HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20070503
APPROVED 6/26/2007
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
May 3, 2007
7:30 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday, May 3,
2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr. and Commissioners
Valerie P. Foushee, Alice M. Gordon, Barry Jacobs, and Mike Nelson
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill and Brian Ferrell
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 Changes to the Agenda
There was a revised item 6-a, which was the hot pink sheet.
PUBLIC CHARGE
The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
2. Public Comments
a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
NONE
b. Matters an the Printed Agenda
(These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda
below.)
3. ProclamationslResolutionslSpecial Presentations
a. National Tourism Week Proclamation
The Board considered proclaiming the week of May 12 through 20, 2007 as National
Tourism Week in Orange County and authorizing the Chair to sign the proclamation.
Patti Griffin, Communications Manager with the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitor's
Bureau, introduced this item. She said that the Visitor's Bureau looks to Tourism Week each
year to increase awareness of the impact of tourism on the local communities. According to the
most recent statistics, domestic tourism generated an economic impact of $127 million in
Orange County in 2005.
Commissioner Jacobs said that when they go to Raleigh for National Tourism Week, that
they should keep in mind that the Boards of Education are asking the legislature for flexibility on
the school calendar year, specifically an earlier start day for school in August. This was a
tourism-generated change.
Patti Griffin read the proclamation.
A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to
approve proclaiming the week of May 12 through 20, 2007 as National Tourism Week in Orange
County and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below:
NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK PROCLAMATION
May 12-20, 2007
WHEREAS, the travel and tourism industry in Orange County is vital to our economic stability
and growth, and it contributes substantially to our cultural and social well being; and
WHEREAS, travel benefits every individual by substantially enhancing our personal growth and
education, while promoting intercultural understanding and appreciation of Orange County's
history, geography and culture; and
WHEREAS, tourism is a growth industry in Orange County generating $127.2 million in
expenditures in 2005 - an increase of 6.9 percent over the previous year's figures -ranking the
county 24t" in travel impact among North Carolina's 100 counties according to the Travel
Industry Association of America; and
WHEREAS, state and local tax revenues from travel to Orange County amounted to $9.98
million in 2005, representing an $82 tax saving to each County resident; and
WHEREAS, more than 1,700 jobs in Orange County were directly attributable to travel and
tourism in 2005; and
WHEREAS, travel generated a $26.83 million payroll in 2005; and
WHEREAS, our area attractions, welcome centers and tours hosted more than 1.48 million
visitors in 2006;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, recognize the efforts of
the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau and do hereby proclaim May 12 - 20, 2007 as
NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK in Orange County, with the theme TRAVEL & TOURISM:
AMERICA'S FRONT DOOR which illustrates the importance of travel to America's image and
suggests its impact as a leading industry for economic growth.
This, the 3rd day of May, 2007
UOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. EMS Week Proclamation
The Board considered proclaiming the week of May 20 through 26, 2007 as Emergency
Medical Services Week in Orange County and authorizing the Chair to sign the proclamation.
Captain Kim Woodward, EMS Operations Manager, introduced this item. This
proclamation is offered in support of the National Celebration of Emergency Medical Services
Week, sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians. This is also in recognition
of the dedicated professionals that provide emergency services to the public. The EMS system
in Orange County includes County staff, first responders from the County fire departments,
volunteers with the two rescue squads, as well as telecommunicators, nurses, physicians, and
educators. Orange County EMS responded to nearly 10,000 reported emergency incidences
last year. She read the proclamation.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to
approve proclaiming the week of May 20 through 26, 2007 as Emergency Medical Services
Week in Orange County and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK PROCLAMATION
MAY 20-26, 2007
WHEREAS, emergency medical services (EMS) is a vital public service; and
WHEREAS, the members of EMS teams are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need
24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County EMS System is a network of twelve fire departments, two
rescue squads, three private providers, two hospital critical-care transport agencies, and mare
than one hundred county telecommunicators, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics;
and
WHEREAS, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery
rate of those who experience sudden illness ar injury; and
WHEREAS, the EMS system includes emergency physicians, emergency nurses, educators,
administrators, telecommunicators, and field staff; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County EMS System responds to nearly ten-thousand emergency
incidents each year; and
WHEREAS, EMS personnel, both career and volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of
specialized training and continuing education to enhance their skills; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of EMS providers
by designating Emergency Medical Services Week;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, in recognition of this
event do hereby proclaim the week of May 20-26, 2007, as EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES WEEK
With the theme, "EMS: Serving Ordinary People, Extraordinary Service" and encourage the
community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Older Americans Month Proclamation
The Board considered designating the month of May as Older Americans Month, joining
federal and state governments to honor older residents for their contributions to society and to
Orange County and authorizing the Chair to sign the proclamation.
Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore introduced Jack Chestnut, Chair of the
Advisory Board on Aging, and Jerry Kruter, a board member on the Advisory Board on Aging.
Jack Chestnut said that he invited Jerry Kruter to come to represent the seniors. He
said that Jerry Kruter has been a volunteer on the board for two terms and has been a very
important member on the board.
Jerry Kruter thanked the Board of County Commissioners for all they da for the seniors
in Orange County.
Jerry Passmore read the proclamation.
A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to
approve designating the month of May as Older Americans Month, joining federal and state
governments to honor older residents for their contributions to society and to Orange County
and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below:
PROCLAMATION
OLDER AMERICANS MONTH -MAY, 2007
WHEREAS, according to the latest population figures, there are more than 17,000 persons over
60 years of age in Orange County in 2007; and
WHEREAS, the over 60 age group is the fastest growing population sector in
Orange County, and is projected to grow to over 28,000 persons by 2020 which is a 72°l0
increase compared to only 17% growth of the total county population; and
WHEREAS, the President of the United States and the Governor of North Carolina have
declared May as Older Americans Month; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is proud of the older adults who live here and wishes to show
appreciation for what they contributed to their County, State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, all Orange County residents enjoy the fruits of older persons and their labors and
are inspired to continue to make Orange County a good place in which to live; and
WHEREAS, the theme for Older Americans Month is "Making Choices for a Healthier Future" to
recognize older Americans who are living longer, healthier, and more productive lives and the
need to have choices for healthier living; and
WHEREAS, Orange County also wishes to set aside a special month for
recognition of the older segment of its citizenry;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, join
the Governor of North Carolina and the President of the United States in proclaiming May, 2007
as OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
and further encourage all residents to join us in honoring our older Americans.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Chair Carey asked Jerry Passmore to comment on upcoming events at the Seymour
Center. The first is the ribbon cutting on May 24t" at 10:00 a.m. May 30t" will be the Health and
Creativity Expo, and there will be an international speaker on creativity in aging. Jerry
Passmore thanked the County Commissioners for all of their efforts in the Seymour Center. It is
a 21St century senior center.
Commissioner Jacobs acknowledged Mary Kruter, another senior volunteer.
d. Presentation of the Orange County Master Aging Plan: 2007-2011
The Board received the completed Orange County Master Aging Plan {MAP) update
covering the period 2007-2011 for future adoption at a subsequent BOCC meeting.
Pat Sprigg, Co-Chair of the MAP Task Force made the presentation. She said that this
MAP is the culmination of work of 110 volunteers over 1 '/ years for a revised road map of the
delivery of better, comprehensive, and coordinated services to the older adults of Orange
County. She said that this planning process grew out of the success and understanding of the
five-year plan that preceded it. She thanked Co-Chair Florence Soltys, Jack Chestnut, Jerry
Passmore, Gwen Harvey, Alice Gordon, Barry Jacobs, the steering committee, and others. She
said that they have compiled the issues facing older adults in Orange County. She said that the
plan has a foundation built on current resources and has attained support of lead organizations
with the hope of providing a roadmap for the future.
To insure that the task force was on target, public input was sought. There were 30
public presentations and sessions. During the sessions, it became clear that if they addressed
the needs as outlined, they will be building communities that are aging friendly for people of all
ages. A survey was distributed to participants and the result confirmed that the major category
was information access, followed by transportation and housing. She said that they believe that
they have developed afive-year strategic plan that will provide an important roadmap in the
coordination of current services and the development of future ones. They engaged the County
government and towns as well as the broader community. She said that Orange County has
the ability to put forth a coordinated approach. Most cities and counties do not have
coordinated plans to address the need of increasing aging communities. They believe that the
format will serve as a template for other entities.
The first MAP was adopted in 2001 by Board of County Commissioners and went to
2006. A few of the past accomplishments include the bond to construct two new senior centers;
establishment of Orange County's first adult day health care center; establishment of Praise in
Age, weekly TV show; expanding the senior wellness program and the family caregiver
program; expanding the Vial of Life medical information access; and others.
In the current plan, there is pledged support from lead organizations, an evaluation
system, and a tracking mechanism with the hope of getting periodic reports of progress.
She asked the County Commissioners to carefully consider this plan and adopt it in an
upcoming meeting.
Commissioner Gordon commended the Co-Chairs and all involved. She said that the
process was very thorough and excellent. Commissioner Jacobs agreed.
Laura Blackmon thanked all of the volunteers that worked on this and said that this will
be on a future agenda for the Board of County Commissioners' approval.
Commissioner Jacobs said that yesterday USA Today had about three full pages
dedicated to the problems of older Americans intending to drive, and that it was dangerous to
allow them to get behind the wheel. There are programs taught by seniors to other seniors
about knowing when you should not be behind the wheel anymore. He said that he did not
remember talking about this as an element of transportation and he does not see it mentioned.
He asked if there were any programs.
Pat Sprigg said that there are a lot of programs out there that address this, and that is
why transportation was the number one category of interest.
Jerry Passmore said that there is a specific program by AARP called 55 Alive, and it is
defensive driving classes that are provided for seniors.
4. Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to
approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below:
a. Minutes
The Board approved the minutes from March 27 and 29, 2007 as submitted by the Clerk to the
Board.
b. Appointments
(1 ~ Carrboro Planning Board -Reappointment
The Board reappointed David Clinton to the Carrboro Planning Board.
(2) Human Relations Commission -Reappointments
The Board reappointed Sabrina Covington-Farrar, Josephine Harris, Carolyn Inkenberry,
and Jae Nanney to the Human Relations Commission to full terms ending June 30, 2010.
(3) Oranae County Plannina Board -Reappointments
The Board reappointed Jeffrey Schmitt and Michelle Kempinski to the Orange County
Planning Board to full terms ending March 31, 2010.
(4} Recreation and Parks Advisory Council -Reappointments
The Board reappointed Rabb English, Denise Dickenson, Keith Bagby, and Church
Hobgood to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Council to full terms ending March 31, 2010.
(5j Commission for Women -Reappointments
The Board reappointed Florence Glasser, Meghan Morris, and Veronica Wright to the
Commission for Women to full terms ending March 31, 2010.
c. Cost Allocation Plan Contract
The Board approved a contract for the preparation of the County's 2006 Cost Allocation Plan
with Tim McKinnie & Associates, Inc. and authorized the Chair to sign.
d. 2Q07 Audit Contract
The Board awarded a contract for the provision of audit services for the fiscal year ending June
30, 2007 to McGladrey & Pullen and authorized the Chair to sign.
e. Consolidated Housina Plan Annual UpdatelHOME Program
The Board adopted resolutions, which are incorporated by reference, approving the 2007
Consolidated Housing Plan Annual Update and the proposed HOME Program Activities for
2007-2008 and authorized the Manager to implement the HOME Program as approved by the
BOCC including the ability to execute agreements with partnering non-profit organizations after
consultation with the County Attorney.
f. Application for Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG1
The Board approved applying for a grant from the Sate Emergency Management Agency to
help support the County emergency management program.
,g_ Approval of Capital Funding Request for C.W. Stanford Middle School
The Board approved a capital funding request from Orange County Schools to replace air
handlers at C. W. Stanford Middle School and the corresponding capital project ordinance.
VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS
5. Public Hearings
a. Public Hearing and Final Resolution for Alternative Financing
The Board conducted a public hearing and considered adopting a resolution that
provides for final approval of installment financing for School and County capital projects.
Finance Director Ken Chavious said that staff is asking the Board to consider taking the
final steps in the process to gain Local Government Commission approval to enter into an
alternative financing arrangement with SunTrust Bank. The project list totals $50 million, it has
been reviewed by the Board on a number of occasions, and was formally approved on April
24t". The proposed financing agreement with SunTrust Bank includes a 20-year term with a
fixed interest rate of 4.14°~. LGC approval is scheduled for June 5`". Prior to granting approval
of the financing agreement, the LGC requires the Board to conduct a public hearing on the
advisability of entering into such an agreement. The last step will be the adoption of a
resolution approving the financing proposal presented by SunTrust. The resolution makes the
determination to proceed with the financing, it directs and authorizes staff to execute the
financing documents, and authorizes him to complete the closing. The resolution and other
documents were prepared in a collaborative effort between County staff and bond counsel. He
read the Manager's Recommendation.
Public Comment:
David Zavoleta is a volunteer coach for the Rainbow soccer teams in Chapel Hill. He
said that he knows that the decision by the Board of County Commissioners on the West Ten
soccer fields versus Twin Creeks has been made, but he wants to state the impact of the
Board's decision for the record. He said that he has sent this information to some County
Commissioners already. He estimates that there are 3,000 kids in Triangle United and Rainbow
soccer organizations in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. He also estimated the mileage distance
between West Ten and Twin Creeks and he said that if a reasonable proportion of the soccer
community were to try and use the West Ten soccer fields, then he would expect $30,000 extra
expenditure in gas just to get to West Ten. He said that this would translate into aver 100 tons
of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. He asked if the County Commissioners took
this into consideration and what the benefits are for this decision.
Commissioner Gordan said that she had several concerns about the County approving
this resolution. First, she is concerned about the process that was followed aver the past year
to develop the debt issuance schedule. She feels that the public was not adequately informed
and not given sufficient opportunity to offer input. Second, she has concerns about the content
of the debt issuance schedule with respect to the projects included. Third, she is concerned
about the total amount of the debt being issued by the County. She feels that $50 million is a
large amount of debt, and it is problematic that the County is issuing so much debt without
having first adopted a CIP.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Faushee to
close the public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Faushee to
approve adapting a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, that provides for final
approval of installment financing for School and County capital projects.
VOTE: Ayes, 4; No, 1 {Commissioner Gordon}
6. Regular Agenda
a. Legal Advertisement for Quarterly Public Hearing - May 21, 2007
The Board considered the legal advertisement for items to be presented at the Board of
County Commissioners/Planning Board Quarterly Public Hearing scheduled for May 21, 2007.
Planning Director Craig Benedict said that this process is so the Board of
Commissioners will know what is going in the papers with regards to the agenda items.
Item A-1, US 70/Cornelius Street Corridor Strategic Plan, is a joint plan with the Town of
Hillsborough. This has been a community and an elected official effort to provide some
economic development opportunities. The Town Board will sit in on the first part of the meeting
and there will be a public hearing.
Item A-2, NC Hwy 57 Speedway Area Small Area Plan, has a task force appointed by
the County Commissioners to work with community residents in the far northeastern corner of
the County. This is a 900-acre area. There are no specific land use or text amendments
associated with this planning process at this hearing.
Item A-3, Land Use Element Text Amendments, is for the Efland/Mebane Small Area
Plan Implementation Focus Group. This would be the first step in a multi-step process to allow
the US 70 corridor through Efland going west to Mebane, to allow certain non-residential uses
and conversion of some properties to have office conversion use. This was part of the adopted
small area plan suggestion in June 2006.
Item A-4, Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance, includes same cleanup items to
strengthen the ordinance. Item A-5 is Orange County Stormwater Ordinance for Lands within
the Neuse River Basin. Both of these are housekeeping items.
Item A-6, Orange County Zoning Ordinance, includes same suggested text amendments
to the permitted use table within the regular zoning ordinance and with the economic
development district zoning ordinance to bring new information about how retail establishments
can be put into a mixed use setting for the economic development districts.
Item B-1, Agricultural Support Enterprises, is an initiative conducted by EDC and ERCD.
There will be amendments to the land use and conditional use zoning categories for this.
Staff recommends approval of the advertisements.
Commissioner Gordon asked about item #4 and asked that one example of
strengthening be included.
Commissioner Gordon asked about item B-1 and if there would be comments. Craig
Benedict said that it would just be the Board deciding whether or not to include it in the
conditional use ordinance. There will be a public hearing later. Commissioner Gordon asked
that there be examples of Agricultural Support Enterprise for low impact, medium impact, and
high impact uses.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to item A-2, and said that there will also be
conditional use zoning proposed in this. This is a public hearing item. He said that the County
will be moving forward on bringing this concept into the planning processes earlier in the public
hearing. He suggested that the examples of low-impact, medium-impact, and high impact uses
be clear.
A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Foushee
with changes to approve the legal advertisement for items to be presented at the Board of
County CommissionerslPlanning Board Quarterly Public Hearing scheduled for May 21, 2007.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. 2Q07 Affirmative Action Program and Report
The Board considered adopting a revised Affirmative Action Program and received the
Affirmative Action Program Report for the period ending December 31, 2006; authorizing the
Manager to update the Affirmative Action Program Report as necessary; and authorizing the
Chair to sign the letter transmitting the Affirmative Action Program.
Policy and Compliance Officer Annette Moore introduced Employment Manager Allison
Newcomer.
Annette Moore said that there were some corrections after the plan was submitted.
These are on the gold sheet. She gave some background as stated in the agenda abstract.
The staff is asking the Board to adopt this revised program, and the language has been
changed to comply with the requirements of the amended recommendations of Executive Order
11246.
She said that the implementation requires that the program designate a Chief Executive
Officer. This program designates the County Manager as the CEO of the program. Section 8
includes the affirmative action plan for qualified individuals with disabilities and veterans.
She made reference to Appendix A, which is the Work First Analysis by department.
Appendix K identifies areas of underutilization of women and minorities.
Employment Manager Allison Newcomer explained Appendix G, Comparison of Orange
County Workforce with Recruitment Area Availability by Category. The recruitment area used is
Orange, Durham, Alamance, and Wake Counties. In 2006, 79% of Orange County applicants
came from these four counties. As of December 31, 2006, the Orange County workforce
consisted of 801 permanent employees. Of these, 57% were women, and 32°~ were minorities.
Based on the 2000 U. S. Census data, the four-county recruitment area totaled 608,344. Of
these, 47% were women, and 31 % were minorities. Orange County's total utilization of women
and minorities exceeds the recruitment area availability. As they go forward, they will continue
to look at additional recruitment tools that are directed toward the targeted population, including
publications, job fairs, and other community events. They will also build on the County's training
calendar to foster cultural awareness and increase disability awareness among all County
employees.
Annette Moore said that staff is asking the Board of County Commissioners to approve
the revised Affirmative Action Program, authorize the Manager to update the Affirmative Action
Program Report as necessary, receive the January 2007 Affirmative Action Program, and
authorize the Chair to sign the letter transmitting the document.
Commissioner Gordon asked haw long it has been since the last revisions and Annette
Moore said 1999. Commissioner Gordon would like to see something more frequently and a
document that is shorter. She painted out pages 2-5 and the program report, section D through
the placement goals. She would like to see a summary once a year.
Annette Moore said that this program requires them to review every two years. It could
be updated informally every year.
Laura Blackmon said that she would be working with departments on recruitment, and
as positions become available, the Personnel Department will be working with applicants and
the departments. She said there it is not a quota to hire specific types of people but it is more of
a heightened awareness.
Commissioner Jacobs made reference to Appendix J and said that it looks as if Orange
County is in the negative in all of these. He asked if this would be more of a focus in the
recruitment and Allison Newcomer said yes.
Commissioner Jacobs asked where handicapped people Shaw up and Annette Moore
said that if the Board approves this plan, then the disabled can self-identify and this will show up
for the County overall. This is a way for the County to track applicants.
Commissioner Jacobs said that this is an improvement and he thanked those involved.
Chair Carey thanked them for this report and said that he would like to see the mid-term
report also. He said that some departments are doing better than others. He said that he is
mare interested in how to address this internally.
Laura Blackmon said that a lot of this has to do with the applications they receive. Same
areas are not areas in which women or minorities tend to apply. After the tracking is developed,
staff will be looking at some ways to recruit individuals to become interested in these areas.
Chair Carey said that he understands these circumstances and he hopes they will find a
way to overcome these circumstances.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to
approve adopting a revised Affirmative Action Program and receive the Affirmative Action
Program Report for the period ending December 31, 2006; authorize the Manager to update the
Affirmative Action Program Report as necessary; and authorize the Chair to sign the letter
transmitting the Affirmative Action Program.
Commissioner Gordon said that this is with the understanding that it will come back
within a year.
UOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Creation of Historic Rogers Road Community Enhancement Plan
Development and Monitoring Task Force and Appointment of Members
The Board considered approving the creation of a Historic Rogers Road Community
Enhancement Plan Development and Monitoring Task Force based on an initial proposal by
BOCC Chair Moses Carey, Jr. and amended based on Board discussion at the April 24, 2007
regular meeting; to discuss as necessary a map defining the Historic Rogers Road community;
and to appoint members of the Task Force.
There was a revised pink sheet for this.
Clerk to the Board Donna Baker said that the application process was open until 5:00
p.m. yesterday, and applications were still coming in after 3:00 p.m. today. She said that she
wanted to include as many as possible. Chapel Hill has this on the agenda Monday night, and
Carrbaro should discuss it within the next week.
Laura Blackmon made reference to the aerial map on page 11, the planning jurisdictions
map on page 12, and the Rogers Road Neighborhood Parcel Information Key Map on page 13.
Staff perceives the historic area to be the map on page 13.
Donna Baker explained that the County Commissioners only had to appoint three
residents and two County Commissioners until the Towns report back.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to
appoint Ms. Neloa Barbee Jones, Ms. Bonnie Norwood, and Ms. Jean Stroud to the Historic
Rogers Road Task Farce.
Chair Carey and Commissioner Foushee agreed to serve on this Task Force.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Chair Carey asked if the Board agreed with the map on page 13. Commissioner Nelsor
said yes, with the understanding that at the first meeting this should be discussed to make sure
that the residents agree. Commissioner Jacobs agreed.
7. Reports-NONE
8. Board Comments
Commissioner Foushee -none.
Commissioner Nelson said that he was part of a small group of Orange and Chatham
Counties to talk with Congressman David Price about Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant and
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. As a group, they communicated the concerns regarding
oversight, particularly the fire safety issues. There was a good discussion.
Commissioner Nelson said that he got an email from a Carrboro resident that lives near
Elementary School #10, and the concern was that a greenway was supposed to be built from
the neighborhood and was included as part of the school and the park site. He asked if there
was any way to construct the greenway now, with OWASA constructing lines.
Laura Blackmon said that she is not sure how far along OWASA is in the process.
Commissioner Jacobs said that one of the times the County Commissioners talked
about the park, there were a lot of parents that said that they did not want their kids using a
greenway because it was not safe. The parents wanted the children an a sidewalk and not a
greenway. He asked about the status of a sidewalk.
Commissioner Faushee said that the Board of County Commissioners proposed it
originally. Laura Blackmon said that she will check as to where it is located on the map and get
back to the Board.
Commissioner Jacobs said he sends best wishes to Bob Marotto to get well soon. He
wished former Economic Development Director Dianne Reid best wishes on her new job. He
also congratulated staff an the Lands Legacy Program winning an award from the American
Planning Association. He mentioned farmer Commissioners Halkiotis and Brown because they
were an the Board when this program was established.
Commissioner Jacabs pointed out that the Board of County Commissioners approved a
resolution opposing the OLF in 2003.
Commissioner Jacobs said that, in having a conversation with a Chatham County
Commissioner, he found out that on May 20t", the Smith Level Road Task force will have a
public information meeting to share some of its work to date. He suggested that the Board
might want to at least get a presentation an this early in June.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he got a complaint from a citizen on Walnut Grove
Church Road about garbage blowing along the sides of the roads, near the solid waste
convenience center. He wants to set a goad example and make it look like any other roadside
in Orange County.
Commissioner Jacobs said that he has had several complaints about the former go-cart
track. He said that anon-conforming use is still being operated, and these are the same people
who drove their heavy equipment through an existing stream without permits to clear land that
had been previously timbered. He said that he and Chair Carey are meeting with staff and the
Hwy 57 group an May 14t" and he hopes to be able to have a report for this neighborhood and
that the County can protect residents from this activity.
Commissioner Gordon said that the long-awaited kickoff of the Special Transit Advisory
Commission happened on May 2°d
Chair Carey said that, as the other Commissioner on the Hwy 57 task force, he is
concerned about the behavior of the go-cart owners. He wants to make sure that the County
does not reward people for bad behavior.
Chair Carey said that he has heard from seniors that now go to the Narthside Center
and there are concerns about moving certain programs and services to the new Seymour
Center. He said that the County should communicate with these seniors as to what the plans
are. He said that when people go to the new Seymour Center, they will want to go there, but
this is a change for the seniors.
9. County Manager's Report
Laura Blackmon said that she has asked staff to get her information about this move to
the Seymour Center and she will bring this back to the Board at the next meeting.
Commissioner Jacobs said that the County has worked hard to site that new senior
center and it is centrally located on Homestead Road. He said that it should be stressed that
the Seymour Center is an inclusive facility.
Laura Blackmon said that in the last couple of years there have been issues about
Patriot's Pointe not paying taxes. She said that they have collected taxes from 2005 and 2006
and an understanding has been reached and the issue has been resolved.
She made reference to the Speedway asking fora 15% reimbursement from last year.
Staff has discussed this, and there is nothing in writing where this was promised. The contract
last year was higher than the contract this year, so staff is not recommending that there be any
kind of refund.
She made reference to the last Manager's Memo about the fuel spill at Northern Human
Services Center. There were soil samples directly under the line, and the samples indicated
that the fuel percentages did exceed. The second sample was within allowable limits. The well
water samples were clean. There will be some more tests and the results should be available
next week.
She made reference to an information item in the packet from James Spivey regarding
an update on the Hillsborough and Central Elementary Schools employment discrimination.
The last paragraph says that, "allegations of employment discrimination could not be addressed
by the Human Relations Commission because of the Supreme Court ruling." She wants to
make sure that the memo is corrected for the public record. The memo originally said "could be
addressed."
Laura Blackmon said that she received an email from the NCACC about the House
Budget regarding Medicaid relief.
Laura Blackmon said that the Planning Board was not able to address the moratorium
issue and this will be on the June 6t" Planning Board agenda and June 12t" County
Commissioners' agenda.
Commissioner Foushee left at 9:08 PM.
Cammissianer Gordan asked what Orange County was going to do about letting
residents know about the real estate transfer tax. Laura Blackmon said that the Board of
County Commissioners has asked for a letter to the editor and there is a draft letter from the
Chair.
Commissioner Gordon asked Laura Blackmon to make available to the County
Commissioners the email addresses of the legislators.
Cammissianer Jacobs asked about the memo from HRR and asked Laura Blackmon
and Commissioner Nelson. He wants to be careful with getting involved in other elected boards'
issues without discussing it with them. He said OCS took it as adversarial and he wants to be
mare cautious.
Commissioner Nelson said that the conversation that night at the Human Rights and
Relations meeting was very inclusive and positive.
10. Appointments
a. Orange County Board of Adjustment-New Appointment
The Board considered one appointment to the Orange county Board of Adjustment.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordan, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
appoint Richard Hicks to a full term ending June 30, 2010.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Orange County Arts Commission -New Appointment
The Board considered making one appointment to the Arts Commission.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to
appoint Wendy Gellert to a partial term ending March 31, 2009.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Chapel Hill Planning Board -New Appointment
The Board considered making one new appointment to the Chapel Hill Planning Board.
Commissioner Gordon said that it looks like an ETJ person must be appointed and not a
JPA person.
Donna Baker said that she spoke with Commissioner Nelson about this and they thought
that it was supposed to be ETJ and JPA.
This item was tabled to be brought back with clarification.
d. Historic Preservation Commission -New Appointments
The Board considered making appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to
appoint Todd Dickinson to a partial term ending March 31, 2009; and Terri Russ to a full term
ending March 31, 2010.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
11. Information Items
• Memo from Human Rights and Relations Interim Director to the County Manager Regarding
Cedar Ridge High School Discrimination Matter
• Memo from Human Rights and Relations Interim Director to the County Manager Regarding
Hillsborough and Central Elementary Schools Employment Discrimination Matter
12. Closed Session-NONE
13. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
adjourn at 9:16 PM.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Moses Carey, Jr., Chair
Donna S. Baker
Clerk to the Board