HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-01-2013 - 7b1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 1, 2013
Action Agenda
Item No. 7 -b
SUBJECT: Orange County Volunteer Application- Proposed Revisions
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Revised Application Commissioner Alice Gordon
Commissioner Bernadette Pelissier
Clerk's Office, 245 -2130
PURPOSE: To consider proposed revisions to the Orange County Volunteer Application for
boards /commissions.
BACKGROUND: The Board discussed this issue as part of its May 14, 2013 work session and
provided direction below (excerpt from May 14th approved minutes) and appointed
Commissioner Bernadette Pelissier, Commissioner Alice Gordon and Clerk to the Board Donna
Baker to work as a sub - committee to bring back proposed revisions
"Decision Point.
• Does the Board want to move forward with a revised application for these particular boards
mentioned above, and if so, can the board provide feedback /questions to the County Attorney in
order to move the process forward?
Does the Board want to stay with the current process?
After discussion, the Board proposed adding supplemental questions to the existing volunteer
application, for these 5 Boards: ABC Board, OWASA, E &R Board, Planning Board and Board of
Adjustment. The Clerk will work with Commissioner Pelissier and Commissioner Gordon over
the summer break to compile this supplemental information and to distribute to all BOCC
members for review.
2. Process for Commissioners to "vet" Board Aaaointments -for certain boards with
fiduciary or statutory responsibilities. such as the ABC Board. OWASA. E&R Board.
Planning and Board of Adjustment.
Decision Point:
• Does the Board want to develop a process for Commissioners to vet board appointments to
these particular boards (and others as applicable)?
• Are there criteria to be applied or a process for vetting appointments (such as interviews,
questions on a revised application, committee review, etc.)? Or will the application process
suggested in Item #1 cover this item?
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The Board decided that Item #1 was sufficient (no vetting necessary)"
The sub - committee worked on additional questions for the five volunteer boards and is
submitting the following recommendations. The proposed additional questions are included in
Section II of the volunteer application.
II. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FOR SELECTED BOARDS
Applicants to the ABC Board, Orange County Board of Adjustment, Orange County Equalization
and Review Board, Orange County Planning Board and OWASA (Orange Water and Sewer
Authority Board) should answer the questions for the relevant boards:
A. ABC Board Applicants:
1. Please list /explain your experience, either professionally and /or from other
boards /commissions, that you have in the areas of budget, personnel, and management.
2. In addition to the experience listed in question 1 above, please list the work /volunteer
experience /qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board.
3. What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to
accomplish if appointed?
4. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Yes No If yes,
then please explain:
B. Orange County Board of Adjustment Applicants:
1. Please list the work /volunteer experience /qualifications that would add to your expertise
for this board.
2. What unique perspective can you bring to the Orange County Board of Adjustment?
3. What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to
accomplish if appointed?
4. What do you consider to be the most important issues facing Orange County related to
growth?
5. What role should the Board of Adjustment take in guiding and regulating growth?
6. How would you, as a member of the Orange County Board of Adjustment, contribute to
the implementation of the Board of Commissioners' adopted Goals and Priorities — link
below: (http: // orangecountync .gov /occierks /BOCCGoals09.pdf)
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7. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Yes No If yes,
then please explain:
C. Orange County Equalization and Review Board Applicants:
1. Please list /explain any experience (professional /volunteer) you may have in the area(s)
of real estate, tax appraisal or real estate law.
2. In addition to the experience listed in question 1 above, please list the work /volunteer
experience /qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board.
3. What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to
accomplish if appointed?
4. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Yes No If yes,
then please explain:
D. Orange County Planning Board Applicants:
1. Please list the work /volunteer experience /qualifications that would add to your expertise
for this board.
2. What unique perspective can you bring to the Orange County Planning Board?
3. What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to
accomplish if appointed?
4. What do you consider to be the most important issues facing Orange County related to
growth?
5. What role should the Planning Board take in guiding and regulating growth?
6. How would you, as a member of the Planning Board, contribute to the implementation of
the Board of Commissioners' adopted Goals and Priorities - link below
(http: // orangecountync .gov /occierks /BOCCGoals09.pdf)
7. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Yes No If yes,
then please explain:
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E. OWASA Applicants
1. Please list /explain your experience, either professionally and /or from other
boards /commissions, that you have in the areas of budget, personnel, and management.
2. In addition to the experience listed in question 1 above, please list the work /volunteer
experience /qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board.
3. What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to
accomplish if appointed?
4. What is OWASA's role in growth /development issues?
5. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Yes No If yes,
then please explain:
The only other recommended changes to the application are to make two additions to Section I
(which asks residents to list the boards and commissions on which they wish to serve). The first
is to add a note that a resident could submit an application to a maximum of three boards,
because of data base limitations. The second is to add a question, "Please explain your
reasons for wanting to serve on this board ", for all applicants, because the question is general
in scope and seems appropriate for all boards.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: NONE
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Interim Manager recommends that the Board discuss the
proposed revisions and provide direction as needed.
I1]:L1aI
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
This application is a public document
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If you are an Orange County resident, at least 18 years old, and willing to volunteer your time
and expertise to your community, you may complete this application online or download it and mail /fax it
to the address /fax number below:
Orange County Board of Commissioners' Office
P.O. Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone (919) 245 -2125
Fax: (919) 644 -0246 • Email: liones(a�orangecountync.gov
If an applicant is not selected, their application will remain on file in the Clerk to the Board's office for two
(2) years, and will be considered by the Commissioners when reviewing and making appointments.
Items in bold are required fields.
NAME:
HOME ADDRESS:
CITY:
PHONE: (Day)
EMAIL:
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:
(Evening /late)
YEAR BECAME ORANGE COUNTY RESIDENT:
Zip Code:
JOB TITLE:
(Cell)
IN ORDER TO ASSURE COUNTYWIDE REPRESENTATION PLEASE INDICATE YOUR TOWNSHIP OF
RESIDENCE:
❑Bingham ❑Cheeks ❑Hillsborough ❑Eno ❑Chapel Hill ❑Little River ❑Cedar Grove
WE ASK YOUR HELP IN ASSURING DIVERSITY OF MEMBERSHIP BY AGE, GENDER AND RACE, BY
ANSWERING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: ❑Male ❑Female
ETHNIC BACKGROUND: ❑African American ❑Caucasian ❑Hispanic ❑Native American
❑Asian American ❑Other
ARE YOU AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF ❑ YES ❑ NO
AGE?
PLEASE LIST YOUR CURRENT COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES /ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
I. PLEASE LIST THE BOARDS /COMMISSIONS ON WHICH YOU WOULD BE WILLING TO SERVE (maximum
of three)
A.
B
C.
1. Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board.
2. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board.
1. Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board.
2. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board.
1. Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board.
2. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board.
II. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FOR SELECTED BOARDS
Applicants to the ABC Board, Orange County Board of Adjustment, Orange County Equalization and
Review Board, Orange County Planning Board and OWASA (Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board)
should answer the questions for the relevant boards:
A. ABC Board Applicants:
1. Please list/explain your experience, either professionally and /or from other boards /commissions, that you
have in the areas of budget, personnel, and management.
2. In addition to the experience listed in question 1 above, please list the work /volunteer
experience /qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board.
3. What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to accomplish if appointed?
4. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or
perceived) if you are appointed to this board? _Yes _ No If yes, then please explain:
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B .Orange County Board of Adjustment Applicants:
1. Please list the work /volunteer experience /qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board.
2. What unique perspective can you bring to the Orange County Board of Adjustment?
3. What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to accomplish if appointed?
4. What do you consider to be the most important issues facing Orange County related to growth?
5. What role should the Board of Adjustment take in guiding and regulating growth?
6. How would you, as a member of the Orange County Board of Adjustment, contribute to the implementation
of the Board of Commissioners' adopted Goals and Priorities — link below:
( http: // orangecountync .gov /occlerks /BOCCGoals09.pdf)
7. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or
perceived) if you are appointed to this board? _Yes _ No If yes, then please explain:
C. Orange County Equalization and Review Board Applicants:
1. Please list/explain any experience (professional /volunteer) you may have in the area(s) of real estate, tax
appraisal or real estate law.
2. In addition to the experience listed in question 1 above, please list the work /volunteer
experience /qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board.
3. What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to accomplish if appointed?
4. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or
perceived) if you are appointed to this board? _Yes _ No If yes, then please explain:
D. Orange County Planning Board Applicants:
1. Please list the work /volunteer experience /qualifications that would add to your expertise for
this board.
2. What unique perspective can you bring to the Orange County Planning Board?
3. What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to accomplish if appointed?
4. What do you consider to be the most important issues facing Orange County related to growth?
5. What role should the Planning Board take in guiding and regulating growth?
6. How would you, as a member of the Planning Board, contribute to the implementation of the Board of
Commissioners' adopted Goals and Priorities - link below
(http: / /orangecountync.gov /occlerks /BOCCGoals09.pdf)
7. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest ( either real or
perceived) if you are appointed to this board? _Yes _ No If yes, then please explain:
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E. OWASA Applicants
1. Please list/explain your experience, either professionally and /or from other boards /commissions that you
have in the areas of budget, personnel, and management.
2. In addition to the experience listed in question 1 above, please list the work /volunteer
experience /qualifications that would add to your expertise for this board.
3. What do you see as the responsibilities of this board, and what do you hope to accomplish if appointed?
4. What is OWASA's role in growth /development issues?
5. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or
perceived) if you are appointed to this board? _Yes _ No If yes, then please explain:
III. QUESTIONS FOR ALL APPLICANTS
A. ARE YOU SERVING OR HAVE YOU EVER SERVED ON ANY ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS? IF
"YES ", PLEASE INDICATE WHICH ONE(S):
B. Please check yes or no:
1. 1 maintain a domicile in Orange County (Domicile is defined as one's permanent
established home as distinguished from one's temporary although actual place of
residence).
❑ Yes
❑ No
2. 1 owe no outstanding taxes (real /personal) at the time of application /appointment.
❑ Yes
❑ No
C. How did you become aware of Orange County volunteer opportunities? (Please check all that apply):
❑Newspaper ❑County Web Page ❑Current Orange County Volunteer
❑Radio ❑T.V. ❑Other
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ETHICS GUIDELINES FOR
COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
I agree by my signature below that, if appointed, I pledge to comply with the following ethics guidelines for advisory
boards and commissions as adopted by the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
A. Conflict of Interest
1. During advisory board meetings, a member shall immediately disclose any potential conflict of interest
and request to be excused from voting when he or she has a conflict of interest.
2. During appeal proceedings, the applicant has the right to question the interest of any voting member.
The advisory board chair should consult with the County Attorney or staff attorney on any potential
conflict of interest in appeal matters.
3. In determining from existing facts and circumstances whether a conflict of interest exists the
determining party shall consider the facts and circumstances as would an ordinary and reasonable
person exercising prudence, discretion, intelligence, and due care.
B. Gifts
1. An advisory board member shall not directly or indirectly ask, accept, demand, exact, solicit, seek,
assign, receive, or agree to receive any gift or honorarium for the advisory board member, or for
another person, in return for being influenced in the discharge of the advisory board member's
official responsibilities.
2. This section shall not apply to gifts or awards authorized by Orange County Policies, Resolutions, or
Ordinances.
C. Code of Ethics
1. Advisory board members should act with integrity and with independence from improper influence as
they exercise the functions of their offices. Characteristics and behaviors that are consistent with
this standard are:
a. Adhering firmly to a code of sound values.
b. Behaving consistently and with respect towards everyone with whom they interact.
c. Exhibiting trustworthiness.
d. Living as if they are on duty as appointed officials regardless of where they are or what they are
doing.
e. Using their best independent judgment to pursue the common good as they see it, presenting
their opinions to all in a reasonable, forthright, consistent manner.
f. Remaining incorruptible, self - governing, and not subject to improper influence, while at the
same time being able to consider the opinions and ideas of others.
g. Disclosing contacts and information about issues that they receive outside of public meetings,
and refraining from seeking or receiving information about quasi - judicial matters outside of
the quasi - judicial proceedings themselves.
h. Treating other advisory boards and advisory board members and the public with respect, and
honoring the opinions of others even when they disagree.
i. Being careful not to reach conclusions on issues until all sides have been heard.
j. Showing respect for their appointed office and not behaving in ways that reflect badly on the
office, the advisory board, Orange County, or the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
k. Recognizing that they are part of a larger group and acting accordingly.
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I. Recognizing that individual board members are not generally allowed to act on behalf of the
board, but may only do so if the board specifically so authorizes, and that the board must take
official action as a body.
m. Being faithful in the performance of the duties of their offices.
n. Acting as especially responsible residents whom others can trust and respect.
o. Faithfully attending and preparing for meetings.
p. Carefully analyzing all credible information that is properly submitted to them, and when
applicable, being mindful of the need not to engage in communications outside the meeting in
quasi - judicial matters.
q. Being willing to bear their fair share of the board's workload.
r. To the extent appropriate, they should be willing to put the board's interests ahead of their
own.
2. Members of the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Economic Development Commission, and Board
of Equalization and Review shall upon initial appointment, and prior to December 31 annually
thereafter, disclose:
a. Any interest he or she or his or her spouse or domestic partner has in real property situated in
whole or in part in Orange County and the general description of that property.
b. Any legal, equitable, beneficial or contractual interest he or she or his or her spouse or
domestic partner has in any business, firm or corporation, which is currently doing business
with Orange County pursuant to contracts awarded by Orange County, or which is attempting,
or has attempted in the past calendar year, to secure the award of a bid from Orange County
or the approval of any Board or Agency of Orange County.
c. Failure to file a disclosure statement setting out the above required information shall result in
immediate removal of the member from the applicable board.
DO NOT SUBMIT RESUMES OR ATTACHMENTS.
By checking this box I
certify that this serves as
an electronic version of
my signature, for the sole
purposes of this form:
Date
Signature
Date