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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20070424 APPROVED 611 212 0 0 7 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING April 24, 2007 7:30 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, and Commissioners Valerie P. Foushee, Alice M. Gordon, Barry Jacobs, and Mike Nelson COUNTY COMMISSIONER ABSENT: COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Laura Blackmon, 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 Chances to the Agenda Chair Carey suggested removing item 1 Q-b from the agenda regarding the Tethering Committee (the Board was to receive information concerning the appointment and recent action of an :animal Tethering Committee member} because it is a moot paint based on the information an the pink sheet. The lavender sheet is a resolution for item 4-j regarding Durham Tech. The hot pink sheet is the Recreation and Park Director's response to the Manager regarding Commissioner Cordon's request far information regarding the economic development potential of the West Ten Soccer Complex. The yellow sheet is information that will be addressed in the Manager's comments. Chair Carey said that he has been asked to move item 6-b to before the consent agenda because there are children present with same of the speakers for this item. The Board agreed to move this item to 3-c. PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 2. ProclamationslResolutionslSpecial Presentations a. Proclamation Recognizing UNC Women's Soccer 2006 NCAA Championship The Board considered a proclamation recognizing the UNC women's soccer team for winning the 2Q06 NCAA Women's National Championship and authorized the Chair to sign. Commissioner Jacobs said that the County has had one of these recognitions before and since there are young soccer players in attendance tonight, this is appropriate. Coach Anson Dorrance thanked the County Commissioners for honoring the team tonight. He said that most of the girls are not here tonight because a lot of them are active in coaching local youth teams. He recognized Allie Hawkins and Manny Morocco, who were present. Commissioner Jacobs read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to approve a proclamation, as stated below, recognizing the UNC women's soccer team for winning the 2006 NCAA Women's National Championship and authorize the Chair to sign. PROCLAMATION OF RECOGNITION ON UNC WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM WINNING THE 2006 NCAA SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WHEREAS, an December 3, 2006, the University of North Carolina women's soccer team captured the NCAA Women's Soccer National Championship; and, WHEREAS, under the guidance of Head Coach Anson Dorrance, UNC earned its 18t" NCAA title, and the team's 19t" overall since 1981; and, WHEREAS, the Tar Heels completed the season with 27 straight wins to finish with a 27-1-0 record; and, WHEREAS, with this 2006 victory in a time when collegiate soccer has reached parity, UNC women's soccer has returned to the forefront of the sport; and, WHEREAS, through hard work, dedication, teamwork, and commitment, the Tar Heels have brought honor upon themselves, the University of North Carolina, Orange County and the State of North Carolina; NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed that the Orange County Board of Commissioners expresses its sincere appreciation and recognition to the University of North Carolina women's soccer team for its outstanding victory and its inspiration to the youth across the Nation through athletic leadership and teamwork. This the 24th day of April 2007. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Distinguished Budget Presentation Award The Board recognized the staff of the Orange County Budget Office for earning the Government Finance Officers' Association (GFOA} Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2006-07 fiscal year budget document. Chair Carey invited Budget Director Donna Coffey and staff to come forward. Laura Blackmon said that Donna Coffey and her staff have achieved this award many times in the past years. She said that there are very high standards for achieving this award and she thanked them all. Donna Coffey introduced her staff Paul Laughton and Katherine Kathey. c. Ten (141 Year Plan to End Homelessness The Board considered acceptance of the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness in Orange County. Chair Carey said that he represented the Board of County Commissioners on this board and the County Commissioners will all get copies of the plan. The report will be available online. He said that this is the culmination of many community people and even homeless residents. This plan focuses primarily on chronic homelessness. There are other efforts to address people who are not chronically homeless. He said that Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes helped shepherd this plan through. Tara Fikes said that the process in developing this ten-year plan to end homelessness first started in October 2005 and ended in March 2007. She said that the main focus of the plan is to end chronic homelessness and this plan contains five goals to end homelessness in five years. The five goals are as follows: Goal 1: Reduce Chronic Homelessness Goal 2: Increase Employment Goal 3: Prevent Homelessness Goal 4: Increase Access to Services Goal 5: Increase Public Participation in Ending Homelessness She made reference to the Housing First Model that is planned in the implementation of this plan, which has as its premise that it is most important to house the homeless rather than provide services first. She said that to implement this plan will require resources from the community as a whole. This plan will be presented to the funding partners -the County, the towns, and the Triangle United Way. Chair Carey said that, now that there is a plan and all endorse it, the hard work begins Haw. The immediate request will be far all of the jurisdictions and the Triangle United Way to contribute to the support of a position that is necessary to help implement this plan. Commissioner Jacobs thanked Chair Carey and Tara Fikes for their work on this plan and this is a good start. He made reference to the beginning of the executive summary, which states how much one has to earn to afford atwo-bedroom apartment. He suggested adding this information for gone-bedroom apartment. He also suggested pulling out items that are within the County's purview to help sift through the information. 3. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda below.} e. Final Approval of Projects for Alternative Financing iformerly item 6-bl The Board considered approving the list of School and County Capital projects to be included in the proposed alternative financing scheduled for Local Government Commission approval on June 5, 2007. Laura Blackmon said that the Board had previously approved the timetable for this financing and it also approved the staff going out for an RFP. The staff came back on April 10tH with the private placement of financing with Sun Trust Bank. The only item that must be dealt with is approval of the list of projects. There are three projects with a few concerns - Elementary School #10, bids on the justice facility, and the development of the West Ten Soccer Complex. Ken Chavious said that by taking this action, the staff will be able to draft the final documents for the May 3`d meeting. Public Comment: Gary Wallach is a soccer dad. He would like the County Commissioners to reconsider the seven fields at West Ten. He would like to have fewer fields there and four full-sized fields at Twin Creeks. He is concerned that if these fields are built at West Ten that people will not come. He said that he and his daughter drive a lot now and this would be even more driving for them. He wants the fields where the population is. He said that he spoke to Coach Anson Dorrance, who said to put the fields where the people are. Mr. Wallach stated that Coach Dorrance also said it was unlikely that UNC students who coach soccer would travel long distances to coach. Mike Strand asked the County Commissioners to reconsider allocating the money from West Ten to Twin Creeks. He would like for the County Commissioners to set up a meeting with the soccer people to discuss making one or two fields Astroturf. Rob Smith thanked the County Commissioners for listening to them at past meetings. He said that the soccer community is excited about full-size soccer fields being built soon. He said that, based on the Soccer Superfund Policy and Guidelines, he believes that the best plan for spending the bond money would be to expedite the four full-size fields at Twin Creeks. He asked for those in favor of expediting four fields at Twin Creeks to stand. Laura Sullivan said that she plays soccer for Triangle United and they need more fields because it gets too crowded. She said that sometimes they have to cancel practices just because there is not enough space to practice. Megan Dell said that her home is in Chapel Hill and they are driving so far now to get to soccer fields, which pollutes the air, and she likes her air clean. Michael Buck said that he received an email from one of the local soccer clubs to let the Board of County Commissioners know that fields closer to "the town" would be more beneficial. He said that when he read this he was motivated to attend if only to gently remind everyone that Orange County has mare than one town. He said that the Board of County Commissioners was elected to represent all of Orange County and not just residents of a particular town. He used the website of the soccer club that sent the email and he was able to find directions to facilities where there are at least 21 soccer fields. These are just fields listed on the club's website. He said that there are five fields maintained by the Chapel Hill Recreation and Parks and at least three maintained by Orange County Recreation and Parks. He said that the two Board of County Commissioners' meeting locations are in two areas, and the average distance to these 21 fields from the Southern Human Services Center is 5.6 miles. The average distance to the same fields from Margaret Lane is 14.3 miles. Regarding the three northern area fields, the average distance to 19 Orange County fields from the Southern Human Services Center is only 4.6 miles, versus the average distance to those same fields from Margaret Lane is 12.5 miles. He said that residents in northern Orange County have to drive 60-75°~ further to use these existing facilities. He urged the County Commissioners to take this information into account. Brian Oswald is the head soccer coach at Cedar Ridge High School. He said that he has lived in the County for 23 years and has raised two children who played soccer. He said that he had to travel from northern Orange County to Chapel Hill during all of this time to play soccer. He would like for the County Commissioners to move forward with the West Ten Soccer Complex. He said that he could guarantee that if the fields are built, that people will go to the West Ten Complex and play. Lisa Henniger said that she has not heard anyone talk about growth. She said that she is a soccer parent and she travels a lot to tournaments. She said that this complex would bring a lot of money into the area. She thinks that the County should look toward the future and at long-term planning. She said that they need all of the fields at West Ten and the fields need to be done right. Bryant Warren commended Michael Buck for the statistics on the mileage. He said that the West Ten Soccer Complex is centrally located in the County. He said that there are lots of soccer players that need fields in the northern part of the County. Cameron Tew said that they are not asking for the West Ten Soccer Complex to be scrapped but to build fields that are needed now first at Twin Creeks. He said that 90% of the people who play soccer live in the southern part of the County. He said that the West Ten Complex is not a tournament complex as it is configured now. Robb English is the chair of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council and the RPAC would like the full funding to remain at the West Ten Complex. He said that the RPAC is very committed to this complex being built. Keith Bagby said that he lives in Hillsborough and his daughter played Rainbow soccer for two years. He said that he works in Chapel Hill and he would go home and pick up his daughter in Hillsborough and bring her back to Chapel Hill to play soccer. He said that he would like to see the West Ten Soccer Complex built so that he and other parents in his situation would not have to spend so much time traveling back and forth. He said that there are more needs than just soccer such as football, softball, etc. Kathy Kaufman said that she was the Northern Transition Area Advisory Board representative to the master plan for the Twin Creeks Park and School Complex. She is also a soccer mom. She said that it makes her sad to see this as a dichotomy between the rural and urban parts of Orange County. She does not think that there should be a competition for funds. She said that there are 12 players on her daughter's team now and they live closest to the Twin Creeks Park. She said that they are seeing a dire need for soccer fields in both sides of the County. Carroll Hawkins represents the Cedar Grove Township on the RPAC. He said that this council represents all of the townships in the County, and there is a consensus that this project should go forward at West Ten as funded. He said that a lot of folks might not know where Cedar Grove is, but he drove 30-4Q minutes to get to the Southern Human Services Center tonight. He said that there is a large Hispanic population in northern Orange County and they too like to play soccer. Meleata Pinto is a soccer mom and has three children that play soccer. She is in support of building fields at Twin Creeks. She does not think that this is an eitherlor proposition. She agreed with Kathy Kaufman that fields are essential. She said that the County should accommodate the growing area in the southern part of Orange County and build fields now. She said that she is not an Orange County resident, but she speaks for a lot of people in southern Orange County. Melissa Suarez represents Chapel Hill and Carrboro adult soccer leagues. She is a league administrator and she knows that field acquisition is tough now because children get priority on the fields and the adults have to pay to play on fields at odd times. She said that the demand is overwhelming in the southern part of the County. She said that the northern part of the County needs fields but there is not as much demand as in Chapel Hill. She said that she would rather play on turf fields. Eric Hallman is a Hillsborough Town Commissioner. He said that he is in support of the staff's recommendation of the funding for the West Ten Soccer Complex. He said that the travel time is in the central part of the County and travel times are less than 20 minutes from anywhere in the County. He said that this complex is in the EDD and there should be tournaments where there is good access, which West Ten has. He said that this would be a good boon to the entire County. Commissioner Nelson said that fields are clearly needed in all parts of the County, and he shares Kathy Kaufman's opinion, that this has turned into anorth-south issue. He supports the six fields at West Ten and the fields at Twin Creeks. His concern is that the funding source for Twin Creeks is not clear at this time. He wants to do both but there is not a plan to do this now. Commissioner Gordon said that she wants to try and find awin/win situation. She said that the 2001 bond referendum had a Soccer Superfund, which was, "Constructing new soccer fields as opportunities arise across the County, existing and new parks." She said that in the fall of 2006, there was a plan for six fields at West Ten and a plan for four fields at Twin Creeks. There was only funding for two fields at West Ten and two fields at Twin Creeks. The issue that came up in the fall of 2006 was whether or not to put more money in West Ten. When this was brought up, there was no decision on the final plan far funding soccer fields that were included in the bond, and specifically no plan for funding Twin Creeks. She thinks that the Board needs mare time to find awin-win situation. She is troubled about the way this has evolved into a north-south issue. She said that what is at issue is $2.267 million far soccer fields. She wants to figure out haw to build six fields at West Ten and four fields at Twin Creeks and fund it. She would like to approve construction of soccer fields for the project and take a little more time to do the following things, which she stated in her proposal: The Board will formally adopt the listing of projects to be included in the proposed alternative financing scheduled for action on May 3, and the adopted list will be the "Projects for Alternative Financing June 2007" as shown in the Apri124 meeting agenda packet, except that "West Ten Soccer -Development of soccer complex on existing county property " ($2, 267, 000) will be changed to "Construction of Soccer Fields in Orange County. " The following statements wUl guide the final allocation of money. 1. The allocation of the $2, 267, 000 will be used far the construction of the maximum number of fields in Orange County. The commissioners wish to create a "win-win" situation so that soccer players all over Orange County will have access to fields. 2. Any allocation of funds will be faithful to the commitments made by the commissioners in the 2009 parks bond referendum. Those commitments include the List of projects to be funded and the statement that money will be used to "construct new soccer fields as opportunities arise across the County (existing and new parks)." 3. Before funds are allocated on May 3, the commissioners will approve an overall plan for soccer field construction which will provide for the construction of six fields at West Ten, four fields at Twin Creeks, along with other fields as appropriate. This overall plan will specify the timeline for the construction of fields at West Ten and at Twin Creeks, and will also provide dedicated funding for these fields. If other projects are included in the plan, then they mayor may not include dedicated funding at this time. 4. In producing a funding plan for commissioner consideration and approval, the staff will provide information concerning how much additional funding the county can afford. The staff will identify savings in the current funding plan for the West Ten Soccer Center that are related to expenses for anything beyond field construction, and will a/sa identify savings that can be achieved by additional collaboration with the adjacent Gravelly Nill Middle School. 5. The staff will provide updated information concerning contributions by potential partners, including Sports Endeavors and Triangle United, to projects in which they and the county may have a mutual interest. 6. The goal of the overall plan will be to site fields near where people live, thereby minimizing both travel time and polluting car emissions and maximizing access to fields by all the citizens of Orange County, with all of this accomplished in a way that maximizes the use of available funding. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to approve the above recommendation with the six points. Commissioner Foushee said that she would like to hear from staff about the deadline with the LGC and SunTrust since they have already put a package together. Finance Director Ken Chavious said that May 3rd is the drop-dead date and Laura Blackman said that the projects must be specified. It cannot say that it is just for saccer fields. Ken Chavious said that the alternative financing is different from bonds in that the LGC authorizes the County to release the band money and the security of the financing is with the actual projects. Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to offer a substitute motion. He said that a false dichotomy has been articulated, and it has been portrayed as north-south, but this was not by accident. He thinks that some people purposely tried to use the north-south dichotomy to achieve whatever they wanted to achieve, and this is unfortunate. He said that one thing that has been missing from this discussion is that the County is working with Chapel Hill to build three full-size soccer fields at Southern Park. These will come online way before Twin Creeks. One of the other things that has not been mentioned is the issue of timing, which is that the West Ten Soccer Complex is totally within Orange County's purview and that is why it is moving so quickly. Twin Creeks has to go through the Town of Carrboro's planning process. He said that he has been involved with this issue since 1999, and the County has been trying to develop a plan that is balanced, fair, and prudent, and it includes 14 new fields throughout Orange County -three at Southern, four at Twin Creeks, five or six at West Ten, and one at the Northern Center. He said that when they did the Soccer Symposium and solicited comment around the County, the one thing the Board heard was that soccer fields should be throughout the County and no matter how many were built, it would not be enough. He said that it is very equitable to develop saccer fields throughout the County. He said that there is already a partnership that has been offered with by the county with Sports Endeavors at West Ten. This might free some money from West Ten that can be shifted somewhere else. On the other hand, there are eight years of offers to collaborate, without any funds coming forward, from other entities. Commissioner Jacobs proposed a substitute motion to approve the staff recommendations far alternative financing, which are to formally adapt the listing of projects to be included in the proposed alternative financing scheduled for action on May 3, 2007; direct the Manager and the Recreation and Parks Director to meet with representatives of the soccer community and the Town of Carrboro to see about putting an artificial sun`ace on the field at Smith Middle Schoal,~ ask CHCCS if it wants to participate on the second field at Smith; and to direct any savings achieved by the Sports Endeavors partnership to Twin Creeks, Gommissioner Foushee seconded this motion. Laura Blackmon said that the County has $1.6 million set aside from the bond for Twin Creeks and that will only build two fields. She said that $3.5-4 million would be needed for four soccer fields there. This is not an immediate project, and the estimate right now is that it would open in 2010. Commissioner Nelson said that there is a lack of assurance far the public that this will actually happen. He said that there are already other projects vying far this money. Commissioner Gordan said that she has the same level of discomfort and she crafted her proposal to try and figure out between now and May 3rd if there is anything that can be done to create awin-win situation. She said that if the six fields were built without the bleachers and some of the concession amenities, then money can be saved and two fields could be built at Twin Creeks. She just wants to take a few extra days to try and come up with a win-win situation. Chair Carey said that he knows there has been a pent up need for soccer fields for years. He said that the County Commissioners set about trying to provide equitable fields that all residents of Orange County pay taxes to support. He said that the County took advantage of opportunities at West Ten to achieve some economies of scale and because it was in the County's jurisdiction. He said that he has a problem with making funding commitments in a short timeframe out of context with all of the other competing demands for projects. He is committed to developing a plan for Twin Creeks but there would be a trade off now to commit to this in the short term. He would like to make a decision in the full context of the greater environment in which the County Commissioners have to make funding decisions. He said that he supports the substitute motion. He said that the County Commissioners have voted to move ahead with West Ten at least three times. He said that it is within the Board's power to do a funding plan within the next few weeks, but not tonight. Commissioner Foushee said that she is not opposed to Commissioner Cordon's proposal, but the staff's plan was brought forward to save taxpayer's money. She said that if Ken Chavious could assure the Board that the information that he turns in can be written as Commissioner Gordon has stated, she sees this as more of a win-win situation. She said that what she heard from Ken Chavious that he could not submit this package as stated by Commissioner Gordon. Commissioner Jacobs called the question to close the debate. VOTE: Ayes, 4; No, 1 (Commissioner Gordon) Vote on substitute motion by Commissioner Jacobs: VOTE: Ayes, 3; Nays, 2 (Commissioner Gordon and Commissioner Nelson) 4. Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below: a. Minutes The Board approved the March 13, 19, and 20, 2007, minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. b. Appointments -None c. Motor Vehicle Property Tax ReleaselRefunds The Board adopted a refund resolution, which is incorporated by reference, related to 45 requests for motor vehicle property tax releases or refunds in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes. d. Property Tax Releases The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property values related to two (2) requests for property tax release in accordance with N.C. General Statute 105-381. e. Cool Cities Program The Board agreed to join a national campaign of local governments sponsored by the Sierra Club to promote cleaner vehicles, energy efficiency and renewable energy. This program is related to the Cities for Climate Protection program of the International Council far Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), of which the County is a member. The Board authorized the Chair to sign the Caol Cities Pledge on the Board's behalf. f. Housing Bond Program The Board awarded housing bond funds in the amount of $450,000 to Habitat for Humanity to assist with the infrastructure casts for the Purefoy Drive subdivision in the Rogers Road community in Chapel Hill and authorized the Manager in consultation with the County Attorney to enter into a Development Agreement detailing the conditions of award. g_ Budget Amendment #1 The Board approved budget and capital project ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2006-07 for the Health Department, Department on Aging, School Capital Projects, SportsPlex Enterprise Fund, Library Services, and OrangelChatham Justice Partnership Program. h. Regional Value-Added Processing Center The Board appropriated an additional $3,000 for a feasibility study for an agriculture products regional value-added processing center and authorized the Chair to sign the contract. i. Approval of County Capital Funding Policy This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. L Durham Technical Community College Satellite Campus Property Ownership The Board executed a Special Warranty Deed from Orange County to Orange County and The Trustees of Durham Technical Community College and authorized the Chair to sign. k. Chance in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule for 2007 The Board amended its regular meeting calendar for the year 2007 by adding a Joint Meeting with the Chatham County Commissioners on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at the Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Road, in Chapel Hill. I. Eneray Conservation Amendment to Board of Countv Commissioners Planning Principle #3 This item was removed and placed at the end of the consent agenda for separate consideration. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: i. Approval of Countv Capital Funding Policy intent, in the future, to present draft Capital Investment Plans in the fall. Commissioner Gordon asked about the interim period between when lottery funds are budgeted for debt service and when they are budgeted in arrears. There is a big time gap there. Donna Coffey said that in 2008-2009 the receipts deposited in the County's account during 2007-2008 would be budgeted. Commissioner Gordon clarified that the only year the proceeds would be used for debt service is the current year. Donna Coffey said that future years would be based on the outcome of the school collaboration meetings this summer, as to whether the schools wanted to use the future fund for debt service to address renovations that have not yet been planned in the debt issuance plans. Commissioner Gordan said that she liked the idea of budgeting in arrears at first, but then she thought about the debt financing and the future needs and wondered if there was a way some of the money could be used. Laura Blackmon said that the staff gave the Board of County Commissioners a document that stated that the County would need to make up $400,000 of the $2.4 million from this year. This was included in the total debt service. Commissioner Gordan is worried that the money is just going to sit there far a year and not be used for debt service or school renovations. Laura Blackmon said that if the County draws down the money, it will have to be spent that year. The proposal was to draw down the money at the end of the fiscal year. The schools could use it for renovations or far future incurred debt service payments for renovations. Donna Coffey said that the money would draw interest. Chair Carey said that the school collaboration group talked about when the schools would have access to the money and they discussed some of these options. He recognized the chairperson of the OCS Board, who was in attendance. OCS Board Chair Dennis Whitling said that they did talk about this, and from a school standpoint, they like the flexibility. Commissioner Gordon said that there are a lot of typos in this document. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the County's Capital Funding Policy which included the intent to use the anticipated NC Education Lottery proceeds for funding of school recurring capital and also included the intent, in the future, to present draft Capital Investment Plans in the fall. VOTE: UNANIMOUS I. Energy Conservation Amendment to Board of County Commissioners Planning Principle #3 The Board considered modifying a BOCC adapted planning principle for the comprehensive plan to include energy conservation as a linchpin to promoting air quality and effective transportation. Commissioner Gordon read the original language of the third principle, which was "Encouraging Air Protection and Development of an Effective Transportation System." She said that the language in the first part of the revised principle is fine. She suggested changing the language in the second part to say, "....while promoting both air quality protection and the development of an effective transportation system." She asked if "development of an effective transportation system" was left off for a reason. Commissioner Nelson said na and that he would agree with this change. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to amend the principle as revised (with changes by Commissioner Gordon) and forward to the Planning Board for inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan update process. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 5. Public Hearings -NONE 6. Reaular Aaenda a. Orange County Speedway 2007 EMS Coverage Contract The Board considered contracting with Speedway Management for the provision of Emergency Medical coverage to ensure public safety at public events at the Orange County Speedway and authorizing the Chair to sign upon review by the County Attorney. Interim Emergency Management Director Kent McKenzie said that there are recommended fee reductions for special event coverage for EMS in the packet. The staff met with Vance Agee and Kim Foushee from the Orange County Speedway last week, and they found two more areas to reduce some of the time on scene to help reduce the fees. Public Comment: Vance Agee said that he would like to review any revisions that are made in writing. Kim Foushee said that she appreciates all of the work by Kent McKenzie and his staff. She said that it was acknowledged by Kent McKenzie's staff and with the presentation that there was a 15% overage that the speedway paid last year. She asked that the Board consider giving the speedway a credit far this. Chair Carey said that at the last meeting there was a draft contract and it was his understanding that this would be reviewed by all parties. Kent McKenzie said that this is still pending final review from the County Attorney's office. Geof Gledhill said that if the Board approves this plan tonight, then there will be minor modifications to the agreement in the abstract to incorporate that. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to approve contracting with Speedway Management for the provision of Emergency Medical coverage to ensure public safety at public events at the Orange County Speedway and authorize the Chair to sign upon review by the County Attorney. Commissioner Nelson asked that the Manager report back to the Board on the 15°fo overage. Laura Blackmon said that she will look at the agreements. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Approval of 2007 Goals The Board considered reviewing and approving goal statements for 2007. Laura Blackmon said that this was on the agenda for last week's work session, but there was not time to address it. She asked for any questions or comments. Commissioner Gordon made reference to page 8, Lands Legacy Program, and said that since there is a Lands Legacy action plan, there should be a sentence after "generations" that says, "Specific projects will be identified in the Lands Legacy Action Plan adapted periodically by the Board of County Commissioners." Dave Stancil said that the staff pulled from the items in the action plan. Commissioner Gordon said that a little redundancy would not hurt and she said to add it. Commissioner Gordon asked about numbers of acres and suggested referring to them as "targets". Commissioner Jacobs said that he has a problem with the fair funding item since the Board of County Commissioners has not adopted this. He said that this is being reproduced as if the Board of County Commissioners adapted it and it has not. Laura Blackmon said that the staff was trying to capture things they had discussed previously. She said that they could spend more time discussing this issue. The intent was to take something that had been discussed before, never adopted before as specific goals, and put them into this document. Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to see this summarized. He is not opposed to the ideas. He suggested going back to the minutes in which the County Commissioners talked about wanting to address this within the best of the capabilities given the budget limitations. He would rather not list all of what the group (fair funding group) that is not the Board of County Commissioners is suggesting to consider as fair funding. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the Economic Development goal and said that the Board has talked about the incubator at the Breeze Farm, rural enterprise opportunities, and one-stop permitting (1 a}. He wants to make sure that these items are included. Commissioner Gordon asked if the Board of County Commissioners had adopted these items and Laura Blackmon said that adoption of this document would be the adoption for the Board. The staff was trying to refine, based upon the issues that were discussed at the retreat, that these were the things that the Board wanted to focus on. The goal is to narrow the focus. Commissioner Gordon agreed with adding the Breeze Farm incubator issue, but there are a lot of issues with the rural enterprise opportunities, and some of them have to do with siting heavy industrial uses near suburbanizing areas and in the rural buffer. She does not want to put this in the goal. Commissioner Jacobs agreed with leaving it out and stated that this is supposed to be a consensus document. Chair Carey said that he agrees with the fair funding discussion that this was not an adopted goal of the Board of County Commissioners. He thinks that this needs to be tweaked. The other concern that he has is in the first goal statement, which is, "Target future Countywide Ad Valorem property tax rate increases at amounts required to pay debt service for non- Enterprise Fund debt issuance plans." He said that this reads that this will be done every year, but the intent was to just do it this year. He wants to specifically state that it is for this year only. Laura Blackmon said that the goals will be brought back and refined again before the next retreat. Commissioner Gordan made reference to page 8, 2-b, and suggested changing this to "seek viable, sustainable, and environmentally responsible...." Commissioner Gordon suggested that with fair funding for schools that the objectives be as follows: Number 1 would stay the same, number 2 would be "Consider the merits of the June 8, 2006 recommendations from the Fair Funding Work Group with regard to funding school capital needs, and ask staff to come back with further recommendations on how it should be worded. Commissioner Jacobs agreed and suggested adding to the end of number 2, "within the context of the County's overall budgetary responsibilities." A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Faushee to approve the goal statements far 2007, with changes as stated above. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 7. Reports a. Proposal Regarding Historic Rogers Road Community Enhancement Plan The Board received and discussed a proposal from BOCC Chair Moses Carey, Jr. regarding next steps related to the Historic Rogers Road Community. Chair Carey said that this proposal would allow a dialogue with this community, and would develop a plan to have continued monitoring of this area. The report also has a recommendation on what the Historic Rogers Road area is. Commissioner Nelson thanked Chair Carey far his leadership on this item. He received an email from a resident of Carrbaro and this person suggested that the map did not cover the Carrboro area of Rogers Road. He suggested sending this back to staff to do more work on the map. Geaf Gledhill said that there is another map that they can look at. Chair Carey said that he selected the map that has been the focus of discussions and he will ask staff to bring back a recommendation as to the areas to be included. He would like to move forward as quickly as possible on this. He would like to have an interim report before the summer break. Commissioner Nelson suggested having three residents from the Rogers Road area to serve on this task farce. Commissioner Gordon commended Chair Carey far this item and she agreed with the seven on the task farce. She suggested getting help from the County Engineer about the specific area that this includes. Commissioner Jacobs suggested asking the residents themselves what they consider the Historic Rogers Road Community. Public Comment: Robert Campbell said that he understands what is taking place here and that there are several task forces working in this area. His concern is about the enhancement of this historic area. He said that no one map identifies the Historic Rogers Road neighborhood. He said that there would be no enhancement if water and sewer were not made available to the residents. He said that to bring the infrastructure out there and not be able to hook up to it is not an enhancement. He said that there would be no enhancement if the roadways were not safe. He said that the neighborhood roadway is not designed to accommodate the development that is coming. He said that no one is enforcing the speed limit on this roadway. He said that someone needs to coordinate the safety patrol of visual police protection. He said that it has been reported that buses and trucks do not use Rogers Road, but this is a lie. Commissioner Jacobs said that when there was a neighborhood meeting, there were some issues identified by the residents and this should be appended to this document. Chair Carey said that he agreed and will ask staff to make refinements and to consult with the County Attorney for appropriate language for funding if needed. Commissioner Jacobs suggested having the Clerk advertise for the task force now and all agreed. b. Report on Website Evolution Protect The Board received a report on an Information Technologies initiative to improve the Orange County Website. Chief Information Officer Todd Jones made a PowerPoint presentation. Website Evolution Orange Gounty Information Technologies & Council of Webmasters Website (R)evolution ~k Council of Webmasters - Formed in 2004 by IT initiative - Open to all departments - Composed of departmental webmasters & IT staff - Working on Orange County web issues of common interest - Grass roots effort to improve Orange County's web presence Website (R)evolution * Council of Webmasters - Initially gathered to discuss common problems and issues with web pages and website - Consensus emerged that there were overarching problems with the existing website: • Accessibility obstacles • Consistency between departments • Out of date information • No central controls far efficient site-wide management • Navigation not optimized Website (R)evolution ]k Website Redesign initiative - New template & toolset available to all departments, developed and supported by IT -Consistent navigation and branding - Centrally managed look and feel - Accessibility compliance - Service orientation, less departmentally structured - Software, process and support to minimize information maintenance effort Website (R}evolution ~kAccomplishments to date: - Smart Search implementation - 21 departments' websites converted to new template - 3 departments' websites undergoing conversion - 1 department's website in conversion planning Website (R}evolution # Next steps - Bring remaining departments on board - Develop more cross-department services pages, e.g., • Newcomers to Orange County • Building a house • Seeking public assistance • Guide to Orange County environmental initiatives - eGovernment portal - Redesign front page - Refine overall look and feel Website (R)evolution * Ultimate Gaal is to produce a complete web platform that wiii: - Support public needs - Convey professional branding - Be easy to maintain - Allow growth with technology & web trends - Serve additional web service needs - Be accessible to all members of the public March Statistics Total Hits 3,189, 721 Average Nits per Day 99, fi78 Average Nits per Visitor 13.92 Page Views Total Page Views 576, 391 Average Page Views per Day18, 012 Average Page Views per Visitor 2.52 Visitors Tota! Visitors 229,119 Average Visitors per Day 7,159 Department BOCC Clerk GIS Deeds Reventae Personnel Sheriff Solid Waste EMS Monthly Web Visitors 43, 984 14, 375 13,451 13, 407 11, 825 10, 920 7, 770 fi, 403 Commissioner Foushee thanked Todd Jones for the staff's efforts. She asked if there was a timeframe to move forward with e-government. Todd Jones said that it depends on how you define e-government. There is already a list of interactive services where people can engage in the website. Commissioner Foushee said that an example is central permitting. She said that when there is discussion about bringing commerce to Orange County, she hears most that the permitting process does not have a lot of opportunity online. Todd Jones invited the County Commissioners to look at some of the newly defined pages that have e-government links. He feels like there is a strong foundation now. Commissioner Jacobs said that he did not understand under accessibility, "Information can be translated from English to other languages efficiently when citizens use third-party automated translation tools." Tadd Jones said that there was a report from HRR in the past year regarding providing multi-lingual services. The position that HRR took was to avoid the temptation of looking into automated translation services that the County endorses. However, there are people that have these translation services and they can use them. Commissioner Jacobs suggested asking departments for basic guideposts on departmental issues to put up on the website in Spanish. Commissioner Jacobs said that there have been requests to put up audio of the County Commissioners' meetings. Also, regarding catastrophes (i.e., an epidemic}, if the government wanted to keep functioning, there has to be a way to teleconference and the public needs to be able to see it. He asked if there was capability to do this. Todd Janes said that this has not been discussed. He said that the site is largely hosted in Raleigh, and if there are emergencies and information must be uploaded, as long as there is an Internet connection, the information can be updated. Todd Jones said that they have talked about streaming capabilities, but it is very expensive. Commissioner Jacobs thanked the staff for the progress that has been made on the website. 8. Board Comments Commissioner Nelson -none. Commissioner Jacobs commended the people responsible for the deconstruction of the Southern States building. Commissioner Jacobs congratulated staff for the Caal Jazz Festival. Commissioner Jacobs reported that the Animal Shelter Design Committee has made some major revisions of the design, which should be forthcoming before the summer break. Commissioner Jacobs said that he had an auto accident on a Wednesday and by Saturday he had received five letters of solicitation from attorneys. On Monday, he got a letter from a chiropractor. He said that when he had to find out how to get in touch with the offending party's insurance company, he had to call the Department of Insurance and the number was 1- 800-JIM-LONG. He suggested that Orange County have similar contact numbers such as 1- 800-MNELSON, etc. Commissioner Gordon said that the first meeting of the Special Transit Advisory Commission will be May 2"d. She will keep the Board pasted on this. Commissioner Gordon asked the Manager to write an op-ed piece to the paper to explain the real estate transfer tax and why the County Commissioners are looking into this. The Commissioners are trying to find other sources of revenue besides the property tax. She suggested that a letter explain County finances in general and how growth does not pay far itself and how the County Commissioners have gone to the legislature and are trying to think of other funding mechanisms, with an emphasis on how they are trying to save the taxpayers' money. The Board agreed. Geof Gledhill said that the Homebuilders and Realtors Association are spending millions doing something from the apposite point of view. Commissioner Foushee - no comments. Chair Carey said that he was speaking with Representative Insko a couple of days ago, and she informed him that she had signed on to all transfer tax bills that other counties have asked her to sign onto. He asked if the Board wanted to be included in all of these bills and the Board agreed. Chair Carey commended the Health Department an the State of the County Health Report. 9. County Manager's Report Laura Blackmon said that County Assembly Day is May 2nd She said that the Homebuilders and Realtors Association have been lobbying heavily far the last few weeks, and this will be the only day to get the other side of the story. Commissioner Gordon asked if there was anything else to do to help besides being there and Laura Blackmon said to contact legislators. She said that last week there were some questions about the Northern Park priorities. She made reference to the neon yellow sheet that shaves the priorities on the Northern Human Services Center. She said that there are significant structural issues with the barn at the Blackwood Farm, particularly with the right and rear addition to it. The staff will be looking at this and coming back with a recommendation. 14. Appointments a. Northern Transition Area Small Area Plan Implementation Taskforce The Board considered making appointments} to the Northern Transition Area Small Area Plan Implementation Taskforce. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to appoint Renee Price far the Planning Board position. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs said that he would be interested with the stipulation that they should not have to schedule their meetings around his conflicts. The Board agreed. b. Animal Tetherina Committee The Board was to receive information concerning the appointment and recent action of an Animal Tethering Committee member. REMOVED 11. Information Items a. Waste Tarpina Policy Follow-up Memo from Solid Waste Director Commissioner Jacobs suggested that when citizens pay at the booth for mulch that workers give a notice to the patrons that any loads have to be covered. 12. 13. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to adjourn the meeting at 10:38 PM. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Moses Carey, Jr., Chair Donna S. Baker Clerk to the Board Orange County water supply reservoir water levels Available information as of 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 19, 2007 Lake Orange • Water level full and spilling. • Water storage capacity remaining is 100% (475 million gallons} • Approximately 141 days of water supply remaining (at Capacity Use specified release rate} Current Eno River flow at the Hillsborough gage is averaging approximately 70 cfs {45 million gallons per day}. There are no Eno River Capacity Use Restrictions in effect at this time. West Fark Reservoir • Water level is full and spilling • Water storage capacity remaining is 100% • In excess of 300 days of water supply remaining {assuming Town's current daily demand and releases for streamflow augmentation) OWASA Reservoirs • Water level at Cane Creek Reservoir is full and spilling Water level at University Lake is full and spilling Total remaining water storage capacity is approximately 100% Approximately 415 days of water supply remaining (at current 7-day average daily demand [8.1 million gallons per day]} National Weather ServicelNOAA Regional Precipitation data (inches above [+l or below [-l normal) RDU +1.91" since April 1, 2007 -1.14" since Jan. 1, 2007 Miscellaneous notes Piedmont-Triad +2.60" since April 1, 2007 +0.72" since Jan. 1, 2007 The NC Drought Management Advisory Council draught map, updated April 17, 2007, shows Orange County to be in the area characterized as "normal" in terms of drought conditions. The portion of the state west of Winston-Salem is classified as either "abnormally dry" or "moderate drought".