and Carrboro elected boards {High priority -Hillsborough has an elected official serving as a member; the Board Chair will seek similar commitment from other towns} • Include EDC members in planning for Business Expo, particularly in obtaining sponsorships (High priority -Board Secretary will take lead in securing additional financial support from area businesses) • Hold periodic field trips/tours to acquaint members with unfamiliar areas of the county (Medium priority -Because of work involved, probably hold only one trip per year} • Conduct county tour with UNClelected officials {Lowest priority -Very labor intensive, only undertake if time permits) EDC Staff Goals: To position EDC staff as leaders in Investing in lnnovatiort Current Year Objectives: • Reestablish and operate Small Business Loan Program (Highest priority as discussed above in Marketing section} • Continue to alter the State of the Local Economy report and presentation to reflect pressing community issues (High priority -last year, elected officials presented information on projects within their jurisdiction; this year, the BOCC chair and educators WIII discuss future development challenges and the preparation of tomorrows' labor force) • Send Director's Economic Development Report to the EDC board in advance of meetings and make sure BOCC receives all reports {High priority -Start immediately) • Develop online and printed "how-to" guide for businesses {High priority - Complete guide by Fall 2007) • Continue move towards predevelopment facilitation/central permitting (High priority as discussed above in Business Climate goal} • Overhaul website {High priority -Most searches for where to locate businesses begin with the web; in order to be competitive, the EDC must upgrade its current web presence; this effort may require an outside consultant) • Plan for move to new county campus (High priority -Work with other departments to ensure efficient space design for land services agencies; move anticipated in Summer 2008; probable budget implications far FY 2008-09) • Work with NCSU and other county agencies to develop plan for Breeze Farm (High priority -The county and NC State University are jointly preparing a plan for the Breeze Farm property; concept plans will be presented to the BOCC at February 12 work session) • Add Eat Local section, farmer pages, and farm land available to Orange County Farms website (High priority - as with the EDC Web site, www.orangecountyfarms.org needs work; the new sections will be added by Fall 2008) • Purchase new GIS workstation/connect to Permits Plus (High priority - In order to have access to all the layers now available through the county's land records system, EDC needs a new computer; propose to purchase system with earned income} • Host meeting for and with commercial realtors to refine system of listing commercial property on EDC web site and ensure that information is current and continuously updated (High priority -Meeting will be scheduled for late Spring 20Q7) • Secure marketing guidance/support to get out message that Orange County is "open for business" (Low priority -Will require outside consultants; sense that we should focus on success this year, consider marketing in future years} • Expand the hours of Agricultural Economic Development Coordinator (Law priority -Will require additional financial commitment from County; work toward this goal in FY2008-09) • Pursue certification of EDC as "Accredited Economic Development Organization" (Medium priority -Because of the time commitment required to accomplish this, suggestion that we tackle if time permits in current year) Chair Carey said that he is interested in the loan pool and he appreciated information on this. Commissioner Gordon made reference to page five and the buy local campaign being a medium priority. Also, on page seven, there is an "eat local" campaign. She said that this needs to be a high priority. She said that the public does not really understand the multiplier effect and haw buying local helps the County. She said that there is a whole theme here and the efforts should be linked and made a high priority. Dianne Reid said that the County does have partners with this -the Chambers, Southern Neighbor, etc. Laura Blackmon supported what Dianne Reid said and that the local chambers can take this and run. She said that most of the focus of the EDC has been to develop what is already here, expanding those businesses, and bringing more businesses in. Commissioner Gordon said that the public needs to understand that Orange County should be the first place to look to buy, to eat, to hold meetings, etc. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to "approaching other governments regarding desirable businesses and infrastructure goal," and said that he drives in Hillsborough and it seems to him that if you are talking about retail, Hillsborough is the only one of the jurisdictions that does not have an entity that helps it to recruit. He said that it would make more sense to start here rather than trying to work with Carrboro and Chapel Hill. Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to see Durham Tech's curriculum related to Orange County's needs. He wants the County to be a leader in teaching sustainable design. He does not know if this has been received. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to "investigating retail development opportunities within the County," and said that with TDR, he hopes that the EDC would engage more actively regarding this. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to buying local, and said that Orange County can set an example as a government without waiting for the Chambers ar anyone else. He would like to actively and aggressively look at ways to buy local. He said that there has been a passive approach up to this point. Regarding small business loans, he wants more information about why non-profits cannot get small business loans. Commissioner Foushee agreed with more aggressively campaigning for buying local. She made reference to the purchase of a new GIS workstation and said that she sees this as more of a marketing incentive. She asked for an elaboration on the plan and the budget implications. Dianne Reid said that there is a small entrepreneurial bet in the Economic Development department and there is same earned income, about $2,500, and they would like to apply this to a GIS workstation. Commissioner Foushee asked if there was an integration with Planning and Dianne Reid said yes, that it was originally part of last year's CIP and it was not funded. The County Commissioners were very appreciative of the report. 3. W.C. Breeze Family Farm Agricultural Extension & Research Facility Cooperative Extension Director Fletcher Barber said that he is excited about opportunities that Orange County has regarding agriculture. He said that his staff is talking about doing a local foods conference. Also, the community gardening project has been successful. It is called Bountiful Harvest, and the goal is to educate people and reinvigorate the gardening process. He thanked the County Commissioners for allowing the staff to do some innovative things that a lot of counties do not get to do. Fletcher Barber introduced Noah Rannells, Agricultural Economic Development Coordinator, and Annette Dunlap from N.C. State -Business Management Value AddedlAlternative Agriculture and Resource Economics. He summarized the information in the abstract about this property. He said that the Breeze family donated land to the N. C. State Foundation. The Woods family, which had property next to the Breeze family, joined forces with the Breeze property, for a total of 270 acres. Colonel Breeze wanted his land used to explore local options for organic and sustainable farming practices and enterprises. Following a 2006 dedication of the W.C. Breeze Family Farm Agricultural Extension & Research Facility by the Dean of the College of Agriculture & Life Science (GALS), a County committee developed a conceptual plan for the property. In October 2006, GALS administrators for extension and research met with County representatives in Hillsborough to review the plan. Based upon that meeting, a joint Orange County-GALS committee was formed to develop the conceptual plan. Early in 2007, two farm walkabout events were scheduled to allow NCSU-GALS Extension Specialists and other interested parties to assess the farm for their program needs in the context of the conceptual plan. A draft Master Plan will be developed in March. Noah Rannells showed the area on a map and reviewed the conceptual plan. CONCEPTUAL PLAN W.C. Breeze Family Farm Agricultural Extension & Research Facility (Modified 4 October 2006) Objectives 1. Develop and implement agriculturally innovative, environmentally sound, and economically viable enterprises to invigorate farms, grow local food systems, and strengthen agricultural systems in the Piedmont Region 2. Build on the Breeze Family tradition of support for education and training in productive agricultural activities at NC State University 3. Provide a venue for NC State University sponsored agricultural research programs as well as local initiatives and activities conducted by county and regional agriculture professionals Develop Local Farm Economy -Program Opportunities Farm Enterprise Incubator !Farmer Apprentice Program a. Business training and enterprise budget development, as well as Agronomic & Horticultural training that includes principles and practice of certified organic and sustainable agriculture b. FarmLink program within county for graduate placement; Collaborative relationship with NC Farm Transition Network; Special focus on immigrant communities and their needs; c. Farm equipment available at an hourly or daily rate to participating farmers; Shared office space and equipment 2. Shared-Use, Value-Added Processing far Local Farm Products a. Focus on local farm products for value added opportunities primarily for local consumption b. Location of facility to complement activities at the Breeze Farm, but may be physically located on a site with municipal sewer and water. c. Training program on licensures and certifications far added value processing d. With appropriate training, consumer use of facility to encourage purchase of local products and their preservation by local consumers e. Equipment for value added product development far use by participating farmers Existing and Diversifying Farm Enterprises - Program Opportunities 1. 4-H, FFA, & Youth a. Livestock exhibition facility for annual Piedmont Livestock Show, as well as new opportunities for marketing of feeder calves, Iambs, and goats b. Resource far local, county, and regional 4-H & youth events c. Environmental education component & trails 2. Forage, Grasslands, & Grains a. Interactive demonstration area for grazing technology including new cultivars, fencing, and waterers used in beef cattle, dairy, sheep, sheep, goat, and pig pasture-based operations b. Collaborative applied research an pasture management, multispecies grazing, forage quality, and grass-fed meat products c. Biafuel crop plot areas d. Demonstration plot areas for various new forage cultivars 3. Fruits & Berries a. Demonstration areas for appropriate species & cultivars for the Piedmont b. Focus on heirloom fruits c. Regionally appropriate research on innovative production techniques and cultivar suitability Facility Considerations 1. Overview a. Multipurpose facilities to maximize use b. Integrated energy efficient technology in all aspects of facility including buildings that utilize passive solar construction methods as well as wind and photovoltaic technology c. Potential partnership between Orange County and NCSU College of Agriculture & Life Science to develop collaborative activities at other County awned properties 2. Possible Buildings a. Research & Extension support facility i) 5 staff & 2 labs ii) small conference room b. County Ag Center i} 40 staff ii} Large meeting room (300 to 750 person capacity) c. Regional agricultural exhibition facility (500 person capacity} 3. Funding a. NC legislative appropriations b. US federal appropriations c. NRCS l FSA d. County /Regional Clientele Served 1. Traditional multi-generational Piedmont farm families 2. Metropolitan and suburban consumers 3. Mid-career new farmers 4. Immigrants with agricultural skills 5. Multicultural consumers 6. Beginning and limited resource farmers 7. Farmers' Markets 8. Restaurants & Caterers 9. Local retail grocers Staff Existing staff to partially support new initiatives a. Cooperative Extension Service b. Economic Development Commission c. Environment & Resource Conservation d. Farm Services Agency e. Forest Resources Rural Development Soil & Water Conservation District /Natural Resources Conservation Service 2. Possible new staff to be assigned to new initiatives a. Orange County i) Extension agent position for transitioning, beginning, & farmer outreach; including immigrant farmers b. NC State University CALS i) Site administration ii} Ag Technicians /Assistants c. NC A & T State University i) Extension small farms technician position 3. Collaborating Agencies a. Carolina Farm Stewardship Association b. Fish & Wildlife Service c. NCSU Value Added & Alternative Agriculture Center d. NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services e. NC Wildlife Resources Commission f. Piedmont Conservation Council (RC & D) g. Various agricultural & natural resources NGO's Moving Forward Short Term {0 to 1 year} a. Active land leases? Termination date{s) of lease{s}? b. Available utilities? c. Site Development i} Master Plan Committee limited resource ii} Initiate possible components of farm enterprise incubator program iii} Temporary /Initial infrastructure {1) Irrigation (2) Equipment (3) Secure equipment shed iv} Planting of fruit trees and brambles v) Use of site for environmental education programs vi} Civic and community group work-days 2. Medium Term {1 to 3 years} a. Refine site plans b. Obtain necessary funding 3. Long Term (3 to 8 years) a. Construction of facilities Annette Dunlap said that she came into her position at N. C. State beginning August 1 ~ in the area of value added and alternative agriculture, because N. C. State realizes that the face of agriculture is changing in North Carolina and the old way of doing business will not be the future way of doing business. The average age of a North Carolina farmer is 56, which shows that the next generation is choosing not to stay on the land because it is not profitable. She said that the incubator program came into play because the goal is to help people get into farming that have not been in it before. She said that North Carolina is one of the top agricultural states in the nation. The Breeze facility allows North Carolina to be at the cutting edge of the new future of farming in the country. Fletcher Barber said that there are over 20 research farms throughout the state, but this would be a new concept for N.C. State because of the farm enterprise incubator and because there is no other county government that has stepped to the table that wanted to be a part of this. Commissioner Jacobs said that part of why this is before the County Commissioners is to make sure that they are all fully cognizant of what is going on and that the Board supports what is going on. There will be same policy decisions that will crop up sooner or later regarding finances, seeking grants, who is eligible to participate, etc. He wants to make sure that the County Commissioners are all in accord that this is the right direction to go. He said that the issue about the non-profits being able to have access to the loan pool came up in one of the discussions about how to do the incubator. The County will not be undertaking any additional financial burdens this coming fiscal year. He wants to commend this to the Board and ask that the Board make a specific request to N. C. State to encourage them to do the incubator. Annette Dunlap said that she would have to check on that. She thought that there was supposed to be a Memorandum of Agreement between the County and the University. Commissioner Gordon made reference to page three and asked if there is any space for individuals to have their own gardens in this area or if there is some area for community farms. Noah Rannells said that the Bountiful Harvest program that Cooperative Extension is leading may be used at the Blackwood Farm. The discussions among staff have been related to where most of the people are and where the demand for the gardens might be. The incubator program will have standards to be met. If there is an individual gardener that wants to take part in the incubator program, they would have to apply and be considered among the rest of the applicant pool. At this time, there is no consideration for individual gardening efforts under this facility. Commissioner Gordon asked for the staff to get to a point where a report on Bountiful Harvest can be given to the County Commissioners. Fletcher Barber said that this might be able to be done within the next three months. Chair Carey said that he supports this in concept. He said that it never occurred to him that non-profits would be excluded from the loan pool. Dianne Reid said that this was in the original by-laws, and those will be revised. Chair Carey said that he was CEO of Piedmont Health Services, which is anon-profit, for almost 20 years, and he had a hard time convincing banks to loan them money. He suggested educating the banking community about non-profits and what they contribute to the community. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to page three, "Basic Components Provided by the Incubator Program," and said that there is no mention of marketing. Annette Dunlap said that if she has anything to say about it, there will be educational training on marketing. Commissioner Jacobs said that one of the things that excite him is bringing same of the immigrant communities into the mainstream of North Carolina agriculture. This is another area where Orange County can take a leadership role in bringing people into agriculture. Noah Rannells said that there is a plan to take some Chinese and Hispanic people on a Piedmont Farm tour in late April. Chair Carey asked about the value-added processing center and that it would require municipal water and sewer. He asked about the nature of such a facility that would require this. Noah Rannells said that these processing centers can be more flexible if they are on a municipal system versus a septic system. Annette Dunlap said that she has been to two different facilities -one with septic and one without -and more can be offered to the clientele if there is municipal water and sewer. There is also a sanitation requirement for the equipment because of the shared use. This will increase the demand for water and treatment systems. Commissioner Gordon said that there are places in the County that have better soils for septic than others. She said that it is not totally outside the realm of possibility to find good soils. Commissioner Gordon asked about the thought of children of farmers returning to farming and if part of the point of this program is to bring the children back to farming because it will be more viable. Noah Rannells said that there are significant opportunities for children of long-time Orange County farmers as well as other young people getting into farming. He said that they would be using the same strategy for all people for the incubator program. 4. Concept Plan -Bolin Creek Greenway Phase III Environment and Resource Conservation Director Dave Stancil introduced this item. He said that in the 2001 County Parks and Open Space Bond approved by voters, a number of projects were included, and one of those was $1.75 million for greenway projects in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, particularly for projects that connect Town and County open spaces. In June 2004, the Town and County agreed to put the Chapel Hill funding towards the extension of the Bolin Creek Greenway. Commissioner Foushee left at 9:13 p.m. Interim Chapel Hill Recreation and Parks Director Bill Webster made a PowerPoint presentation of maps and drawings. He said that a public hearing will be scheduled sometime in March, preferably. This has been to the Carrboro Board of Aldermen, various boards and commissions, and various Town advisory boards that would have any say in this matter. There has been much interest in this project. There are seven primary goals for the Bolin Creek Greenway: 1. Provide a public 10' wide multi-use greenway trail. 2. Avoid grade crossings where feasible. 3. Limit slopes to less than 5°~ where possible. 4. Use existing utility easements and Town-owned land as much as possible. 5. Avoid disturbance to the Creek and its vegetation as much as possible. 6. Minimize impact of trail on neighbors. 7. Make the trail cost-effective. Bill Webster continued with the PowerPoint of pictures and drawings. He said that, in the Ironwoods neighborhood, a narrow piece of property was identified within Chapel Hill's jurisdiction. The other possibility was taking the trail into Carrboro's jurisdiction and swinging back up to Seawell School Road. He said that one way around this is to ask Town Council to see if they can extend the ten-foot trail along the south side of Estes Drive to get to Carolina North. Bill Webster said that they would like the Board of County Commissioners' comments on this proposed concept plan. Chair Carey said that the County Commissioners could give comments in written farm also. Commissioner Gordon asked about the financial aspect and said that it looks like more than $1 million. Bill Webster said that these are very preliminary numbers and they have an engineering firm that gave estimates. He said that the plan is to spend $2 million of the Town's own funding, in addition to the money from the Caunty. He thinks that when it is all said and done, the cost will be much higher. Commissioner Gordon asked about the recommendation of where to start and Bill Webster said that the one thing that everybody seems to want more than anything else is to safely get from one side of Martin Luther Kind Boulevard to the other. Then, it would just make sense to move west. He would hope to get the greenway to Umstead Park eventually. Commissioner Gordon asked Bill Webster how he felt about going along an existing road, as apposed to off road. Bill Webster said that, ideally, the trails would not go on a road, but sometimes there has to be compromise. He said that this is a vary difficult engineering feat that will also make some neighbors uncomfortable. That is why there may be a short stretch that is not as nice, but accomplishes some other things. Commissioner Gordon asked if the Town Council has given any feedback and Bill Webster said that the Council has taken the document, accepted it, and referred it. The first comments will be at the first public hearing. Comments are needed from the County within the next couple of weeks. Dave Stancil said that on page two, staff has noted four things they have seen with the draft concept plan. One is that the idea behind the 2001 bond was to try to ensure connectivity with other open spaces and other jurisdictions. This was an important feature. Bill Webster said that there are other major trail projects. One is the Morgan Creek Trail, which is a joint venture with Carrbora to build a major east/west link between 15-501 and Smith Level Road. This project is currently in detail design. There is another proposed trail between Erwin Raad and the Springcrest neighborhood. Construction funding for these would be with the 2008 band sale. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the decision on the one house that was going to be impacted by the trail, and Bill Webster said that there is no decision at this point. The recommended alignment is to take the house out. Commissioner Jacobs said that he agrees to start from MLK and move west. He made reference to the concerns with the Ironwoods neighborhood, and said that it might be wise to get more specificity from UNC about what it is going to commit for Bolin Creek before this is the decided route. Commissioner Jacobs said that he is glad that the bond monies from 2001 are able to further the greenway goals. Chair Carey said that the David Stancil will work with the Manager in drafting a response from Grange County and share it with the members of the Board. Also, Commissioner Foushee and Commissioner Nelson should be contacted about additional comments, since they were not in attendance for this item. 5. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR1 Implementation Planning Director Craig Benedict introduced this item. He introduced Scott Lane and Lisa Murphy with The Louis Berger Group. In 2005, the County hired the consultant to do a TDR feasibility study in two phases. It was determined that a TDR program could be feasible in Orange County. There were funds set-aside during the last budget cycle to continue with the consultant to work on the implementation phase. The survey questions that the County Commissioners filled out will lead the consultant team and the TDR staff team to determine how to design the eventual implementation program. Scott Lane said that this is a groundbreaking program, because no one in North Carolina actually does this yet. He made reference to the survey and said that the most important questions are numbers 1 and 4. Scott Lane asked for feedback on question 1, "What should TDR Sending Area priorities be for land preservation?" The listed priorities were as follows: Farmland, Water Supply Watersheds, Historic Properties, Wildlife Habitat, Parks and Recreation, and Other. She said that the goals of what to preserve in TDR are very similar to what is being preserved in the Lands Legacy program. Scott Lane said that the issue with TDR is whether it better preserves some of these things than others. Commissioner Jacobs listed his priorities as prime farmland, critical areas and water supply watersheds, national register and historic properties, and significant identified natural areas instead of wildlife habitat. Chair Carey said that he was the only one that filled out the survey and he thought they were doing this to give the staff some idea of the top priorities. Scott Lane asked for feedback on question 4, "What constitutes `success' by end of near 3 of the TDR Program?" Chair Carey said that he thinks that three years is reasonable, because it puts pressure on the County to do education as soon as possible so that people understand what this is all about. Commissioner Jacobs said that he would constitute success as the program being accepted and used. Laura Blackmon asked if the Board would want to reevaluate the program after three years. Commissioner Gordon said to evaluate it after three years, see if it is being accepted and used, and see if there can be a more strategic approach. Commissioner Jacobs said that one thing that has come up is whether it would be feasible to have more density in the rural activity nodes so that people would have shopping, etc., available without having to go from Cedar Grove to Hillsborough in order to get milk. Chair Carey said that he agrees with the comments and he would like to evaluate this every year. Laura Blackmon said that this might be an interesting incentive for economic development. She said that maybe residential should not be traded for residential when one of the major goals is going to be economic development. Craig Benedict said that certain high-density residential rentals are commercial tax base. He said that they would not suggest having single-family residential development in an economic development area, but possibly a higher density residential with a mixed use component might be a possibility. Commissioner Gordon asked for more specificity and the pros and cons of question #2, "What should TDR Receiving Area priorities be for types of increased development?". She said that she needs to think about this more before giving a response. Craig Benedict said that part of what the consultant is asking is what type of formula will be part of the program design -open-door policy or restricted. Laura Blackmon said that some areas are going to be protected by increasing density somewhere else. She said that the staff needs to be sure that this is what the County Commissioners want and where the density should be increased. She said that the receiving areas should be a lot more limited than the sending areas. Chair Carey said that the initial receiving areas will have to be within the County's jurisdiction, because the towns will not want to be the first to do this. Chair Carey asked when the process would start and when the three years would begin. Scott Lane said that when the ordinance is adapted the clock would start. There is a schedule in the packet about the implementation. Scott Lane asked to spend some time discussing how much authority or control the Board of County Commissioners should have aver TDR transactions. He said that if developers see this as a hard process, they will not participate. Commissioner Jacobs said that the government should be involved as little as possible. He thinks that it will be perceived as an additional cost to development and the trick will be to make it attractive for someone to use it in a receiving area. Commissioner Gordon said that it depends on how much judgment is built into the process. If the guidelines are very clear, then the County Commissioners would not need to be involved. If there is judgment involved, then the County Commissioners would have to be involved. She wants to know what the guidelines are and haw it will work. Chair Carey said that, if it is going to work, the County has to provide some incentives. The County Commissioners need to develop the plan, include incentives, and then let staff make some judgment decisions, if necessary. Commissioner Jacobs said that part of this, since it will be new to everyone, will be a matter of adjusting it as it goes along. It will have to be evaluated on a regular basis. He said that this is the most important part of the County Commissioner participation. With na further items to address, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Moses Carey, Jr., Chair Donna S. Baker Clerk to the Board