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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-19-2013 APPROVED 4/23/2013 MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING March 19, 2013 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center, in Chapel Hill, N.C. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jacobs and Commissioners Mark Dorosin, Alice M. Gordon, Barry Jacobs, Earl McKee, Bernadette Pelissier, Renee Price and Penny Rich COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Frank Clifton, Assistant County Managers Michael Talbert, Clarence Grier and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE. 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda The Chair went through the items at the County Commissioners' places: - Community Giving Foundation outreach materials for Item 4-c- - Enlarged excel spread sheets for Item 5-d — Page 63-64 — Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (SAPFO) — Receipt and Transmittal of 2013 Annual Technical Advisory Committee Report - PowerPoint for Item 7-b — Southern Branch Library Siting Criteria — Process Update - Blue Sheet — for Item 11-h- Planning Board appointments — Revised abstract fact sheet Chair Jacobs said that the Board had shown interest in vetting applicants, and those with fiduciary responsibilities, for certain boards, including: Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, ABC, OWASA, and the E&R Board. He noted that there is a work session scheduled for May 14th regarding appointment and vetting protocols. He said a letter was received from Attorney, John Roberts concerning the Board's thoughts on the application process and no one responded. He suggested that the Board defer making appointments to the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment until after the May 14th discussion; and people currently serving can continue until replacements are made. Commissioner Gordon expressed her support of the idea that these two boards are deferred A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to defer appointments to the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment. VOTE: UNANIMOUS PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Don O'Leary said he had received the Agenda Review's response to his petition to discuss ICLEI with Commissioner McKee and Chair Jacobs. He said sometimes a difference of opinion is based on a different perception of reality. He said that, taking everything into the universe into consideration all that really matters is about 3 centimeters in the back of your brain and he is looking forward to the scheduled meeting. 3. Petitions by Board Members Commissioner Dorosin said about a year ago the Board of County Commissioners agreed to banning of the box on employment applications, regarding criminal convictions that would prohibit someone from being considered for employment. He said that other communities who have done this have a more comprehensive policy and process related to applications. He requested more information about the impact of this change and information as to whether there should be a more extensive process and policy. This is to ensure there is no discrimination against folks because of their background. Chair Jacobs said he received calls from legislators, Senator Ellie Kinnaird and Representative Foushee, about legislative deadlines. He petitioned the Board to develop a more expeditious way to respond to legislative concerns. He noted that by the time the Board gets an item on an agenda, it is already been decided at the state level and it is then too late to act. He said the Board needs a more streamlined process. He said that perhaps the Chair and Vice Chair and other members of the legislative goals committee could respond or could add the item to the agenda for the entire board to act on. Chair Jacobs referenced a discussion with Commissioner Dorosin regarding the consent agenda and the way the Board communicates. He noted that the Board of County Commissioners is encouraged to ask questions regarding items on the consent agenda by emails through noon of the day before the meeting. He said the Board members receive answers, but these are not shared with the public. He suggested that staff figure a way to post these consent item emails in a more conspicuous spot on the website. This will allow the public to see the answers to items that are not discussed on the consent agenda. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations a. Special Recognition for the Carol Woods Retirement Community The Board recognized the Carol Woods Retirement Community for its continuing financial contribution to Orange County. Clarence Grier said he would like to recognize the Carol Woods Retirement Community for their continued financial contributions to Orange County. He said that since 2003 Carol Woods has been exempted from property taxes, but the community has still found civic ways to contribute the County General Fund. He said that since 2003 the community has provided yearly contributions of around $175,000, totaling $2,066,244. Janice Tyler said Carol Woods has made the contributions mentioned above because of community's mission to be responsible and supportive to the larger community. She said her department is especially pleased to have Carol Woods as a community partner and values the many hours the residents contribute to volunteer work. She introduced Nape Baker, President of Carol Woods Retirement Community. Nape Baker, on behalf of the Carol Woods Community, said he is grateful to be a part of Orange County and to support the programs for aging in the area. He said the most recent report showed that the 450 residents of Carol Woods have contributed more than 35,000 volunteer hours to their community. b. Resolution Recognizing the Orange County Emergency Services Workgroup The Board considered approval of a Resolution recognizing the Emergency Services Workgroup, comprised of a very dynamic and diverse group of residents, elected officials, and emergency responders, for providing a valuable service to Orange County. Commissioner McKee introduced this item. He said this group started meeting over a year ago and, along with Steve Allan, came up with a list of improvements and changes for Emergency Services. He said there was a broad range of individuals who worked on this group; representatives from the Board of County Commissioners, fire departments, Emergency Services, citizens, etc. The recommendations that came out of this group will improve and speed up the services and will make it easier for the departments, staff and County management to work together for the benefit of the citizens. Commissioner Gordon read the resolution: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES WORK GROUP WHEREAS, on January 24, 2012, the Orange County Board of Commissioners created the Emergency Services Workgroup with a charge to: review VIPER system improvements and provide input; review the preliminary findings of Solutions for Local Government, Inc. and provide input; provide the Board with alternative short-term and long-term solutions relating to Fire Protections Districts, Fire Insurance Districts and Fire Tax Districts; and review the Fire Departments Strategic Plan once complete and provide input; and WHEREAS, the Workgroup was charged with making recommendations for system improvements for EMS Ambulance response times including but not limited to equipment, staffing, facilities and/or a strategic plan, to define data elements for meaningful analytical data as related to ambulance response time and to discuss and review that data and to recommend improvements for the E911 Communications Center including but not limited to technology, equipment, staffing, training and/or a strategic plan; and WHEREAS, the Emergency Services Workgroup, comprised of a diverse membership representing residents and the many facets of emergency services in Orange County, gave of their time and expertise for over 12 months, to this Workgroup and the members of this Workgroup represented significant experience and expertise in emergency response services: • Volunteer Fire Chiefs — Orange County Fire Chief's Association —Fire Chief Mike Tapp and Fire Chief Bryan Baker • South Orange Rescue Squad — Chief Matthew Mauzy • Municipal Fire Chief—Town of Chapel Hill Fire Chief Dan Jones Alternate — Police Chief Chris Blue • Municipal Police Chief — Town of Carrboro Police Chief or Designee — Captain Walter Horton • Municipal Police Chief— Town of Hillsborough Police Chief or Designee — Police Chief Duane Hampton • Orange County Sheriff— Sheriff or Designee — Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass Alternate — Captain James Nida • Former Emergency Services Director Frank Montes de Oca • Board of County Commissioners — Commissioner Earl McKee Alternate — Former Commissioner Valerie Foushee • County Medical Director— Dr. Jane Brice • Orange County Resident At-Large — Jane Cousins WHEREAS, the Emergency Services Workgroup has completed its charge and submitted recommendations to the Board; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby commends and thanks the Emergency Services Workgroup on its efforts to find consensus and balance on numerous competing and controversial issues facing emergency services in Orange County and hereby recognizes these members for their community spirit, expertise and dedication to improving the quality of emergency services for all residents of Orange County. This, the 19th day of March 2013. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve Resolution recognizing the Emergency Services Workgroup, comprised of a very dynamic and diverse group of residents, elected officials, and emergency responders, for providing a valuable service to Orange County. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Kick-off of Community Giving Fund for Orange County The Board previewed and considered the kickoff of Orange County's Community Giving Fund and Orange County's new partnership with Triangle Community Foundation (TCF). Bob Marotto, Animal Services Director, and part of management team for CGF for Orange County, introduced himself. He said the Board of County Commissioners approved the creation of this fund in November to raise and receive donations to enhance services and county supported activities. He said this would be a preview of the public relations material that will be used to promote the giving fund. He said an agreement had been entered into with the Triangle Community Foundation to open an agency fund and a management team had been created to manage the fund. He said that meetings had been held with TCF to work through matters such as financial flow and gift acknowledgement. He said that this is all possible because of the TCF and he introduced Lori O'Keefe. Lori O'Keefe spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors at TCF, and expressed excitement about this new partnership with Orange County. She noted that this is a first for TCF, who tends to work more with non-profits, businesses and families by assisting them in giving to important causes. She said this fund is a great way to engage other local funders and government agencies as community partners to work in collaboration to support causes important to the community. She gave some background on the organization and said TCF was founded 30 years ago and serves 4 counties — Orange, Durham, Chatham and Wake. She said TCF funds non- profits, partners and educates donors, and provides civic leadership around key issues and opportunities in the community. TCF manages approximately 150 million dollars and over 800 charitable funds established by residents and organizations across the triangle. She noted that TCF invested more than 1.5 million dollars in Orange County last year. She listed several organization across Orange County whose assets and investments are managed by TCF. Through its partnership with Orange County Community fund, TCF will be able to help people give directly to enhance services in Orange County. She noted that there is a list of over 40 different options for contribution designations (attachment 3, page 5 of item 4-c). Carla Banks, County Director of Public Affairs, reviewed the outreach materials for the community giving fund. She said the materials in front of the Board will be the main focus for the marketing outreach. She noted the list of giving options mentioned above, as well as frequently asked questions, and an identifying card for donations. She noted the banners and other materials to be used in promotion as well as the website (OCNCGiving.org) and email. She said there will be radio and newspaper advertisements to run in the summer, promoting the fund. Chair Jacobs said he realizes that the public contributes involuntarily to Orange County Government, but noted that this is an opportunity to target voluntary contributions. He thanked the management team for their hard work. 5. Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve the consent agenda. VOTE: UNANIMOUS a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes from December 11, 2012, January 24, 29 and February 12, 2013 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release motor vehicle property tax values for twenty-five (25) taxpayers with a total of fifty (50) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue in accordance with NCGS. c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property tax values for eight (8) taxpayers with a total of eleven (11) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381. d. Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (SAPFO) — Receipt and Transmittal of 2013 Annual Technical Advisory Committee Report The Board received the 2013 Annual Report of the SAPFO Technical Advisory Committee (SAPFOTAC) and transmitted it to the SAPFO partners for comments before certification in May. e. Fiscal Year 2012-13 Budget Amendment#8 The Board approved budget and grant project ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2012-13 for: Visitors Bureau, Department on Aging, and Board of Elections. f. Public Safety Radio Replacement/Purchase and Approval of Budget Amendment#8- A_ The Board approved the replacement of twenty-seven (27) current Motorola portable radios with the purchase of new APX model Motorola Radios, and approve Budget Amendment# 8- A, which appropriates $89,077 from the County's Unassigned General Fund balance for the purchase. g_ Public Safety Console Replacement and Approval of Budget Amendment#8-113 The Board approved an agreement for the purchase of seven (7) Motorola Radio consoles in the 9-1-1 Center to replace seven (7) existing consoles that will soon be obsolete, and purchase four (4) additional consoles to prepare for growth, with the new consoles all being APCO P25 digital compliant for a total project cost of$770,088 and authorize the Chair to sign. h. Application for North Carolina Education Lottery Proceeds for Chapel Hill — Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) and Contingent Approval of Budget Amendment#8-C Related to CHCCS Capital Project Ordinances The Board approved an application to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) to release funds from the NC Education Lottery account related to FY 2012-13 debt service payments for Chapel Hill — Carrboro City Schools, and approved Budget Amendment #8-C (amended School Capital Project Ordinances), contingent on the State's approval of the application, and authorized the Chair to sign. i. Approval to Extend the Central Orange Fire Insurance District Boundary The Board approved the Central Orange Insurance District Map which has been expanded to include properties from the Cedar Grove Fire District that are not currently in an insurance district. L White Cross Fire Department Proposal to Construct Station #2, Purchase Tanker, and Increase Station Staffing The Board approved the proposal from White Cross Fire Department to construct a second station to be located at 2521 Neville Road, purchase a tanker, and increase staffing. k. Changes in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule for 2013 The Board considered three changes in the County Commissioners' regular meeting calendar for 2013 as follows: - Add a BOCC meeting on Thursday, April 4, 2013 to jointly meet with the Town of Hillsborough, Town residents, Cultural Community representatives, and Orange County School member regarding the potential uses for the Whitted space. This meeting will be held at the Whitted facility. (The Asset Management Services Department will be responsible for meeting set up, A/V, sound system, etc.) - Add a BOCC meeting (public hearing) for the Fire Service Districts on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 7:00 pm at Carrboro High School. 6. Public Hearings-NONE 7. Regular Agenda a. Approval of Use Agreement between Orange County and the Orange Rural Fire Department The Board considered approving the recommendation from the Emergency Services Director to enter into an agreement with the Orange Rural Fire Department in order to place one (1) emergency medical services (EMS) ambulance at the Orange Rural Fire Department (ORFD) station at 835 Phelps Road and authorize the Manager to sign. Jim Groves, Emergency Services Director for Orange County, recognized Jeff Cabe, Chief of Orange Rural Fire Department and Jeff Borland, Chief of Cedar Grove Fire Department. He said the Allen Study on Emergency Services was very beneficial to Orange County in recommending work on improved response times in Orange County. He said Jeff Cabe has worked with Emergency Services to house Emergency Services ambulances, to store their drugs in a secure location and a to provide a place for their staff to rest when there is downtime. He said all of Emergency Services ambulances are located outside at this time and station 2 will provide a great place to house an ambulance in the northern part of Orange County. He discussed current response times, referring to a map of the district zones. He noted that having this station to co-locate their ambulance will help decrease response times in these northern areas. He said the only cost will be the difference in utility costs incurred with usage. He noted the key points of agreement as follows: it provides a bay area for ambulances, provides a work area for medics, and is a rent free facility - Emergency Services will only pay the difference in utilities. Commissioner Dorosin asked where the ambulance to be sited at this area is currently being kept and Jim Groves said it is a roving ambulance. Commissioner McKee said this is excellent opportunity and a new concept and he hoped to use this agreement as a template to approach other departments with staging opportunities. Commissioner Price applauded all of these efforts and asked if there could be the addition of the word ethnicity to the agreement. A motion was made by Commissioner Price seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve the recommendation from the Emergency Services Director to enter into an agreement, with a change to item 17 to add the word ethnicity, with the Orange Rural Fire Department in order to place one (1) emergency medical services (EMS) ambulance at the Orange Rural Fire Department (ORFD) station at 835 Phelps Road and authorize the Manager to sign the Use Agreement. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner McKee said the consent agenda mentioned the departments working collaboratively on the insurance district boundaries to bring people within the 6 mile limit. He expressed his appreciation of these efforts. b. Southern Branch Library Siting Criteria — Process Update The Board received an update on the Southern Branch Library site selection analysis, provided feedback to staff on next steps, and authorized staff to present this information and relevant BOCC comments to the Carrboro Board of Aldermen at its April 9, 2013 work session. Chair Jacobs asked staff to address the letter from Carrboro on page 10 during their presentations Lucinda Munger, Orange County Library Director, introduced the presentation and reviewed the PowerPoint Slides as follows: Southern Library Site Evaluation Update 3/19/13 • Area Locator: (map) • Intended Outcome: - Background - Summary of Carrboro Suggested Site Evaluation ■ 301 West Main Street (Town Hall) ■ 401 Fidelity Street ■ 1128 Hillsborough Street - BOCC Feedback and Guidance - BOCC authorization to present to the Carrboro Board of Aldermen Jeff Thompson, Asset Management Services Director continued the presentation of slides as follows • Background: - Southern Library Intent ■ Full service library ■ Potential 20,000 square foot, single level facility ■ Serving residents in southern Orange County ■ 2016-17 CIP - BOCC Establishment of Site Selection Criteria with Carrboro Input— 9118112 - Carrboro Aldermen site suggestions— three sites— 1216112 • Preliminary Evaluation Summary: - Initial Staff Review: • Literature Review • Site Visits • No Technical Analysis ■ (Survey, Soils, Environmental, Appraisal, Title, etc.) - Town Hall not viable • Expense • Parking Displacement/Limits • Displacement of existing services (Market Shelters, Government Services, etc.) • Unknown and/or Limited Expansion Potential • Town Hall: (map) • Staff Opinion for Continued Technical Site Review &Assessment: - 401 Fidelity& 1128 Hillsborough Sites are both viable and warrant technical analysis • Good access to public transportation • Utility Availability • Adequate land area • Similar zoning review process • Proximity to existing population • Reasonable acquisition cost • Staff Opinion for Continued Technical Site Review &Assessment: - Staff prefers 1128 Hillsborough: ■ Reasonable existing site conditions • Enhanced opportunities for synergy between a park and library facility (i.e. — shared programs & infrastructure) • Service to existing and future regional populations • Sufficient area for expansion for future Orange County need • 401 Fidelity: (map) • 401 Fidelity: Conceptual Location (map) • 1128 Hillsborough: (map) • 1128 Hillsborough: Conceptual Location (map) Jeff Thompson, referring to the map for 401 Fidelity, said one of the concerns with this property is the work needed to build so close to the adjoining cemetery. He referenced large rock outcroppings that necessitate more work to prepare the site and he reviewed the conceptual map. With regard to 1128 Hillsborough, he noted that the area outlined in red on the map (the Shetley property) is property currently for sale and the area outlined in blue is the Martin Luther King Junior Park site. Combining the two properties together offers the most promise in siting. The Shetley property has limitations such as limited road access but when combined with the park property there is road frontage and visibility if the library could be placed on the park property. He said that this will require partnership with Carrboro and will give plenty of area for synergy between the park and library. He said that there may be some difficulties with wet areas. Chair Jacobs said he talked with Mayor Chilton today. He referred to the letter on page 10 of the abstract for item 7-b and read the following paragraph: "the Carrboro Board would also like to continue discussions with the Orange County Board of Commissioners, regarding the County's siting criteria. The purpose of this discussion would be to reevaluate the criteria in order for consideration of additional sites in planned and approved mixed-use projects in downtown Carrboro..." Chair Jacobs said Mayor Chilton made some suggestions about some sites and made it clear he had some sense of what his board was interested in. Chair Jacobs said Mayor Chilton expressed desire for continued conversation regarding other potential sites. He suggested some receptivity on the idea of partnering with Carrboro on looking at other projects in the works. Commissioner Rich said she had spoken to some Aldermen, who expressed the same sentiment as the Mayor. She also asked why there is an effort to build a 20,000 sq ft single level facility in the Town of Carrboro. Frank Clifton said it is not a library for Carrboro but will provide library services throughout that portion of Orange County. He said the problem with Orange County property is that there are no adequate utilities, so the current plans look at the town's area with utilities. He said the county currently operates a part time library at McDougle Elementary that is closed during the day and open on evenings and weekends. He said this limits the activities of the library. He said that there have been many locations looked at, including along Highway 54 and other areas. He said that the 20,000 square foot plan comes from past studies and allows for all basic library services as well as meeting space and area for children's activities. Commissioner Rich noted that, according to Frank Clifton, the library studies were done years ago. She said it is her opinion that the Board needs to think into the future and not build yesterday's library. She noted that there is a there is a new expanded library opening in Chapel Hill next month. She expressed concern about the plan and said that as Carrboro brings forth options for siting the library, the Board needs to consider not building yesterday's library. Chair Jacobs said he was on all three library task forces, and Orange County created the Cybrary and Carrboro provided the space for this cybrary in the Century Center free of charge. He noted that this was a nationally award winning collaboration and one of the first places where people could come exclusively to use computers and magazines to access the library services. He said that the library services task force report that is referred to recommends a 43,000 square foot central library and a smaller 20,000 square foot branch library. He noted that the County has a 23,000 square foot central library, so a concomitantly sized branch library might be considerably smaller than 20,000 square feet. He said this board has never decided what size of branch library they would like to build and this is a concept based on a report relating to a standard in place ten years ago. He said the Board may want to wait on the results of the library strategic plan before deciding on size. Commissioner Price asked if the Cybrary would be part of the new library or would remain as is. She also questioned whether mixed use or multi-purpose library space had been discussed, since she this had been discussed among people in the community. Frank Clifton said this issue has been pursued many times over the years. He said that there is an element that would like to see an urbanized library and coffee shop. He said that the difference is that Chapel Hill is a municipal library, built primarily for the citizens of Chapel Hill. He said that the County has a broader range of residents to reach and not everyone has bus service so most who would use the County facilities would have to travel there by automobile. He said that, with regard to one level, a multi-level requires more staffing. He said the County needs to build a facility that it can afford to operate. Commissioner Dorosin referenced the Hillsborough Road site and asked if the three acre parcel would be purchased just for a driveway or if there could be additional uses for this property. Jeff Thompson said there could be other uses. He said that there would be synergy with the park and possibly some outdoor library programs. Commissioner Gordon asked where the pond on the Hillsborough site is located. Jeff Thompson referenced the pond area on the map and said this area may not be suitable for development other than park development. PUBLIC COMMENT: James Carnahan expressed his excitement at seeing this project come to fruition and read from 2004 library services task force report indicating the support of the Town of Carrboro for a library in central Carrboro. He said he wanted to re-iterate the number of people who would be served by this library and he advocated for a location in the central business district. He stressed the benefit of a synergistic arrangement. He said that he respectfully disagrees with the dismissal of the Town Hall site. He referenced a feasibility report on this site and offered to share that report with the board. Randee Haven O'Donnell, Board of Alderman member, said she served with Chair Jacobs on the last two task forces. She said she learned that a library is part of an economic engine and it generates community and other business. She noted that the discussion is about the southwest neighborhoods and communities that are already involved in downtown Carrboro and she advocated for a synergistic partnership. She said there have been several opportunities to site a smaller library in downtown Carrboro and encouraged the Board of County Commissioners to take a look at this potential. She referenced the Hillsborough Road map and said that they should hold off on having too much discussion about this property. The Carrboro Board has not been looking at this potential property as one that would have the library on the park part of the property. She suggested that it be added onto the list of potential sites to be reviewed on April 9. Patrick McDonough said he has been a resident of Orange County for 13 years and he is a parent and is speaking on his own behalf. He said there is room for improvement on the site selection process. He shared some highlights of an email he sent previously and said that the staff criteria are painfully biased against urban locations. He said that a minimum acreage standard is not needed, rather a minimum square foot to fulfill library functions. He said that the Board might look at whether the square footage can be allowed under the height requirements. He said that multiple uses in buildings can gain efficiencies that make up for larger staff needs. He said that if there is a fiscal issue, then it should be set forth as a money limit, but not a size limit. He noted that there are plenty of shared parking options at other libraries in the area. He referenced transit access and said that it is important that a spot with good access is used. He said that the library is more needed in a lower median income area and said that he would like to see more urban sites considered. He referenced his website, www.citybeautiful2l.com Gary Giles referenced the feasibility study mentioned by Patrick McDonough and said the study proved the site could work. He said he hoped the board would review the report. He said he appreciates the comments made about the changing nature of libraries and noted that the digital age is here and is shrinking the need for traditional libraries. He said the he had just gotten back from the Hunt Library in Raleigh and it is a grand library but has not accounted for the digital age. He said that the library planning reports do not account for this new digital age. He said that the urban sites have the advantage of having Carrboro contribute the cost of the land, because it is a public site. He said there are several sites where no-rezoning will be required, there is existing infrastructure, and no trees need to be cut down. He said all of these things save money and the urban concept should be looked at. Nerys Levy, with the Friends of the Carrboro Library, said she has been working on this project for 23 years and she commended the work being done to serve the underserved. She noted the population of 35,000 underserved citizens in southern and southwestern Orange County. She said there are plenty of librarians and experts to help with the planning to make this happen. She said the decision needs to be made soon because 15,000 people in Orange County cannot read or write. She said this is a serious situation and there are 7 generations of underserved people. She said that the Friends of Carrboro Library has lost 64 members as a result of this lengthy process. She said that a decision is needed now. Marilee Teague, resident of Bingham Township, said that a full service library would be redundant to the Chapel Hill library. She noted that her measurement of the distance from one of the proposed sites in Carrboro to the Chapel Hill Library is only 3.4 miles. She said that she feels this idea needs to be reconceived and the $8 million capital expenditure would be better invested in another way. She said that the expenses of a library of this size could be used for things such as bringing a dental clinic back to Carrboro and improving schools, rather than duplicating services. Chair Jacobs asked Lucinda Munger to explain the Library Strategic plan and timeline. Lucinda Munger said this will come before the board in May and will provide the Board of Commissioners a draft for discussion. She said this is the first one ever done and the purpose of the plan is to seek the input of the residents of Orange County on what they would like in a 21 st century library. This will help create a better vision of what the residents of Orange County want in a full service library, and will give a clear direction on which to go to serve the needs of the residents. Chair Jacobs asked the Commissioners to frame comments with the thought of directing staff in how to move forward. Commissioner Pelissier said it should be noted that the Board is interested in looking at other sites and considering multi-use facilities. She also expressed a desire to consider the long term needs of the library in the future. Commissioner Dorosin said he favors the Fidelity Street site and feels that locating a library in a working class neighborhood is better than a locating it in a residential neighborhood. He also said he is open to considering other sites. Commissioner McKee said, given the comments of the Town Board and the proposed strategic plan, he feels the Board needs to take time to look around more; and he feels that the Board also needs to consider what a 21 st century library looks like. He said parking is a major issue to him when siting this library, considering there will be many people using it that will not use public transportation of be close enough to bike. He expressed concern with placing a library in downtown Carrboro, where there are already parking issues. He said another critical issue is that Chapel Hill Library is funded with a percentage of county funding for Library Services. He said that the expansion of that library will likely mean further demand for those funding needs. He questioned what level the Chapel Hill Library would be funded while building and operating another library within three or four miles. Commissioner Rich said she would like to hear more options on building an urban library versus a suburban library. She would like to also look at other options for sites and feels this would clarify that a suburban library is not what needs to be built. Chair Jacobs said it is critical to think of this library in relation to the Chapel Hill library. He said that a 20,000 square foot library is not necessary in Carrboro. He has always opposed a suburban style library in Carrboro and feels it is a misreading of the original recommendations and drives the size of the parcel that must be bought. He said the strategic plan needs to be considered before any decisions are made about a site. He said he is supportive of having a true partnership with Carrboro. He said that Carrboro has participated financially in the Cybrary and should be treated like a partner in this process. He said the Board should honor what is in the Carrboro letter and should invite Carrboro to the work session for the strategic plan for the library. He feels the work session should move from Hillsborough to Southern Human Services Center to make it easier. Commissioner Gordon said one key thing for her is that the Board of Alderman (BOA) has worked with the Board of County Commissioners and wants to have a further discussion. She feels the Board should honor this request and look at criteria and additional sites. Commissioner Price said the Board should look at a multi-use facility. Commissioner Pelissier said it would be helpful to get some projections for urban versus rural usage. Chair Jacobs summarized as follows: consider other sites; consider a multiple use facility; adopt a long term vision; consider neighborhood demographics; consider a working class site; coordinate timing with the strategic plan; consider parking needs; get a better projection of urban and rural usage; consider the relation of this library with Chapel Hill; examine an urban library versus a rural library; honor the partnership with Carrboro; consider moving the work session on May 14th from Link Government Services Center to Southern Human Services Center. c. Reappointment of Tax Administrator The Board approved a resolution reappointing Timothy Dwane Brinson as Orange County Tax Administrator, effective July 1, 2013. John Roberts said this item is to reappoint a tax administrator. He said that Dwane Brinson was appointed last year to fill an unexpired term of a previous tax administrator whose term expires on June 30, 2013 and the action tonight will appoint Dwane Brinson to that position. He said that statutes authorize the Board to appoint him for a minimum of two years or a maximum of 4 years. Dwane Brinson thanked the Board for appointing him last year and said he has enjoyed working with the staff, residents and department heads and he loves the job. A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Rich to approve a resolution reappointing Timothy Dwane Brinson as Orange County Tax Administrator, effective July 1, 2013 for four years. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. Reports - NONE 9. County Manager's Report Frank Clifton noted that there is no need for closed session tonight 10. County Attorney's Report John Roberts asked for direction and said the legislative delegation needs help in meeting their bill drafting deadline. He asked for Board approval to help with this. Commissioner Dorosin questioned whether the legislative delegation already has a service for this need. John Roberts said the bill drafting division is "swamped" and this does not happen regularly. He said, in the event that there is last minute bill that can help Orange County, he would like to be available. Commissioner Price said she was in Raleigh last week and can attest to the fact that Senator Kinnaird was working diligently and would appreciate the help. Chair Jacobs said he spoke with Ellie Kinnaird and Representative Foushee about this earlier today. He noted that Representative Foushee asked for help in drafting language for a bill about the recycling authority. He noted that Senator Kinnaird also expressed desire for help. He said that Representative Foushee would also like to draft a bill for the Homestead Exemption. John Roberts said he is short staffed at the moment and is making this request on a limited basis for this time frame. Frank Clifton said there are opportunities from time to time to have the county added or removed from legislation that is moving through the legislature. He said many times, a local bill will come up and it is easier to add yourself to a local bill than to draft a new bill. Chair Jacobs said his petition requested to do this. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to authorize our County Attorney to work with legislators. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Jacobs said the effort would be made to keep all Board of County Commissioners in the loop regarding legislative issues. 11. Appointments a. Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee —Appointment The Board considered making an appointment to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to appoint T.L. Crews to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Equalization and Review Board —Appointments The Board considered appointments to the Board of Equalization and Review (E&R). Dwane Brinson explained the primary purpose of the E&R Board is to hear tax appeals for the year. He noted that real property appeals are heard in the spring and personal property appeals are heard in the fall. Commissioner Dorosin said one of the applicants is his partner. John Roberts said there is no conflict because there is no direct financial impact of this action on him. A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner McKee to appoint Jane Sparks to the Board of Equalization and Review. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to appoint Bronwyn Merritt and Jennifer Marsh to the Board of Equalization and Review. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner McKee to appoint Jane Sparks as Chair of the Board of Equalization and Review. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to appoint Margaret Brown, Pamela Davis, Barbara Levine, Reginald Morgan, Karen Morrissette, Patricia Roberts, and Ann Stroobant as alternates to the Board of Equalization and Review. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Historic Preservation Commission —Appointments The Board considered making appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner McKee to appoint Robert Ireland to the Historic Preservation Commission, for a first full term expiring 3/31/16. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner McKee to appoint Robert Golan to the Historic Preservation Commission, for a second full term, expiring 3/31/16. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Orange County Arts Commission —Appointment The Board considered making an appointment to the Orange County Arts Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Rich to appoint Devira Thomas to the Orange County Arts Commission, for a first partial term, expiring 3/31/2014. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. Orange County Board of Adjustment— New Appointments The Board was to consider making new appointments to the Orange County Board of Adjustment. DEFERRED f. Orange County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee —Appointment The Board considered making an appointment to the Orange County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Rich to appoint Vicki Barringer to the Orange County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee, in the Nursing Home Administration position, for a first full term, expiring 3/31/16. VOTE: UNANIMOUS g_ Orange County Parks and Recreation Council —Appointments The Board considered making appointments to the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner McKee to appoint James E. Carter to the Eno Township Position on the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council, for a full second term, expiring 12/31/16. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner McKee to appoint Erin Dilliard to an At-Large Position on the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council, for a full first term, expiring 3/31/16. VOTE: UNANIMOUS h. Orange County Planning Board —Appointments The Board was to consider making appointments to the Orange County Planning Board. DEFERRED L Orange Unified Transportation Board —Appointment The Board considered making an appointment to the Orange Unified Transportation Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner McKee to appoint Andrea Rohrbacher as the Planning Board representative to the Orange Unified Transportation Board, for a first term, expiring on 9/30/14. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 12. Board Comments Commissioner Price said she can't see the screen above her head and asked to look into other options. Commissioner Dorosin asked, regarding the report about tax collector's enforced collections, if the listed properties had been foreclosed on and if the county had recouped its tax liability. Dwane Brinson said there had been one sale and the others are in the process. Commissioner Dorosin asked to be kept informed of these sales and process. Commissioner Gordon said the Durham/Chapel Hill/Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) had a meeting and the 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan is moving forward and must be finished by the middle of June. Commissioner Gordon attended the Durham/Chapel Hill/Orange Work group and the Orange County Bus and Rail Plan was discussed. She noted that the development cost of the Durham/Orange Light Rail Project was estimated at $35 million with an expected completion date of December 2015. Commissioner Gordon referenced the sheets she requested regarding item 5-d (SAPFO) and expressed her hope that the Commissioners would read them. She stressed that they are a critical part of the report. Commissioner Gordon reported that a public notice had been approved to have a public hearing regarding the fire districts on April 17th at 7pm at Carrboro High School. She said it would be helpful for the Board of County Commissioners to get a copy of the notices sent to the residents. Commissioner McKee had no comments. Commissioner Rich had no comments. Commissioner Pelissier said last Friday she went to a community conversation on affordable housing and transit oriented development in Durham. She said there were many interesting presentations for a variety of sources looking at issues of gentrification in the Durham corridor and discussing ten different indicators. She said there were discussions regarding the need to expand affordability discussions to include not just housing affordability, but also transportation affordability; and a total of no more than 45% of income should be spent on the combination of these two items. She said a key point was that there needs to be a plan for housing that starts now. 13. Information Items • March 7, 2012 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis • Tax Collector's Report— Measures of Enforced Collections • BOCC Chair Letter to Don O'Leary Regarding ICLEI Discussion • BOCC Chair Letter to Steve Dear Regarding Resolution in Support of the Repeal of the Death Penalty • BOCC Chair Letter Regarding February 19, 2013 Meeting Petitions from Commissioner Bernadette Pelissier and Members of the Public 14. Closed Session DEFERRED 15. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner McKee seconded by Commissioner Rich to adjourn at 9:12 PM . VOTE: UNANIMOUS Barry Jacobs, Chair Donna S. Baker, CMC Clerk to the Board