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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20070515APPROVED 6/26/2007 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING May 15, 2007 7:30 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 15, 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 Changes to the Agenda Chair Carey made reference to the yellow sheet, which is a request to change the Board of County Commissioners' Meeting calendar as follows: Move the May 31St Budget Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. from the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom to the Superior Courtroom, 106 East Margaret Lane in Hillsborough; Move the June 4t" Budget Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. from the Southern Human Services Center to the Sonya Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History, 150 South Road, UNC, Chapel Hill, N. C. {rental fee has been waived}; and Move the Clerk to the Board's evaluation from June 4t" at the Southern Human Services Center to Monday, June 18t" at 5:30 p.m. at the Government Services Center in Hillsborough, N.C. {prior to Budget Work Session at 7:30 p.m.}. The Board agreed to these changes. The light blue sheet is from the Orange County Disability Advisory Board, which is asking the Board to consider designating the month of May as Disability Awareness Month. The purple sheet was a change in item 10-b relating to a new appointment to the Chapel Hill Planning Board. The pink sheet is information related to the need to consider and appoint representatives to the Durham Technical Community College Board of Trustees. The Board agreed to add all of the above items. PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Raymond Woodard spoke about CERT training -Community Emergency Response Teams. He said that this is a program where community members join with neighbors to get training in case of an emergency. He said that we cannot always depend on the government to be there exactly when we need them. He said that he got involved in this program because he was in front of the Board of County Commissioners several months ago when it honored volunteerism and he was part of the amateur radio community. He got involved because he saw this as another opportunity to serve and he thought it would be good to have some more skills other than operating a radio. He thinks that it would be a plus for people in the community to get involved in CERT training. Michael Buck said that the Board made his suggestion moot by moving the location of the budget public hearing. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda below.) 3. ProclamationslResolutionslSpecial Presentations a. National Historic Preservation Month The Board considered proclaiming May as National Historic Preservation Month. Tina Moan with ERCD said that she is pleased that as of the May 3`d appointments, there is now a full Historic Preservation Commission. She introduced Renee Price, current Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission. Renee Price said that the Commission has been moving forward with the agenda to promote an appreciation and understanding of historic preservation in Orange County. Same of the activities for this month include a display in the Orange County Library, articles in the News of Orange, and a photo contest in cooperation with the Orange County Historical Museum. The winner will be announced at the Last Friday event in Hillsborough. This is co-sponsored by the American Institute of Urban Design. She thanked the Board of County Commissioners for supporting the Commission in its work. She then read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to approve proclaiming May as National Historic Preservation Month, as stated below: NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, historic preservation is an effective tool far managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability; and WHEREAS, historic preservation is relevant for communities across the nation, both urban and rural, and for Americans of all ages, all walks of life and all ethnic and cultural backgrounds; and WHEREAS, it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals in helping to preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped us as a people; and WHEREAS, Orange County has become a strong advocate for the protection of historic, cultural and archaeological resources and continues to pursue partnership opportunities with other preservation advocates to preserve these important and often irreplaceable resources, to seek new and innovative ways to make local history engaging to the public, and to encourage others to do the same; and WHEREAS, Orange County has demonstrated its commitment to historic preservation by using the restored Alexander Dickson House as the Hillsborough visitor center, stabilizing the farmsteads at future county parks, and designating important local properties with historic and architectural significance through the Local Landmark Program; and WHEREAS, "Making Preservation Work!" is the theme for National Preservation Month 2007, cosponsored by the Orange County Board of Commissioners, the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission, the Orange County Historical Museum, the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and the National Trust for Historic Preservation; NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim May 2007 as National Historic Preservation Month and calls upon the people of Orange County to join their fellow residents across the United States in recognizing and participating in this special observance. This the 15t" day of May, 2007 VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Resolution of Approval -Conservation Easement for the Lee Farm The Board considered a resolution to approve the purchase of and acceptance by Orange County of an agricultural conservation easement for the Lee Farm. ERCD Director Dave Stancil said that this is part of wrapping up many of the agricultural conservation easement projects made possible by the grants from USDA Farm and Ranchland Protection Program. The Lee Farm is located north of Little River Park and the conservation easement would include about 70 acres. This adjoins an 80-acre portion that is a conservation easement proposed with Durham County. This also adjoins a 26-acre existing conservation easement in Durham County. This is a total of 184 acres of agricultural conservation area across county lines. Rich Shaw, Land Conservation Manager, said that the Lee Farm is part of a larger farm that had been part of the Poole Family Farm since the 1800's. The Lee's are a part of the extended family of the Poole's. The farm produces corn, hay, and soybeans. He showed some slides of the properly. He said that the farm is located in a water supply watershed that flows into the Eno River. The owners will be paid $326,000, which is the appraised value of the development rights that will be removed from the property. Half of that amount will be paid by the federal government through its Federal Farmland Protection Program. This is the 10t" farm to be protected through the Land's Legacy program. Rich Shaw read the resolution. A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to approve a resolution, as stated below, to approve the purchase of and acceptance by Orange County of an agricultural conservation easement far the Lee Farm. RESOLUTION Approval of Agricultural Conservation Easement between Orange County and Bill and Michelle Lee WHEREAS, Orange County has an adopted goal promoting the preservation of farmland in the County; and WHEREAS, agriculture in Orange County is an important facet of the economy and way of life in the County; and WHEREAS, one component of the Lands Legacy Program is the acquisition of conservation easements on prime or threatened farmland within water supply watersheds; and WHEREAS, the Lee Farm includes approximately 70 acres in the Little River protected watershed, consists of a majority of prime soils, and is located in an agricultural community with good access to farm markets; and WHEREAS, a matching grant of $163,000 was awarded to Orange County from the federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program to help protect the future of this farm with an agricultural conservation easement; and WHEREAS, a conservation easement on this approximately 70-acre section of the farm would ensure the preservation of this farmland for future generations and compensate the owners far this long-term commitment; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby 1) accept on behalf of Orange County the agricultural conservation easement to protect prime farmland owned by Bill and Michelle Lee; 2) approve the execution of this conservation easement agreement with Bill and Michelle Lee, in accordance with the terms of the proposed easement agreement, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney; and 3) authorize the Chair and the Clerk to sign the easement agreement on behalf of the Board, with a closing to occur on or about June 30, 2007. This the 15th day of May, 2007. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Proclamation Recognizing Disability Awareness Month (added item) The Board considered a proclamation recognizing the month of May 2007 at Disability Awareness Month. Commissioner Gordan read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordan, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the proclamation to recognize the Month of May as Disability Awareness Month as stated below: ORANGE COUNTY DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, persons with disabilities have abilities, talents, and dreams, and with respect and acceptance, individuals with disabilities -mental or physical -can participate in our society and the work force to their fullest capacity; and, WHEREAS, although Orange County offers many opportunities for people with disabilities some of our citizens remain unaware of the capabilities and aspirations of people with disabilities; and, WHEREAS, Orange County recognizes that persons with disabilities are a resource we cannot afford to overlook or not use to their highest potential; and, WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to taking all steps necessary for the full integration of people with disabilities into our community; and, WHEREAS, the Orange County Disability Awareness Council works to promote opportunities for disabled citizens to work and live in an environment free of barriers imposed by architecture, attitude, andlor lack of opportunity; and, WHEREAS, the Orange County Disability Awareness Council advocates strongly for the safety and welfare of all person with disabilities by encouraging them, their families, and neighbors to devise an emergency action plan in case of natural disaster; and, WHEREAS, through the use of assistive technology, people with disabilities can gain equal access to employment; and, WHEREAS, Orange County is proud to be a participant in the American Disability Act (ADA) which will celebrate its seventeenth anniversary this year; NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed that the Orange County Board of Commissioners do hereby recognize the month of May 2007 as DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH in Orange County and urge our citizens to become more aware of the needs, capabilities, and hopes of people with disabilities. This the 15t" day of May 2007 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 4. Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to approve those items on the consent agenda as stated below: a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes from April 10, 12, and 13, 2007 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. b. Appointments (i) Advisory Board on Aging -Reappointments The Board reappointed Florence Soltys, Janice Wassel, and Fred Schroeder to the Advisory Board on Aging with full terms ending June 30, 2010. (2) Animal Services Advisory Board -Reappointments The Board reappointed Dewana Anderson, Kristine Bergstrand, Bonnie Norwood, and Pat Sanford to the Animal Services Advisory Board with full terms ending June 30, 2010. (3) Hyconeechee Library Board of Trustees -Reappointment The Board reappointed Amy Efland to the Hyconeechee Library Board of Trustees with a full term ending March 31, 2010. (4) Information Technoloay Advisory Committee -Reappointments The Board reappointed Frederick Brown and Shang Yin to the Information Technology Advisory Committee with second full terms ending December 31, 2009. c. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Release/Refunds The Board adopted a refund resolution, which is incorporated by reference, related to 59 requests for motor vehicle property tax releases or refunds in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes. d. Child Support Attorney Contract The Board contracted with Coleman, Gledhill, Hargrave and Peek to provide legal representation for the Child Support Office and authorized the Chair to sign. e. Change in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule for 2007 The Board amended its regular meeting calendar by adding a dinner meeting with the Affordable Housing Advisory Board on Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. {prior to the 7:30 p.m. BOCC Work Session} at the Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Road, in Chapel Hill, N. C.; and the Board has a placeholder for an Advisory Dinner Meeting an Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. at the Link Government Services Center, 200 South Cameron Street in Hillsborough and the Social Services Board has requested to meet with the BOCC at this time. f. Bid Award: EMS Patient Care Reporting Software The Board awarded a bid for ZOLL Data Systems Rescuenet software to ZOLL Data Systems, Inc. of Broomfield, Colorado at a total first year cost of $171,991 and authorized the Purchasing Director to purchase the hardware from the North Carolina State Contract; and authorized the Purchasing Director to execute the necessary paperwork. ,g: Acceptance of Historic Preservation Fund (HPF] Grant for Cultural & Archaeological Survey (New Hope Preserve} The Board accepted a Historic Preservation Fund grant of $9,000 to offset the cost of a cultural and archaeological survey for Hollow Rock Access Area open space project scheduled for an upcoming joint master plan design and authorized the Manager to sign the contract. h. Application for State Public School Building Capital Funds and NC Education Lottery Monies The Board approved, and authorized the Chair to sign, the applications far Public School building Capital Funds and NC Education Lottery Proceeds, for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City and Orange County Schools' share of debt service payment related to construction of Rashkis Elementary, Scroggs Elementary, Carrboro High, Cedar Ridge High, and Gravelly Middle 5Cho015. i. Budget Amendment #12 The Board approved budget and school capital project ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2006-07 for Department of Social Services, Emergency Management Services, Non- Departmental, Public Works, Reserves and Operational Savings Distribution, Reserve for Senior Center Operations, Orange County School Capital Projects, and Library Services. L Bid Award: West Ten Soccer Field Construction and Irrigation Project The Board awarded a bid to Carolina Green Corporation for field construction and irrigation improvements at the West Ten Soccer Complex for an amount not to exceed $539,400; and authorized the Purchasing Director to execute paperwork as may be required. VOTE ON CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS 5. Public Hearings-NONE 6. Regular Agenda a. Adoption of the Orange County Master Aging Plan: 2007-2011 The Board considered reviewing, modifying, and adopting the Orange County Master Aging Plan {MAP} update covering the period 2007-2011 that was presented to the BOCC on May 3, 2007. Pat Sprigg, Ca-Chair of the Master Aging Plan Wark Group, said that the work group was before the Board on May 3`d at which time 18 months of work was presented. Tonight the task force is asking for approval of this plan. Chair Carey said that the Board received the report at the last meeting. Commissioner Nelson said that the plan was extraordinarily thorough. He said that later in this meeting, the Board will have a report on housing. He is concerned about housing costs throughout Orange Caunty, and especially those on fixed incomes. He wants to put a plug in for affordable housing. He said that the least expensive house on the market in Chapel Hill is $450,000. Commissioner Jacobs thanked all who worked on the MAP and he wants to make sure to recognize Co-Chair Florence Soltys. He said that Orange County has a dedicated group of seniors. He and Commissioner Gordon served as representatives of the Board of County Commissioners on the Steering Committee. A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to adopt the Orange County Master Aging Plan (MAP} update covering the period 2007-2011 that was presented to the BOCC on May 3, 2007. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Allocation of 2001 County Parks Bond Funds to Southern Community Park The Board considered appropriating $925,000 from the 2001 County Parks and Open Space Bond to the Town of Chapel Hill's Southern Community Park for the construction of three soccer fields. Dave Stancil said that Orange County has a long history of supporting this park in Chapel Hill financially. In the 1997 Parks and Open Space Bond, the County appropriated $1 million. In the 2001 Parks and Open Space Bond, the County also provided an additional $2 million for Southern Community Park. The Town has received construction bids for the project and it was considerably more than anticipated. The Mayor wrote a letter on April 30t" and requested money from Orange County by reallocating the remainder of other funds from the 2001 bond, particularly $925,000 that had been designated for town greenways to Southern Park to help address the gap in funding. Chair Carey verified that this action would bring the amount that Orange County would contribute to $4 million. A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to approve appropriating $925,000 from the 2001 County Parks and Open Space Bond to the Town of Chapel Hill's Southern Community Park for the construction of three soccer fields. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Carey asked Laura Blackmon to draft a letter from him to send to Mayor Foy to notify them of this action, and to incorporate the information that is under the Financial Impact beginning with, "to date", as well as the information in the action that was just taken about the balance due. Commissioner Jacobs said that Chapel Hill also said in a letter that they hoped Orange County would be able to allocate other County money to the greenway that it had committed to. He wanted to acknowledge that the Board recognizes, respects, and will take into account this request. c. Justice Facility Expansion Bid Award and Contract Approval The Board considered awarding a bid not to exceed $10,076,838 and approving a contract with Bordeaux Construction, Inc., Durham, NC for the 40,227-square foot new construction and renovation of the Orange County Justice Facility; and approving the withdrawal of a bid without forfeiture of accompanying bid band from DeVere Construction Company, pursuant to NC GS 143-129.1; and authorizing the Manager to execute change orders as may be required and authorizing the Chair to sign subject to review by the County Attorney. Purchasing and Central Services Director Pam Jones said that this is the culmination of a lot of years' work. She said that the bid tabulation is attached to the abstract, and three bidders were responsive and one was not. The total bid was $10,243,700. The alternates included in the bids include the pavilion for $62,000. There were also some value engineering items totaling $166,862, which will not diminish the value of the project. There are several sustainable design elements, including day-lighting, a geo-thermal system, and energy efficient lighting and toilet fixtures. The rainwater collection system was not recommended because of the cost and the significant payback period. There are also some fairly significant archaeological finds, including a kiln and a well. The funding needed for this is $400,000 more than what the County has. The budget Department has recommended funding this through future CIPs. She spoke of the DeVere Construction bid withdrawal. There was an obvious mistake in how the alternates were priced. DeVere requested that the bid be withdrawn, and staff recommends that this be allowed. Commissioner Gordon said that she was told by one of the architects that Charles Berger did a lot of work on this project. Mr. Berger and some of his family members were killed in an auto accident a few months ago. She suggested a bench or something similar as a remembrance. Pam Jones agreed and said that Mr. Berger was teaching at N. C. State and had his students use this site as a class project. Commissioner Nelson asked about the $400,000 shortfall. Pam Janes said that it is the same thing with the school's overage and it would be brought forth in the CIP. It would essentially be a reimbursement to ourselves. Laura Blackmon said that the money would be encumbered now and it will take two and a half years to spend this money. As funds become available in the next two and a half years as pay-as-you-go, the money will already be dedicated to this project. Commissioner Nelson said that this is his concern. He said that this money will not be available for any other need. He suggested taking this money out of the fund balance or cutting something instead of spending money that is not there. Laura Blackmon said that when the ten-year plan is done, there will be projects shifted, and every year there are additional pay-as-you-go funds. Commissioner Nelson said that it is taking money from the pot and there are other ways to get money. This is not his preferred way of financial management. Commissioner Jacobs pointed out that by the time the justice facilities construction is done, the County will be in the period of expanded indebtedness and will have a lot more flexibility. Laura Blackmon said that the goal is to try to accept the bid tonight and the estimate is three fiscal years to complete and pay for this project. Chair Carey said that he understands the direction that staff is recommending. He thinks that making the decision this way will give the County more time to replenish this fund or look at other options for financing. Commissioner Jacobs said that he is sorry there are no illustrations of the facility. He hopes that once they start construction, there will be signboards to share what is going to happen on this corner in Hillsborough, especially the geo-thermal heating and cooling. He made reference to the decision not to do the rainwater collection and said that the Board felt strongly about this as a sustainable design element. He asked why this was different from the Durham Tech project. Pam Jones said that the estimation was that the payback was longer and there were other significant sustainable design elements. Commissioner Gordon said that one of the reasons this building is more is because the Board of County Commissioners made the facility larger, but she does share Commissioner Nelson's concern. Commissioner Jacobs said that the County actually reduced the size of the justice facilities because it was put all in one box instead of several buildings. Even though it is bigger, it is actually smaller. A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve awarding a bid not to exceed $10,076,838 and approve a contract with Bordeaux Construction, Inc., Durham, NC for the 40,227-square foot new construction and renovation of the Orange County Justice Facility; to approve the withdrawal of a bid without forfeiture of accompanying bid bond from DeVere Construction Company, pursuant to NC GS 143-129.1; authorize the Manager to execute change orders as may be required; and authorize the Chair to sign subject to review by the County Attorney. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Comprehensive Housing Strategy The Board considered the approval of a Comprehensive Housing Strategy prepared for Orange County including the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough. Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes said that in 2005 when the County completed its last five-year consolidated plan for housing and community development programs as is required by HUD, there was interest in extending this plan to gather more information regarding affordable housing. At that time, the County engaged Training and Development Associates to provide an overall hauling market analysis for Orange County. The product of its work is in the packet. She prepared a snapshot of this strategy. Analyzing the housing market is an important exercise for any community. However, it is especially important for those communities that are experiencing tremendous growth in population and property values. Assessing the health and fairness of the housing market helps a community to be sure that all of its citizens have choices when it comes to purchasing or renting their living quarters. Training and Development Associates, Inc. prepared an overall housing market analysis for Orange County including the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough and provided the following components. Population ^ Orange County's population increased by more than 25 percent from 93,851 in 1990 to 118,227 in 2000, outpacing the state by mare than 3 percent. The County is expected to continue to grow through 2010, with the number of people increasing another 19 percent to 140,750. ^ Chapel Hill's population growth rate between 2000 and 2003 was 11.9 percent, or 3.96 percent annually. Based on this rate of growth, the population can be expected to reach 57,827 by the year 2009. ^ Carrboro's estimated growth rate for the period 2000 through 2003 was 4.8 percent or 1.6 percent annually; the population there can be expected to reach 21,340 by 2009.2 ^ Hillsborough's population grew 1.7 percent between 2000 and 2003, ar .57 percent each year,3 suggesting the population of Hillsborough will possibly reach 7,328 by 2009. Income ^ HUD reports the median income for a family of four in Orange County to be $71,300 in 2005.° Assuming a constant growth rate, the percent of households with annual incomes of less than 50 percent of the County's median would represent approximately 25 percent of households in 2005. Fifty percent of the Orange County median income is an annual income of $35,650 in 2005 for a family of four. Housing Market Evaluation measures include: 1. The Affordab!!!ty Index calculates the difference between what a family can pay and what the market indicates the family must pay on a monthly basis; and 2. The Availab!!!ty Index determines appropriately sized housing currently listed for sale and defines what percentage of the available housing is affordable to various income levels. 3. The Cash-to-Close Index which defines the amount of cash needed by a given family to close the purchase of their first home; and 4. The Affordable Nouse Index takes various income levels and derives what an affordable house would cost for that income level. Future Demand Overall, Orange County is expected to experience a 1.3 percent annual population growth rate between 2005 and 2020. The projected population growth rate estimates are: (rising from 93,662 to 118,227). 2 State of North Carolina Municipal Population Estimates, 2003 a State of North Carolina Municipal Population Estimates, 2003 ' HUD February 2005, Raleigh, Durham Chapel HiII MSA Between 2005 and 2010 - t.38 percent, or 2.1 percent annually; and Between 2010 and 2020 - 13.36 percent or 1.33 percent annually. In real terms, Orange County is expected to add 1,064 households per year for the balance of the decade. Nane of the communities in Orange County are expected to experience a decline in growth. Strategies for Future Action Orange County and the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough should ^ Increase the capacity of existing non-profit county-wide developers, or establish such an entity to act as an owner and manager of acquired multifamily units and develop affordable single-family units. ^ Regarding rental units older, large complexes with high vacancy rates are candidates for low income housing tax credit ("LIHTC") or non-profit bond acquisition and rehabilitation. ^ Current efforts in Chapel Hill to encourage developers to build affordable units as part of new developments of five or more units should be expanded to include the entire County and strengthened. ^ Resale of the affordable properties should be restricted based on one or more of several different types of affordability clauses. Examples include: - An affordability clause that permits the buyer to retain appreciation in the property in relationship to the original purchase price. For example, if a buyer purchases the home at $200,000 and the appraised market value of the home is $260,000 in the current market, then the buyer may only retain the appreciation upon sale that is greater than $60,000. - A restricted resale provision which only allows sale of the property to a family at below the requisite median income at the time of sale. - Aland lease that requires the resale of the property to the countywide non-profit at the acquisition price plus some form of appreciation defined by the County. ^ Developers who wish to opt out of the requirement should be allowed to make a contribution to a countywide non-profit equal to the difference in price between the unit the developer builds and the required affordable unit. The countywide non-profit could then use those funds to: - Acquire, rehabilitate, and sell existing housing at affordable levels; - Acquire units in condominium properties which can be subsidized, restricted and resold to affordable buyers; - Build new restricted units for sale. Commissioner Jacobs noted that Chapel Hill does have more of a requirement than anyone else, but Carrboro tries to exact affordable units and Hillsborough has tried also. He would like to note this so that it does not seem that Chapel Hill is the only one that is doing this. He made reference to page 4, under Future Demand, it says that a 1.3% population growth rate is expected annually from 2005 to 2020, but the five years from 2005 to 2010 is a 2.1 °lo annual growth rate, and the next ten years is a 1.33% growth rate. Tara Fikes said that she would look at the numbers again. ° North Carolina State, Populations Estimates 2000 - 2003. The increase in population over the three year period established the current growth rate on an annual basis. This growth rate differs slightly from overall State projections, yielding an overall household growth rate about 10% higher than the State projection. Commissioner Nelson said that this is goad work. He said that the problem here is vast and it goes beyond people who are at 80% or 100°Io of median income. The rhetorical question for him is what kind of county do we want to grow into, and are there things that can be done to go beyond this to address the situation this county is in now with rising housing costs. He wants to have an honest discussion about what factors have created this housing market. Chair Carey said that many of these things in the Strategies for Future Action, the County is already doing to some degree, and they need to continue to do these things. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to approve a Comprehensive Housing Strategy prepared far Orange County including the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. Ten t10) Year Plan to End Homelessness The Board considered acceptance of the Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness in Orange County and the appointment of a BOCC Representative to the Executive Team. Tara Fikes said that as of today this report has been presented to the other three municipalities, and Chapel Hill and Hillsborough have endorsed it. It is expected that Carrboro will endorse it at a future meeting. The staff is asking the Board of County Commissioners to endorse the plan and to appoint a member to the Executive Team. Chair Carey said that adoption of the plan asks the Board to make some financial commitments to assist with the implementation of funding a portion of the position that will be necessary. This will be part of the budget considerations for next year. A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve acceptance of the Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness in Orange County. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Gordan nominated Chair Carey as the BOCC Representative to the Executive Team. He accepted. f. Planning for Possible School-based Health Center in Orange County School District The Board considered participating in consideration of a school-based health center in the Orange County School District and to appoint a liaison to the planning group. Laura Blackmon said that on April 30th there was a presentation on this item by Superintendent Shirley Carraway, and one of the requests was to have someone appointed to the planning group. There will be no cost associated with this appointment. Commissioner Foushee said that there is no obligation for the Board of County Commissioners to provide funding at this point. She said that all of them are aware of what mental health reform has done for mental health in this community. This program will serve students particularly far mental health issues. She volunteered to be the liaison. Commissioner Jacobs said that he was reminded of a question he wanted to ask Tara Fikes regarding the Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness. He said that he assumes that in the next permutation, there will be priority groups targeted and priority strategies. He said that there are a number of reasons why it might be wise to start with people who are mentally ill and homeless, in trying to make sure that they have a place. Tara Fikes said that this has been discussed, and the first goal addresses the need to reduce chronic homelessness, and those who are chronically homeless usually have mental illness. Commissioner Jacobs said that the more visible and articulated this strategy is, the better. Laura Blackmon said that the Health Department does have a planning grant far this School-based Health Center, and the Health Department is working very closely with this. The Board agreed to approve participating in consideration of a school-based health center in the Orange County School District and to appoint a liaison to the planning group. Commissioner Foushee volunteered to be the liaison. 7. Reports a. Report -Water Resources Program Proposal The Board received a report on the water resources discussions of the Board of HealthlCommissionfnr the Environment joint work group and the subsequent Water Resources Program Phased Implementation Proposal. Laura Blackmon said that there was a Water Conservation/Water Resources initiative in 2000-2001, there have been quite a few studies, and there has been some discussion through the ERCD about possibly appointing a Water Resources position. Parallel to that, the Health Department began to look at water quality issues associated with health concerns. Last year in the budget there was a request from the two departments for staff to deal with this initiative. There was some discussion by the Board about where this position should be appointed and how many people should be appointed. The two departments were to discuss how to work this out. The boards and the staff met with Andy Sachs from the Dispute Settlement Center to negotiate. Ultimately, the two departments came back and said that it was the Manager's decision. She met with the two department heads to figure this out, and there was a report included in the abstract about job descriptions and a program on page 12 and 13, which is a phased implementation plan for an Orange County Water Resources Program. There will be an inter-departmental team between the two departments, and it will also include Planning and Soil and Water. The team will coordinate the program. The first step is to hire a Water Resources Coordinator housed in ERCD in June 2007. The Water Resources Specialist and the Data Specialist would be hired by the Health Department in July 2008. Page 17 has a rough estimate of the costs of initiating this program. Chair Carey said that this started out with two positions and an unclear concept, and now it is up to six positions and an expanded concept. He said that he appreciates the work, but this may need mare work to help him understand the new program. He thinks that this should be a work session item to discuss the program. Commissioner Gordan commended both departments. She said that there were two things to consider. One thing was that there was a water resources initiative that was approved by the County Commissioners two years ago and funds were set aside for one position. The question was where the position would be and what it would do. The other thing was how this position would function in the County's overall goal of handling water resources. She was glad that a recommendation came back. She said that it is timely to have a Water Resources Coordinator position when the comprehensive plan is being redone. Another urgent issue has to do with droughts and floods. She said that the position could also help with subdivision approvals, help citizens with where to site wells, etc. She suggested that the first position {ERCD Water Resources Coordinator) begin immediately to work on the comprehensive plan as well as draughts and floods and then work with other departments to see what the nature of the water resources program should be. She would like this placed on another agenda to see about starting the ERCD position. Commissioner Foushee asked what is included in the startup costs far the two Health Department positions and Laura Blackmon said that this would include office equipment and supplies. Commissioner Foushee asked if this includes an automobile, etc. Health Director Rosemary Summers said that the startup casts far these positions do include a vehicle because these are field positions. She said they wanted to put all costs upfront, and there may be operational costs down the line. Commissioner Nelson said that he agreed with Chair Corey's suggestion that this program discussion should be a work session. He said that he would be comfortable in proceeding with the first position (Water Resources Coordinator}. He does understand the needs and the issue of water, and in an ideal situation these kinds of positions should be funded. He is mare than happy to talk about it in a work session. However, the County is not in an ideal situation from a budget standpoint. He is not inclined to create a new program until the budget is under control. He asked how much Andy Sachs charged to facilitate this meeting with the two departments and Dave Stancil said approximately $1,500. Commissioner Nelson said that, in general, it is normal to have different perspectives in different departments and it is not really a dispute that should be mediated. He said that he would not be inclined to support this in the future when this is a leadership decision. Commissioner Jacobs said that to some extent he agreed with all before him. He said that there was a meeting of the Highway 57 Task Farce and someone asked about the stipulation about water and sewer not being provided to this area. He spoke about Orange County's commitment to protecting water supply watersheds and how it predates anyone on the Board of County Commissioners. He said that there has been a historic commitment in the County to protecting water resources. He also thinks that he wants to see the schools look at their programming as the County goes through its budget process, and before they add new programs, he wants to see them look at cutting same existing programming before asking for more money. He would expect the same from the County. Even though the money was set aside, the program should be discussed and it should be measured against other new positions departments are asking for. Chair Carey suggested bringing Soil and Water Conservation to the table when this is discussed in the future. Commissioner Gordon said that Soil and Water has been involved in the discussion. She said that this is not a new effort, but was started in 1992. b. SAPFOTAC iSchools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Technical Advisory Committee) Class Size Amendment Information The Board received responses to questions raised at the March 27, 2007 BOCC meeting regarding amendments to class size ratios and school capacity. Craig Benedict said that on March 27t" the Board asked about the impacts of capacity changes in both school systems based on the legislation coming forward from the State. Both school systems were asked to provide information an the number of classrooms that would be affected with the capacity change from 1:23 to 1:21. CHCCS have 199 classrooms and OCS have 164 classrooms that would be affected. The amount of capacity lost would be 262 student seats in the CHCCS and 228 student seats in the OCS. This change would happen after Elementary School #10 opens, but the capacity of the new school would have to be adjusted down from 585 seats. He said that this is an unfunded mandate from the State. The total SAPFOTAC report will come forward in about a month. $. Board Comments Commissioner Gordon - no comments. Commissioner Jacobs said that TJCOG is initiating an infrastructure initiative, and it has enlisted N. C. State, Duke, NCCU, and UNC to contribute money far a minimum of three years. The focus will be infrastructure issues. This may be more fruitful than usual as a regional effort to get people to the table regarding things such as transportation. This will transcend jurisdictional lines and will include multiple counties, Triangle J, UNC, TTA, Research Triangle Regional Partnership, and the MPOs are all going to participate. Commissioner Jacobs said that there was a column in the Chapel Hill Herald by someone who rides the TTA buses, and he would assume that TTA is going to respond. This woman was from England and said that the Chapel Hill Transit buses were very good and that the TTA buses led their riders to believe that they were scum because the service was so bad. He hopes that there is going to be a response. Commissioner Jacobs said that he and Commissioner Carey went to the grand opening at the Walnut Grove Church Raad Solid Waste Convenience Center yesterday, and it is an improvement from the one on NC 57. He said that the Highway 57 Task Force met last night and this group will be making recommendations for an upcoming public hearing regarding conforming and non-conforming business enterprises. Commissioner Jacobs said that next Tuesday night, May 22"d, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., the public is invited to participate in a meeting with the Library Consultant that was hired for the planning of the new Central Orange Library that will be located on W. Market Lane. The meeting is at the conference room in the present library on the 2"d floor. He asked about the rumor he heard about a grant. Laura Blackmon said that the County received a $500,000 grant for the Northern Human Services Center. Chair Carey invited Economic Development Director Dianne Reid to come down because this is her last meeting as an Orange County employee. He thanked her for all of the work she has done over the last 8 years. Dianne Reid thanked them all. Commissioner Nelson - no comments. Commissioner Foushee said that the Eno EDD Task Force met last night and they discussed how water and sewer might be brought to the area, transportation issues related to US 70/I-85, permitted uses far this area, and the desired businesses that the County would like to see came to this area. She said that all of the meetings have been very well attended; however there has not been a core group of citizens that have returned. The next meeting is the 18t" and there will be same small groups. Commissioner Foushee made reference to the First School and said that CHCCS has pulled back the support far moving forward with this project because the estimated capital cost for this facility is $30 million for an elementary school that will only seat just fewer than 300 students. The University has indicated that it is willing to put forward $7.5 million, leaving $22.5 million for the school system. CHCCS is hesitant to move forward at this time. Chair Carey said that he received a request for funding from the Orange County Day Care Coalition. There was also a request for the Board to consider two policy changes. One is related to involving employees of non-profit organizations in the County's health care plan. The other request is from the Chapel Hill Training Outreach Project for $200,000. Since this request, he thinks that they have received $100,000 from OPC and would only need $100,000 from Orange County. He said that last year Orange County allocated over $500,000 to agencies that were affiliated with OPC. 9. County Manager's Report Laura Blackmon said that the meeting an May 22"d regarding the library will have events all day. She listed these times. She said that a few months ago she received concerns about panhandling at the intersection of NC 86 and I-40. She understands that this area is under the jurisdiction of Chapel Hill. She asked if the Board was interested in staff pursuing some remedies to limit or eliminate this panhandling. Commissioner Gordon said that the Manager should address this and Chair Carey agreed. Laura Blackmon said that she would contact the Town of Chapel Hill about this. She said that she has been involved in Leadership Triangle for four months and her graduation is May 17th. This is a mandatory event. The Board of County Commissioners has a work session that evening. She has talked to Budget Director Donna Coffey about doing some of the presentations before she can came to the meeting. Commissioner Foushee will also attend the graduation. 10. Appointments a. Agricultural Preservation Commission -New Appointments The Board considered making appointments to the Agricultural Preservation Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to appoint Roland Walters and Stanley Hughes to At-large positions on the Agricultural Preservation Commission with terms ending June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009 respectively. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Chapel Hill Planning Board -New Appointment The Board considered making one new appointment to the Chapel Hill Planning Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to appoint Paul Guthrie to the Chapel Hill Planning Board with a term ending June 30, 2009. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Economic Development Commission -New Appointment The Board considered making a new appointment to the Economic Development Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordan to appoint Dan Coleman to the Economic Development Commission as an elected official representing the Town of Carrboro, with a term ending June 30, 2009. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Human Relations Committee -New Appointments The Board considered making appointments to the Human Relation commission (HRC). A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to appoint Margot Lester to the Human Relation commission (HRC) with a term ending June 30, 2010. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 11. Closed Session-NONE 12. Information Items • Memo from Aging Director to County Manager Regarding Transition of Seniors from Northside to the New Seymour Center This is an information item only and Laura Blackmon said that Department on Aging Director Jerry Passmore has addressed some planning processes to prepare for this move. Commissioner Jacobs said that before the next regular meeting, there will be a ribbon cutting for the Seymour Center on May 24t" at 10:00 a.m. The public is invited. 13. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 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, May 10, 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 16 cfs {10.3 million gallons per day), which is well below the median flow for this time of year.. • There are no Eno River Capacity Use Restrictions in effect at this time. West Fork Reservoir • Water level is full and spilling • Water storage capacity remaining is 100°l0 • 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 Water level at University Lake is 11.25" below full Total remaining water storage capacity is approximately 98.6°~ Approximately 337 days of water supply remaining (at current 7-day average daily demand [9.8 million gallons per day]) National Weather ServicelNOAA Regional Precipitation data (inches above [+l or below [-l normal) RDU -0.59" since May 1, 2007 Miscellaneous notes Piedmont-Triad -0.73" since May 1, 2007 The NC Draught Management Advisory Council draught map, updated May 8, 2007, shaves Orange County to be in the area characterized as "abnormally dry" in terms of drought conditions. The portion of the state west of Winston-Salem is classified as either "moderate or severe draught".