HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-21-2013 APPROVED 9/5/2013
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
May 21, 2013
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 21,
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
Chair Jacobs said he wanted to express concern, on behalf of the Board of County
Commissioners and the residents of Orange County, for the residents of Oklahoma.
Chair Jacobs reviewed the following items at the Commissioners' places:
- Budget PowerPoint— item 4a
- White sheet- Revised SAPFO abstract - item 5g
- White sheet— Revision to services agreement— item 7a
- Space Study PowerPoint— item 8b
- Lavender sheet— Information item —Agenda team response letter to petitions from the
April 23, 2013 meeting.
John Roberts introduced the new staff attorney in his office, James Bryan, from the City
of Lumberton. He said Mr. Bryan was previously in private practice and had been a planner for
Onslow County. He said the Commissioners would primarily see him at Quarterly Public
Hearings and Board of Adjustment meetings, as his focus will be land use.
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 been disturbed by websites, such as the republican and
democratic websites, as well as by television, which seem to want to strip citizens of their
rights. He asked the Board to take the Constitution into consideration at all times.
b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
3. Petitions by Board Members
Commissioner McKee said a public citizen asked that Board members speak more
clearly into microphones when speaking.
Commissioner Pelissier noted that House Bill 148, which allows the half cent transit tax,
calls for a housing plan around transit stations. She said this could only be developed by the
town of Chapel Hill. She had a discussion with Town Council Member Ed Harrison, who
agreed that it would be a good idea to petition to ask the Town of Chapel Hill to start working
on this plan and keep the Board of Commissioners informed of the process.
Chair Jacobs said this would be referred to agenda review. He noted that one station is
at the Friday Center, which is UNC's property; and if the other spot is at Meadowmont, there is
a robust housing plan already in place.
Commissioner Pelissier said it is important to make sure it is a housing plan that
everyone is aware of. She said that Durham has initiated this in their county and has had
special meetings related to housing and transit.
Chair Jacobs encouraged Commissioner Pelissier to help draft a letter from the Chair to
the Mayor of Chapel Hill.
4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
a. Presentation of Manager's Recommended Fiscal Year 2013-14 Annual
Operating Budget and 2013-18 Capital Investment Plan
The Board received the Manager's Recommended Fiscal Year 2013-14 Annual
Operating Budget and 2013-18 Capital Investment Plan.
Frank Clifton said Clarence Grier will give a detailed overview of the presentation.
Frank Clifton noted that the one cent on the countywide tax rate equals about $1.6 million, and
the current tax rate is 85.8 cents. He said that one cent on the CHCCS tax school district will
generate $1 million, and the current tax rate is 18.84 cents.
He said the number 1 priority for the county is schools, with almost 50% of county
funds allocated here; number 2 is human services, with 16%; number 3 is Public Safety, with
11%; environmental, cultural and recreational have 5%; and the remaining 18% goes to all
other county government functions. He said the school systems requested 10% more than
was budgeted in 2012-13, and the recommended manager's budget does increase school
funding by 2.8%. He said all of the County's growth and revenues from local tax base for
fiscal year 2013-14 are budgeted toward education. He said this budget is $6 million short of
the combined requests of two school boards.
Frank Clifton said there are several considerations when looking at this budget and the
first is the flat growth rate in Orange County. There is no evidence to support optimism that
this will change in the next five years. He said federal and state budget decisions affect more
than just education. He said increasing tax rates affects individual taxpayers, small
businesses, and home ownership and rental opportunities in the county.
Frank Clifton said that taxes in the proposed budget remain at current levels, with the
exception of increases requested by fire departments.
Frank Clifton said that changes to the recycling program are reflected as well. He said
that current recycling programs for next fiscal year are funded by using one year of reserve
funds from solid waste and delaying capital improvements.
Frank Clifton said the task of establishing a tax service district needs to be a priority for
2013-14, to be implemented in 2014-15.
He said this budget attempts to provide fiscally sound projections. He said the Board of
County Commissioners makes the final budget decisions and sets the tax rates. He said
balancing demands while addressing challenges requires difficult decisions; and as dire as it
sounds, the county's budget process is in far better shape than most areas in the state.
Clarence Grier presented a Budget overview with the following PowerPoint slides:
County Manager's recommended FY 2013-14 Annual Operating Budget and Capital
Investment Plan
Presentation
Southern Human Services Center, Chapel Hill
Orange County, NC
May 21, 2013
Guiding Principles
• Balances County's operating budget without a property tax rate increase — 5th
Consecutive Year
• Provides funding for County services at current levels
• Funds local school districts enrollment growth, operational funding and debt service.
Recommended General Fund Budget
• Totals $185.9 million
- Represents an increase of$5.9 million from original current year budget of$180.0
million, which is a 3.29 percent increase from previous year original budget
- Represents a $6.2 million decrease in the current year's amended budget
Components of General Fund Budget
General Fund Revenues $182,554,881
General Fund Unassigned Fund balance $3,366,309
General Fund Expenditures $(185,921,190)
Net $
Orange County Budget
Past 6 Fiscal Years (Bar Graph)
Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate Effective July 1, 2013
• Proposed tax rate of 85.8 cents per $100 of assessed valuation
- This rate produces $137.8 million in property tax revenues for FY 2013-2014
- Overall Real Property Valuation increased 2.7%
• One cent on property tax estimated to generate $1,606,869
Orange County Property Tax Revenues
Past 5 Fiscal Years (Bar Graph)
Sales Tax Revenues
• Recommended Sales Tax Revenues of$17.2 million is $1.5 million higher than the
$15.7 million budgeted in FY 2012-2013 due to an expected 2 to 3 increase in
consumer spending , and current year projections
• Actual sales tax revenues are down over 31% since the peak of$22.5 million in fiscal
year 2007-2008
Orange County General Fund
FY 2013-14 Revenues (Pie chart)
Proposed Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools District Tax Rate Effective July 1, 2013
• Recommended tax rate of 18.84 cents per $100 of assessed valuation
- Represents no increase in the property tax rate for the District
• Recommended tax rate will generate $19.4 million for the Chapel Hill — Carrboro
School District
- This represents an additional $1,584 per pupil above the County's allocation
• One cent on district tax is estimated to generate $1,029,085
Recommended Funding for Chapel Hill - Carrboro City and Orange County Schools
• Total General Fund appropriation totals $87.8 million
- Funds day-to-day operations, repayment of school related debt, and capital
- Equals an appropriation of 48.1 percent of total General Fund Revenues
- Reflects $2.4 million increase from current year General Fund appropriation
- Equates to a current expense allocation of$3,188 per student for each of the 19,908
students in both districts for day-to-day operating funds and projected enrollment
growth.
County Education Funding
Fiscal Year Original Budget General Fund % Of Revenues
2008-2009 $90,447,942 50%
2009-2010 $86,378,040 48.6%
2010-2011 $87,135,916 49.8%
2011-2012 $84,175,033 47.5%
2012-2013 $85,455,533 48.1%
2013-2014 $87,812,103 48.1%
Current Expense, Recurring and Long — Range Capital, Fair Funding and Debt Service
Additional Funding for Local Schools
• In addition to the $87.8 million for operations, debt and capital, recommended budget
allocates $1.9 million to fund non-mandated safety net initiatives for both school
districts Some of these initiatives are:
- School Health Nurses - $683,706
- School Resource Officers - $545,514
- School Social Workers - $692,283
• With these additional non-mandated funding initiatives, the total funding for the local
school districts total 49.2% of the General Fund Revenues
Major Funded County Initiatives
• Maintains all County services at current levels
• Funds the increase in medical insurance and fully funds the 401(k)/457 plans for non-
sworn employees
• A cost of living and in-range increase equating up to 3% in compensation for
employees
• Provides for and increases in positions for EMS Communicators, a Quality Assurance
Training Officer, EMS Assistant Supervisors staggered over the year to address the
recommendations of the Emergency Services Study and Work Group
• Provides for six new positions in Information Technologies to address the
recommendations included in the Information Technology Strategic Plan
• Provides funding to the Town of Chapel Hill Library totaling $483,426
• Allocations provided to non-profit organizations total $1,030,100 for FY 13-14.
• Long range/pay-as-you go County capital is $620,000.
• Debt service for the General Fund will be $25.6 million
Orange County General Fund
FY 2013-14 Expenditures (Pie Chart)
Solid Waste Initiatives
• The closure of the landfill with public education and other related planning efforts of the
landfill in FY2013-14. We expect to incur $3.2 million in closure cost in FY 2013-14.
• The planning and design for the Eubanks Solid Waste Convenience Center
improvements
• New Landfill Mattress Fee of$10.00 per mattress
• Recycling Fees - No additional 3-R Fee billings for the upcoming year, which results in
a projected revenue loss of$1.1 million, and propose an increase in the Basic 3-R Fee
from $37.00 of$47.00 per household
• We propose increases in the sanitation household fee to be charged per household as
follows:
- Rural Residential Increase from $20.00 to $40.00
- Urban Household Increase from $10.00 to $20.00
- Multi — Family Increase from $2.00 to $4.00
Additional Funding Options
• Appropriate Fund Balance, if necessary; The Board may use up to $650,000 without a
negative impact on fund balance
• Property tax increase
• Increase in CHCCS Special District Tax
Revenues Generated By Property Tax Increase
Property Tax Per Pupil
Tax Increase Revenues Generated Equivalency
1 cent $1,606,869 $80.71
2 cents $3,213,738 $161.43
2.4 cents $3,856,486 $193.72
4 cents $6,427.476 $322.86
5.5 cents $8,837,780 $443,93
Revenues Generated By Increase in CHCCS Special District Tax
Tax Increase Revenues Generated Equivalency
1 cent $1,029,085 $84.06
2 cents $2.058,170 $168.12
5.5 cents $5,659,968 $462.34
Based on 12,242 projected students for the CHCCS School District
County Capital Investment Plan
Fiscal Year 2013-14
Appropriations
County Capital Projects 5,895,268
Special Revenue Fund (Article 46 Sales Tax)
Economic Development 1,319,500
Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools 801,900
Orange County Schools 516,850
Proprietary Capital Projects
Water & Sewer Utilities 896,250
Solid Waste 3,513,936
Sportsplex 710,000
Schools Capital Projects
Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools 3,130,742
Orange County Schools 1,947,918
Total 18,732,364
Details of the Capital Investment Plan are included in the Budget
Concerns and Issues for FY 2014-2015
• Federal Sequestration and State Budget Issues
• Debt Service
• County Capital Projects
• School Capital Projects
• Health Insurance
• Post-employment Insurance benefit for retirees
• Economic Development
• Economy
Public Hearings and Work Sessions
(All Meetings Begin at 7:00 p.m.) (chart)
Document Availability
• Clerk to Board of Commissioners
• County Finance & Administrative Services Office
• Orange County Library
• Chapel Hill Public Library
• Carrboro/McDougle Branch Library
• Cybrary, Carrboro
• Orange County Website
- www.orangecountync.gov
Commissioner Price noted that these meetings are all held in this location.
Donna S. Baker said that the reason the budget work sessions are at Southern Human
Services Center is because of meeting logistics and room size.
Commissioner Dorosin said he needed more information on the PowerPoint regarding
additional funding for local schools. He requested more information and numbers on health
workers, social workers and school resource officers.
Commissioner Price requested more information on the comparison of solid waste fees
and what is being charged now versus proposed changes.
Chair Jacobs requested that the fund balance of 17% be explained in more detail, as
well as the schools fund balance.
Chair Jacobs praised the job done on giving annual general fund appropriations and he
requested one be done for per pupil allocations.
Clarence Grier said this will be available for the public hearings.
Frank Clifton said that this budget process may be different than what the new
commissioners are accustomed to. He invited conversation with staff members, if needed. He
noted that the only one source of revenue that can be adjusted is the property tax. All other
revenue sources are adjusted by an outside source.
b. Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
The Board recognized the budget staff of the Orange County Finance and
Administrative Services Department for earning the Government Finance Officers' Association
(GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2012-13 fiscal year budget
document.
Clarence Grier said this marks the 21St year the County has received this award. He
said the County wanted to take the opportunity to recognize the financial services department
for their budget staff and he introduced the staff- Paul Laughton, Tonya Walton, Darrell Butts
and Allison Chambers.
Chair Jacobs presented a plaque to the staff.
c. Overview of County Marketing and Public Relations Projects
The Board received an overview of the marketing and public relations projects being
managed by the Director of Public Affairs.
Carla Banks reviewed the following PowerPoint presentation:
MARKETING INITIATIVES
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
Introduction
• The Public Affairs Department develops the marketing and media relations initiatives
for Orange County, including the Board of County Commissioners
• The Director of Public Affairs is tasked with promoting a professional image of the
County, while increasing awareness of the County's operations, services and programs
by utilizing multiple mediums, such as radio, television, print, and social media
Branding
• A primary component of cohesive marketing involves establishing a brand for the
County.
• The Director of Public Affairs sought direction and approval from the County Manager
to pursue having an official logo designed for the County to aid in helping the public
become more familiar with the County and its daily operations.
• Currently, a variety of logos are in use by several County departments. The approval of
these logos was done on the administrative level by the Department Directors as
opposed to submitting this for review and approval by the Board of County
Commissioners. Here are examples of these logos.
County Department Logos (image)
Orange County Logo (image)
Logo Design Process
• The Public Affairs Department contracted with a local graphic design firm to produce
the logo, which cost $1,600.
• The design concept is based on the direction and overall vision explained by the
Director of Public Affairs.
Logo Design Concept
• The basis for the County logo design is a clean simplistic approach, using text as
opposed to a series of intricate details or artwork.
• The colors, burgundy and sage green, offer a subtle yet striking contrast. Lastly, the
design places the emphasis on Orange County—while including the reference to North
Carolina as a way to distinguish us from the other Orange Counties in the United
States.
• The County logo will NOT replace the County seal, but rather, it will be used to launch
and solidify the County's brand marketing efforts—starting with the new County
portfolios and marketing folders.
• The logo is to be phased in gradually and will be visible on a variety of items, such as
County letterhead, envelopes, business cards, press releases, collateral materials,
promotional items, etc.
Six Month Review
The following marketing materials have been developed since the Director of Public Affairs
started on September 17, 2012.
• Brochures
• Post Cards
• Posters
• Banners
• Magnets
• Business Cards
• Marketing Folders
• Video Productions
• Marketing Packet & Web site- Community Giving Fund
• Professional Photos and Bios of Department Directors
• Press Releases (100+ to date)
• Fabric Table Covers w/ Logo
• Invitations (Printed and Electronic)
Special Events (images)
Pending Projects
Short-Term
• Hire Graphic Design Specialist
• County Communications Plan
• Web site Redesign
• Facebook and Twitter Pages
• Print Advertising
• Radio Public Service Announcements
Long-Term
• Annual/Popular Report
• Resident Newsletter
• TV Studio Installation
• OCTV Original Programming
• Citizens Academy
• Deploy Digital Message Monitors
• Guide to Orange County Government
Commissioner Price said this is off to a good start, but she is concerned about the
process.
Commissioner Gordon asked for clarification on the timeline for the strategic
communications plan.
Carla Banks said the timeline is approximately 6 months for development and
completion, and she does not know now how that will involve the Board of County
Commissioners
Commissioner Gordon said the Board of County Commissioners would expect to have
input in this plan,
Commissioner Price said the Board of County Commissioners should have some say in
the review of the logo, since it represents the county.
A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Gordon that
the Board of County Commissioners or designated members would participate in the design or
review of any logo for overall use to represent Orange County, including the review of any
already developed logo; and that the Board of County Commissioners will have final approval
of any such logo, emblem or representation.
Commissioner Price had passed out an information sheet to the Board on this issue.
Commissioner Dorosin requested clarification that the logo that was shown had not
been formally adopted.
Chair Jacobs said this has not been adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioner Dorosin asked Commissioner Price if the intent of motion is to ensure
that the logo that has been shown will not be the official logo unless the BOCC votes on it.
Commissioner Price said Ms. Banks is off to a good start on the logo, but she feels it
needs to be looked at again, from a marketing perspective. She said perhaps something
different needs to be done, that will express more of Orange County. She said this would
allow for use as more than an official seal. She suggested a partnership with Steve Brantley to
work toward something more representative of Orange County. She also said it is important
from a branding perspective that the right colors and fonts are used.
Commissioner Dorosin asked how the current process works with the design that is
brought forth.
Chair Jacobs said the motion stated there could be designees of the Board of County
Commissioners, so presumably there could be a subcommittee and a short process.
Commissioner McKee asked Carla Banks if this design is already being used.
Carla Banks said yes; it has begun to be used.
Commissioner McKee said it is his understanding that the Board of County
Commissioners has not had a policy in place on whether this would be a staff or board
decision.
Chair Jacobs said Commissioner Price's motion is to establish this.
Commissioner McKee noted that there was no protocol at the time this logo was
chosen. He said this would be a policy decision from this point forward and he would not
support making this retroactive for this logo.
Commissioner Rich said it is important that anything that represents Orange County is
seen or voted on by the Board of County Commissioners. She said the Board needs to make
decisions about branding and the Board needs to have a courtesy review of changes. She
said she is also looking at the communications plan, and the Board of County Commissioners
needs to be involved and on the frontline of that process. She said this applies to
communications with Facebook and Twitter, and she had several questions about how this will
be utilized. She agreed with Commissioner Price that this is a good start; but it makes her
uncomfortable that the Board was not involved in the process.
Commissioner Pelissier said she agreed with Commissioner McKee regarding moving
forward and not backwards. She said that there are many potential logos to go by. She said
none of the Board members are marketing experts, but the Board does have an image to
portray.
Commissioner Price said her suggestion is a test market, to try this logo as a test and
see what people think about it. She said sage green looks gray to her. She suggested that
Ms. Banks consider working with the Visitors Bureau, Steve Brantley and Economic
Development, all of whom have had marketing experience. She does not consider this a step
backwards.
Carla Banks said the feedback she has received so far has been positive. She said it
was her interpretation from her job description that she was to immediately tackle the
marketing and branding of the County.
Commissioner Rich said Carla Banks did her job well, and the question was why the
logo options did not come before the Board of County Commissioners, at least for a courtesy
review before publishing.
Frank Clifton said the Board started this marketing discussion process two years ago.
He said the County departments have been reaching out for years, through Facebook, twitter
and other means. He said the creation of Carla Banks' Public Affairs position took place last
year. He suggested the best process may be to schedule a discussion of how the Board of
County Commissioners wants to be involved in each marketing aspect. He said there should
be a marketing plan separating the political aspects of individuals from the image of the
County as a whole. He said the current plan of the communications plan is to get basic
information distributed. He said that one of Carla Bank's roles is to make sure that
communication and releases from different departments are consistent in terminology and
verbiage.
Frank Clifton said he will take the blame for the logo. He said he did not realize that it
would rise to the level of a Board of County Commissioners policy decision. He said the twitter
and Facebook projects are viewed as more informational than interactive.
Frank Clifton said he would suggest scheduling a work session discussion on this issue
in the fall, if the Board of County Commissioners so choses.
Chair Jacobs supported the motion and said the Board needs to give direction on what
rises to the level of concern of the Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioner Dorosin said the Board is not talking about micromanagement of the
staff.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Chair Jacobs asked about the communications plan and noted that two Commissioners
showed an interest in being involved. He said that the Board of County Commissioners wants
to be involved in the plan.
Commissioner Rich said she is concerned about an in-house graphic design staff
specialist. She believes that this service could be accomplished on a consulting basis using
multiple graphic designers.
Chair Jacobs said this is a budget question.
5. Consent Agenda
• Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
5-e and 5-g were temporarily removed.
• Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
approve the remaining items on the consent agenda.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
• Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
Item 5-e
Chair Jacobs said, with the changes being made, there is discussion of initiation of
policies and programs that conserve energy and reduce fuel utility resource consumption. He
said this is good, but it fails to address resources and only addresses water and energy. He
noted that he attends events where plastic and Styrofoam are used and print items are on only
one side of the page. He asked if he is missing some articulation of policy about these issues.
Wayne Fenton said this would be addressed in overall environmental responsibility
goals. He said work can certainly be done with individual departments, such as purchasing.
Chair Jacobs said he would bring this up during the later presentation.
A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve of
the revisions to the Adopted County Energy, Water and Fuel Conservation Policies.
Commissioner Dorosin asked where and when issues just raised will be discussed and
Chair Jacobs said this will be addressed on item 8-d.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Commissioner Price said that she mistakenly removed item 5g when her intent was 5h
and said she only has a point of clarification for the item.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon seconded by Commissioner Rich to
approve item 5g, Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance —Approval and Certification of
2013 Report.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Regarding item 5h (Agreement Renewal for HDR Engineering, Incorporated of the
Carolinas), Commissioner Price asked who is being referred to when the County is mentioned.
Frank Clifton said this refers to county staff involved in the project at the time and he
said this is an on-going contract. He said all of these items have to go through a state review
process.
He said Gayle Wilson will be the primarily staff person.
Item already passed
a. Minutes
The Board approved the minutes from April 9, 11 and 16 (7:00 p.m.), 2013 as submitted by the
Clerk to the Board.
b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
The Board will consider adoption of a resolution to release motor vehicle property tax values
for twelve (12) taxpayers with a total of twelve (12) 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 four (4) taxpayers with a total of (7) seven bills that will result in a reduction of
revenue in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381.
d. Fiscal Year 2012-13 Budget Amendment#10
The Board approved budget amendments for the Department of Environment, Agriculture,
Parks and Recreation, the Department of Social Services, Cooperative Extension, and Board
of Elections and a grant project ordinance for Emergency Services for fiscal year 2012-13.
e. Revisions to the December 2005 Adopted Orange County Energy, Water and Fuel
Conservation Policies
The Board adopted improved revisions to the 2005 Energy, Water and Fuel Conservation
Policies as presented at the Board's November 13, 2012 work session, with an effective date
of July 1, 2013.
f. Orange County ABC Board Travel Policy
The Board approved the Orange County Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board's adoption
and use of the Orange County's travel policy.
g. Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance —Approval and Certification of 2013
Report
The Board approved and certified the 2013 Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance
Technical Advisory Committee (SAPFOTAC) Report and certifying portions of the Report.
h. Agreement Renewal for HDR Engineering, Incorporated of the Carolinas
The Board approved an agreement renewal between the Solid Waste Department and HDR
Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas for engineering and consulting services for Solid Waste
through June 10, 2015, and authorize the Chair to sign.
6. Public Hearings - NONE
7. Regular Agenda
a. Approval of New Fire Protection and Emergency Services Agreements for Three
(3) New Fire Service Districts with the Town of Chapel Hill, Town of Carrboro and
North Chatham Fire Department
The Board considered approving new Fire Protection and Emergency Services
Agreements for Three (3) New Fire Service Districts with the Town of Chapel Hill, Town of
Carrboro and North Chatham Fire Department, and authorizing the Chair to sign.
Michael Talbert said there is a handout replacement for attachment 3 for the North
Chatham Fire Department, and there were some technical and grammatical corrections. He
thanked John Roberts for creating these documents. He said there will be contracts coming
later for the other fire departments. He said contracts were cancelled in June of 2012 for
these three departments, knowing that the service districts would be re-done. He said it is
imperative that new contracts be done before June 30.
Michael Talbert said each agreement has a map attached for fire service districts and
the beginning date will be July 2013. He said the wording is slightly different, and the maximum
rate for all of these contracts is 15 cents. Several sections have been added regarding: ISO
ratings, information about state law, response times, insurance types, and a section that
requires a certified audit. He said all of these have been reviewed by the three departments,
and these are all 5 year contracts with a one year cancellation requirement.
He said there are no financial impacts to the county; but all three departments will be
asking for a tax increase by the Board of County Commissioners in the coming year.
John Roberts said this agreement also requires that each department comply with
Orange County purchasing and financial requirements.
Commissioner Gordon said she would like to know what was changed on the North
Chatham agreement, and in the future she would like to have a mark-up copy prior to the
meeting. She said she would like a policy that when documents are changed, the Board is
notified of where the changes occurred.
Chair Jacobs agreed.
Commissioner Gordon noted that the County has a policy on gender neutral language,
and she referenced the use of"manpower" on page 19. She requested that this be changed
to "firefighter."
Commissioner Gordon also noted a need to correct "Board of Director" to "Board of
Directors" on item number 12.
Commissioner Gordon said she appreciated the efficient and thorough process by
county staff. She said this has been extremely complex, and she thanked the staff for their
work.
Commissioner Rich referenced John Roberts' mention of a change in the contract.
John Roberts clarified that the attorneys and all of the fire departments have reviewed
all changes.
Frank Clifton said Chapel Hill already follows the state purchasing process procedures.
Commissioner Rich thanked Michael Talbert for his hard work.
Commissioner McKee said the fire departments negotiated with the county on these
agreements and the design of them.
He said he would forward an email he received on a news article from the coast about
departments losing their ISO ratings. He said this has been due to various factors, including a
lack of adequate personnel on rosters and fire scenes. He said this has affected multiple fire
departments. He said that this is not happening in Orange County and the County is working
on a comprehensive system, a better contract, and better service provision.
Commissioner Dorosin noted that item number 4 states that fire departments will get
98.5% of tax, and he asked if the rest is kept by county.
John Roberts answered yes.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if the 15 cents is a statutory maximum.
Michael Talbert said no. He said, under a fire protection district, that is a maximum; but
under a fire service district, all taxes levied by the county cannot exceed 1 dollar and a half.
Commissioner Dorosin said when the Board makes the final decision on budget the tax
rates will be set and may be different.
Michael Talbert said yes.
Michael Talbert said the current rates are just department requests at this point.
Commissioner Pelissier referenced item 12 on page 4, which states that the county will
provide the departments with standard financial forms, and she asked what this means.
Michael Talbert said that information is presented now and it may not all end up in the
summary. He offered to pass that information along to the Board.
Commissioner Pelissier said she would like to see all of the information.
Frank Clifton said, in the past, the fire departments made formal presentations and only
the departments that requested an increase presented this.
Chair Jacobs said this has been a long process and harmonious relationships have
been created. He thanked Commissioner McKee, Frank Clifton, Michael Talbert, and John
Roberts.
Chair Jacobs said he was speaking to a rural firefighter in New Mexico who said there
is a shortage of firefighters willing to serve in that community. He expressed appreciation that
our community has so many people willing to serve.
Commissioner Gordon referenced paragraph 5 on North Chatham's Insurance rating
and asked about the difference in language.
John Roberts said he preferred the original language, because it required the
department to take reasonable action but the department preferred the updated language on
"striving" to maintain a certain rating.
Michael Talbert said North Chatham has no assets in Orange County and does not
anticipate any future assets in Orange County. He said the feeling was that the other language
did not paint them into a corner. He said this department has tremendous resources that are
brought to the fire.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon seconded by Commissioner McKee with
revised agreement with North Chatham, to approve new Fire Protection and Emergency
Services Agreements for Three (3) New Fire Service Districts with the Town of Chapel Hill,
Town of Carrboro and North Chatham Fire Department, and authorize the Chair to sign.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
8. Reports
a. Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan Implementation
The Board received an update from Triangle Transit (TT) on the status of the Orange
County Bus and Rail Investment Plan (OCBRIP) and its implementation.
David King introduced staff who would be speaking— Mark Ahrenson, from Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO); Wib Gulley; JohnTallmadge; and Sondra Freeman.
Commissioner Gordon thanked everyone for coming and recognized Wib Gulley, who
will be retiring in June.
Wib Gulley said this is not a quiet period since a lot of work is going on to translate
plans into reality. He said there are many technical and legal steps to get funding in place
and to implement the plan. He thanked John Roberts for all of his work. The half cent transit
sales tax will be affective April 1 st, and it will probably be July before revenue is seen. He said
the same is true with the 7 dollar vehicle tax.
He mentioned the 3 dollar regional tax and said there was apparently a legislative
oversight that needs to be corrected before the tax can be implemented in 2 of the 3 counties.
He said work is being done with legislative representatives to make that technical correction.
He said that particular change will go through in a bill late in the session.
Wib Gulley said this will not be shown in the budget until it is resolved and there will be
an update for the Board of County Commissioners in the fall. He said this is not holding any
work up. He said the implementation agreement provides for annual reviews of activities for
bus and rail. He said every 4 years it provides a thorough review of the rail project and its
status, and at 8 years or sooner there can be other reviews, as desired.
He said the agreement also provides a process for the three parties — MPO, Triangle
Transit and Orange County—to review and make changes, as needed.
John Tallmadge, Director of Regional Services Development at Triangle Transit, said
this implementation agreement lays out many steps for moving from the plan to funding
services and capital improvements. He said there are three implementing entities — Orange
County, MPO and Triangle Transit (TT). He said Triangle Transit has the oversight
responsibilities. He said there is a proposal on page two which forecasts revenue expectations
for each of the three entities.
He said the plan identifies services and lays out service types. He said there needs to
be continued planning. He said there have been meetings with County staff about a proposed
process that involves stakeholders —from Durham County and Orange County— and there
would be defined goals for these services. He said data on travel demands and markets in the
county would be analyzed to develop service and capital proposals, such as park and ride lots.
He said there would then be a prioritization process taking into account financial constraints.
He referenced the proposal on pages 5-7 of the abstract and said the intent is to have broad
outreach.
He said Triangle Transit has identified additional frequencies from South Durham to
UNC to deal with overcrowding in the park and ride lots. This will be done this fall. He said
Chapel Hill Transit has communicated an expectation for some money to be used to fund
existing services and some money to expand evening and Saturday hours.
He said communication has just been received from Orange County staff regarding
options for use of revenues, and the process of determining revenue use is nearing closure.
Sondra Freeman, Chief Financial Officer for Triangle Transit, said information has been
provided on the investment plan overview. She said attempts are being made to be very
transparent in all decisions; and TT will be responsible for providing financial information and
ensuring that information is audited each year.
She directed the Board members to Attachment 1, and she reviewed the 2013-14
proposed budget. She said the total collections will be $31 million, and the total expenditures
will be $16.3 million. She reviewed the revenue sources and the expenditures.
She reviewed the numbers from the chart on abstract page 4 - FY14 Draft Budget for
the Bus and Rail Investment Plan. Total collections for Orange County, from all revenue
sources, are $7.3 million and administrative costs total $150,000. She said costs are split
between the two counties. She said there is also a very conservative reserve of$3.2 million.
This leaves a net revenue of about $4 million.
Commissioner McKee asked for the percentage of administration costs.
Sondra Freeman said administrative costs make up 1.03% of the total collected.
Commissioner McKee asked if this includes personnel and consultants.
Sondra Freeman said no, this is strictly administrative costs.
Sondra Freeman said that staff positions are pro-rated, and positions will be hired
throughout the year at different stages. An annual cost will be available the following year.
She said there are 9 individuals included, with a total of$169,000. She said the consultants
total is $3.2 million for Orange.
She reviewed the transit services numbers and said the OPT dollars are at $88,350,
and Chapel Hill Transit is at $471,200. She said both of these numbers are based on the
planned percentages. She said Triangle Transit dollars total $176,700.
She noted that the total bus service expenditure is $736,250, which is equal to the
available revenue, leaving a net of zero.
She said there is a balance of$3.1 million remaining. She noted a modest negative of
$88,000 for fiscal year 2014 and said that this will be covered if the $3 registration happens by
the fourth quarter.
David King said there are three other components of the plan, including "Busway"
improvements along MLK and the Hillsborough Train Station, which is an $8.5-9 million project.
He said notification has been given that the County is ready to go on this when the folks at the
rail division are ready. He said the Town of Hillsborough is ready to go with the environmental
work to prepare for this project. He said this will help determine park and ride and platform
locations.
He said the final and biggest piece is the light rail work. He said this is on scale with
development and planning for a major freeway in design and environmental planning. He said
this work will proceed this year, and there will be a board presentation on this tomorrow. He
invited the Commissioners to attend. He noted that there are no guarantees that this will be
funded.
Commissioner Pelissier asked for an explanation of the new application and why this
must be re-submitted.
David King said an application was submitted in September 2012, and two weeks later
a new bill (MAP 21) was passed, establishing a new set of rules. Thus, the submission was
put in under an earlier set of rules and now has to be re-done under the new rules. He said
one of the most relevant changes is that once you enter the federal pipeline, you have two
years to complete the environmental work. He said the current plan includes about 26 months
worth of work and this can't be crammed into 24 months. He said the next few months will be
spent reducing that timeline, so that when submission is redone and the project enters the
pipeline, it will be able to be completed in the required time frame.
Chair Jacobs said that one of their original goals, when inviting Triangle Transit to
speak, was to give this update to the Board of County Commissioners and to the public.
Commissioner McKee said there has been some email traffic about the proposed
Mebane to Durham route and whether it will be on 1-85 or Hwy 70. He said there is some
disagreement over the word "express." He said that because this route will have 4-5 stops, it
can be called "express"; however, the needs of the citizens and the route of the bus need to
align. He said the needs are on 70 and not on 1-85, but 1-85 seems to be Triangle Transit's
focus. He asked if there is any clarification for these citizens.
David King said TT remains committed to collaborating with Orange County staff to
gather facts and arrive at a decision on which is the best way to go from west Orange County
to Duke Hospital. He said the plan did say express, and this did not come up until after the
transit vote. He said TT is not intending to put a route out there that does not satisfy the
residents. He said this may mean two routes, prioritizing the routes, and doing whatever can
be afforded.
Commissioner McKee said not to prioritize the residents out of their needs. His
understanding from the meeting with Triangle Transit was that the Hwy 70 corridor would be
used, but he is not comfortable that this decision is still holding. He said he understands the
data driven decisions but, with $736,000 for bus services, there is no way to do two routes. He
wants to make sure that the service to residents is a priority.
David King said he thought that is what he said, and he agreed with Commissioner
McKee. He said that TT will work collaboratively with Orange County staff.
Commissioner Price said she agreed with Commissioner McKee. She said not all of
the residents of Mebane and Efland want to go to Duke. Many of them want to get to
Hillsborough and points within Orange County. She asked about the consultants and what is
being spent on them. She pointed out that these are for the light rail, and if there is no
guarantee on getting funding, why would the consultants be needed.
David King said the plan for Durham and Orange County includes a light rail system
and 2.8 miles of that are in Orange County. He said there has been effort to come up with a
way to allocate the cost. He said that in order to compete for federal funds, planning work
must be done to determine how things will fare before entering the long process. He said the
indication is that this project will fare well. He said this light rail looks more productive in all
directions than other systems. He said that moving forward involves the planning and
consultants. He again invited the Board to attend the meeting being held tomorrow.
John Tallmadge said the route from Mebane to Hillsborough to Durham is not the only
service in Northern Orange County. He said that part of the reason for the planning process is
to provide connections within the county and to connect the two counties.
Commissioner Dorosin said the budget form does not have enough information, as
related to transparency. He said administrative costs should be spelled out in the budget, as
well as the personnel line item. He said this line item, as well as the consultant line item,
should be itemized out to detail who and what it covers. He said the consultant line item is
large and there should be a breakdown of who these consultants are.
Commissioner Gordon asked for insight and refinement on how the $30-60 million in
costs will be rolled out in the next couple of years. She asked for the costs of the 4 month and
the 24 month process and what is done at the end of the process.
David King said by the end of this year TT hopes to have a draft environmental impact
statement. He hopes to look at the distance between the draft statement and the record of
decision and see a 20 month period. He said this will leave a 4 month cushion, versus a 24
month time clock. He said the cost to get to the draft environmental impact statement is $5.8
million, and this will take it to the end of the year. He said, to finish from that point, is
estimated to cost no more than $30 million. He said that among the things to be done are:
making a decision on where to have terminal station at UNC; how to negotiate Meadowmont;
how to cross New Hope Creek; and how to pass by the west side of Erwin Road. He said TT
then has to work with N.C. Railroad Corridor. He said these are some of the things that the
consultants will be doing, and he said any other budget feedback is welcomed.
Commissioner Gordon said $6 million seems like a lot of money compared with the
costs for the bus system, and she asked for an explanation of why there is a $6 million spread
in the estimate.
David King said there are a lot of uncertainties, such as the New Hope Creek area. He
said there is an alignment that was committed to, but TT also committed to looking at an
alignment close to 15-501. He said if this happens to be a clean and quick decision on the
part of all parties involved then the cost will fall in the low range. If not, then it will fall in the
higher range. He said there is too much uncertainty around this issue. He said there is similar
uncertainly with the Meadowmont versus 54 east.
Commissioner Gordon said she feels it is important to continue to provide these
explanations.
Commissioner Rich said she assumes that the timeline goal is early 2014 for
implementation of bus capital projects.
John Tallmadge said that will depend upon the consensus of what is being done. He
said that TT does anticipate increasing Southpoint service and frequency of service to UNC
prior to the start of the fall semester.
Commissioner Rich asked if there is room in the budget for advertising and outreach to
notify of changes in service or frequency.
John Tallmadge said that is part of Triangle Transit's current budget.
Commissioner Pelissier said the Board does need details in the budget. She said she
sees it at their board meetings at Triangle Transit and it should be shared with the public.
Commissioner Pelissier asked about performance standards and the need to develop
them. She presumed that the performance standards for the regional routes would be the
same as current routes.
David King said that is correct.
Commissioner Pelissier asked about the time frame for developing performance
standards for Chapel Hill Transit routes and rural routes, as these would provide guidance in
making decisions.
John Tallmadge said that the anticipation is to do that within the 6 month planning
window.
Commissioner Pelissier asked where the public can get information on all of the new
routes.
David King said the public can go to triangletransit.org or to call the call center. He said
that OPT routes are not in that system, and that can be worked on. He referenced a new app
that follows buses on Google Maps.
Commissioner Pelissier asked if Chapel Hill has a direct link to the Triangle Transit
website and OPT.
John Tallmadge clarified if this is referring to services that exist today.
Commissioner Pelissier said as the plan goes forward, she would like to see this for
future routes.
John Tallmadge said TT is talking about where to house this information.
Commissioner Pelissier suggested inclusion of links to the various governmental
bodies.
Chair Jacobs said there was a spirited exchange involving rail advocates and the town
manager of Hillsborough regarding changes that might affect the planning of the Hillsborough
Train Station. He asked David King to get back to the Board with an analysis of those emails.
David King said he would do that.
Chair Jacobs said the process that Triangle Transit has outlined to engage the
residents is comforting. He said that part of the problem is that there are terms that mean one
thing to Triangle Transit and mean another to Orange County. He said that having a public
engagement process will help deal with this. He feels comfortable that TT and the Board have
heard each other.
David King said collaboration is collaboration.
Frank Clifton said he wanted to bring it to the attention of the Board that there is a fairly
substantial reserve being established. He said that all three parties must agree and he said
that if there are excess undesignated revenues, the three parties can possibly take these and
address additional bus service needs.
Commissioner McKee asked for a clarification on bus hours. He noted that there is an
amount of 34,000 bus hours and of this number, some of those hours are allocated to Triangle
Transit services in the Chapel Hill area. He asked for differentiation of these numbers in terms
of what is for existing services versus new services.
David King said 100% of the money allocated in the plan will be used for new services.
He said that 24% of the hours will be for bus service. He said the town of Chapel Hill has not
given them a final answer, but wants to use some of the money for inflationary costs, existing
services and re-instatement of services. He said TT is looking to hear from Orange County on
its intention.
He said Triangle Transit money will go to new services.
Commissioner McKee asked if Triangle Transits hours are included in the 34,000
hours, and David King said yes.
Commissioner McKee said when hours being used for existing services are backed out
there will be a smaller number of bus routes and fewer new routes with this new plan. He said
there needs to be a focus on buses that can access the areas of greatest need.
b. Space Study Update
The Board considered:
1) The fulfillment of space study goals and the methodology for space needs analysis;
2) Identified unmet space needs and the current space study initiatives that address
these needs; and
3) The consolidated property inventory for all County owned property.
Jeff Thompson reviewed the following PowerPoint presentation:
Space Study Update
BOCC Regular Meeting
May 21, 2013
Intended Outcome:
• Background/Perspective
• Goals & Fulfillment
• Current Initiatives
• Facility Inventory Report
Background:
• Originated in Space Needs Task Force, Year 2000
• Foundation Report: 2001
• Guiding Principals
- Co-Location of Departments with similar functions/customer bases
- Consolidation to as few as practical "Clusters" of service
- Ownership
Background:
• Resulting Built Environment:
- Senior Centers, Sportsplex
- Emergency Services/911 Center
- Animal Services Facility
- West Campus Office Building, Library
- Justice Facility Expansion, District Attorney
- Link Government Services Center Renovation
- Social Services, Health & Dental Consolidation
- Public Defender, Probation & Parole, Guardian Ad-Litem
- Child Support Enforcement
Current Initiatives:
• County Magistrate Upfit
(Original Jail Building)
- Space Planning complete with Magistrate's Office
- Construction to be complete September, 2013
Whitted Facility— Permanent Board Meeting Facilities
- June, 2013 — start of programming & design
- June, 2014 — anticipated opening
Current Initiatives:
• Emergency Services Substations
- Site/Space Prototype RFQ in process
- Design and construction contemplated in FY15-16
• Southern Campus Master Plan
- 2013 — securing development rights
- FY13-14 — site and space programming expected
• New County Jail
- FY13-14 -- Site Due Diligence, Designer Selection, Space Planning,
Space Programming
Current Initiatives:
• Southern Orange Library
- FY13-14 — suggested sites to be evaluated per Board approved criteria; space
study and programming exercises to begin
• Cedar Grove Community Center
- FY13-14 — space programming and design
- FY14-15 — construction
Current Initiatives:
• Agricultural Center
- Programming/Space study to be commissioned in FY13-14
- Multiple sites to be analyzed commensurate with original space study guidelines
• Board of Elections
- Current Location originally slated as temporary; permanent location was
contemplated at Hillsborough Commons (Board declined purchase option)
- Space study encouraged for BOE in FY13-14
Current Initiatives:
• Durham Tech Educational Spaces
• Potential Sportsplex Expansion
• Economic Development Incubator Spaces
• Storage Space Planning & Utilization
Under-utilized Assets:
• Government Services Annex
• AMS North Admin Building
• Whitted 2nd Floor
• Link Lower Level
Referring to the slide on Current Initiatives, Jeff Thompson said the Storage and Space
Planning & Utilization is a large priority. He noted the need for adequate storage and said this
will be a big part of the initiative.
He referred to the Under-utilized Assets slide and said the Asset Management Services
North Admin Building sits on the highway 86 campus, adjacent to the OPT modular unit. He
said this building is currently available and is a possible relocation site for OPT.
Referring to Whitted, he mentioned a new alternative with more administrative office
space or art space and said this will be presented at a later date.
Architect, Mike Hammersly presented the next three slides
East Campus Existing Conditions Analysis: (blueprint)
East Campus Regulatory Analysis: (blueprint)
East Campus Buildout Analysis: (blueprint)
Facility & Property Report:
• Updated annually and presented during budget season
• Future features will include:
- Estimated market values of appraisals for properties
- More complete and descriptive insured values
- Departmental use survey information
Mike Hammersly reviewed the blueprint slides. He designated the geothermal well
areas as well as the proposed new field. He said that the green denotes existing geothermal
system at the Link Center; the blue is the proposed new geothermal well system; and the black
is the Justice Center system.
Chair Jacobs noted that there are existing geothermal wells between the Link Center
and the Annex, and Mike Hammersly agreed.
Commissioner Gordon asked for clarification on the geothermal system and Mike
Hammersly reviewed the color designations.
Mike Hammersly reviewed the regulatory items and noted the flood plains, stream
buffers and road setbacks.
Commissioner Rich asked how an area gets the archeological designation.
Jeff Thompson said the County has a policy that requires a qualified archaeological
study on county property. He said there are already maps in place that detail sensitive areas.
Commissioner Rich asked what is done with these areas.
Frank Clifton said there are landscape features there and it functions as a green spot
with careful maintenance. He clarified that any future building would avoid that area.
Chair Jacobs said there has been joint consultation to make sure no signs are going in
on the sensitive archaeological sites.
Commissioner McKee asked what facility would be served by the wells shown in blue.
Jeff Thompson said this will serve the Court Street Annex property, the Historic Court
House, the District Attorney's Building, and possibly the jail.
Commissioner Gordon asked if the green area at the Link Center is all in place.
Mike Hammersly said this is all in place.
Commissioner Gordon asked about the blue area.
Jeff Thompson said the blue area is pending and was authorized last fall. He said the
bid process has begun and bids will be opened on May 23,d
Commissioner Gordon said, looking at the potential building sites, there appears to be
some area for potential building that is being taken up by the geothermal system.
Mike Hammersly said this is just a designation of areas that offer potential for building,
even after the geothermal system is put in.
Commissioner Gordon said she thought there was space for a building site to the west
of the Link Government Services Center (GSC).
Jeff Thompson said that can't be built on because of flood plain.
Commissioner Gordon clarified that parking can be put on top of the wells, and asked if
there could be an addition to the Link GSC on the south side of the building. She asked if a
building could be put over the wells if the first floor was parking surfacing with a second floor
building.
Mike Hammersly said the wells can be moved if needed, but this is not the best option.
He said the second floor building with parking on the surface level could be done.
Commissioner Price said her understanding was that the entire area was an
archaeological site, or at least a sensitive site. She said she understands that this area was
one of the first settlements in North America and the river is a wash area.
Jeff Thompson said the entire area is a sensitive area. He said this is why
archaeological specialists are brought in, whenever the ground is touched. He said the pottery
shards were discovered in the designated archaeological area and this area was then
surveyed, photographed and then buried to protect it.
Commissioner Price asked about the other potential site that parallels Churton Street.
Jeff Thompson said this would be studied as well, if it was to be developed.
Chair Jacobs said another discussion of this is needed, and it may require a work session in
September. He suggested that the Board work with the manager's office to schedule that.
He said the original plans for the Justice Facility took the building, unimpeded, from
Churton Street to the creek along Margaret Lane. The Board decided that it did not want to
build a parking deck over the annex and that there would not be sufficient infrastructure to
support any more traffic in Downtown. He said the current building is a direct reflection of this.
Commissioner Gordon pointed out that there is now a parking deck in downtown, and
this changes things. She said that she would like to see a formal space study outline that
looks at the following: what are the guidelines; what is the scope of work; what are unmet
needs; what is the timeline for planning; and what is the methodology. Once these things are
determined, the Board can review this and make decisions, and then let the Board of County
Commissioners review and decide if this is a viable option. She suggested this study be
brought forth before summer break to give the Board something to consider.
Jeff Thompson said he needs direction on one thing. He said the plan is to have
opening bids on May 23 d and to bring the award in June. He pointed out that if that is
delayed, it will delay a 12 month cycle. He asked if this could proceed.
Commissioner Price asked how much of this should be considered when looking at the
budget.
Frank Clifton said the only substantial proposal in the budget for this year is the Whitted
activity and much of the rest is design work and analysis. He said the geothermal well process
is the only substantial construction and this was budgeted in the current fiscal year.
Commissioner McKee asked if there had been any consideration of rescheduling the
construction of the geothermal wells around the public market house, since this is a farmers'
market in this area, and this is a prime selling season.
Jeff Thompson said the wells must be in place before the equipment changeover, and
the equipment changeover must be done in the cool part of the season. He said that if there is
a delay for the farmers' market, the project will have to be pushed until next spring.
Wayne Fenton said the staff has met with the market management and talked about
alternative market locations, including the parking lot to the south of the Government Services
Annex, as well as the lot in front of the Sheriff's office. He said the sheriff was open to this
arrangement. He said the market folks were most concerned with visibility, and this sheriff's
office location meets that need. He said the staff has offered to provided tents and signage
during the temporary re-location.
Commissioner McKee clarified that market staff are amenable to utilizing the sheriff's
parking lot, and Jeff Thompson said yes.
Clarence Grier noted that moving the geothermal project would delay other projects.
Commissioner Dorosin said the County Fair item can be deferred as needed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
direct staff to draft and bring back to the Commissioners, before summer break, a proposal for
a space study to include: goals, guidelines, scope of work, unmet needs, current space study
initiatives, timeline, methodology, work products and measures.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
C. Potential Orange County Fair— Preliminary Background Report
The Board was to receive a report providing background information about county fairs
in North Carolina, and information related to existing events, infrastructure and managing
structures for a potential Orange County Fair.
DEFERRED
d. Energy, Water And Fuel Performance Report for Fiscal Year 2012
The Board was to receive a report regarding reductions in use of energy, water and fuel
in fiscal year 2011-12.
DEFERRED
9. County Manager's Report
NONE
10. County Attorney's Report
NONE
11. Appointments
a. Advisory Board on Aging —Appointments
The Board considered making appointments to the Advisory Board on Aging.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
appoint Ed Flowers to the Hillsborough Town Limits position for a second full term ending
06/30/2016 and CDR Alexander Castro, Jr. to an At- Large position for a second full term
ending 6/30/2016 on the Advisory Board on Aging.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to
appoint Dr. Tori Reid to position #10 —At- Large, with an ending date of 6/30/2016.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Chapel Hill Board of Adjustment—Appointment
The Board considered making an appointment to the Chapel Hill Board of Adjustment.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
appoint Jennifer Amster to the Chapel Hill Board of Adjustment.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
C. Commission for the Environment—Appointments
The Board considered making appointments to the Commission for the Environment.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon seconded by Commissioner Rich to
appoint Donna Lee Jones to the Water Resources position with an expiration date of
12/31/2015; appoint Susie Enoch to an At-Large position with an expiration date of
12/21/2015; and to move Gary Saunders, from an At-Large position (# 9) to the Engineering
position (# 12) since he is an Engineer and appoint Jeanette O'Conner to Mr. Saunders' At-
Large Position.
A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to appoint
Steven Niezgoda to an At-Large position (# 14) with an expiration date of 12/31/2015.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
d. Economic Development Advisory Board —Appointments
The Board considered making appointments to the Economic Development Advisory
Board.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
appoint Will Lambe to the UNC — Chapel Hill position on the Economic Development Advisory
Board.
VOTE: 1-6 (Commissioner Dorosin- yea)
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to
appoint Jim Kitchen to the UNC at Chapel Hill position
VOTE: 6-1 (Commissioner Dorosin- nay)
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
appoint Keia McLamb to the Core Business Community position.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
e. Historic Preservation Commission —Appointment
The Board considered making an appointment to the Historic Preservation
Commission.
A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner McKee to appoint to
Susan T. Ballard to the Historic Preservation Commission.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
f. Human Relations Commission —Appointments
The Board considered making appointments to the Human Relations Commission.
A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to
appoint Ms. Natalie Wu to an At-Large position for a first full term ending 9/30/2015 and Mr.
Marc Xavier to an At- Large position for a first partial term with an ending date of 9/30/2014 on
the Human Relations Commission.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Chair Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to appoint Jamie
Paulen to position # 17-At- Large with an expiration date of 6/30/2014.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
g_ Jury Commission —Appointment
The Board considered making an appointment to the Jury Commission.
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
appoint Bob Hall to the Jury Commission.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12. Board Comments
Commissioner Pelissier said she and Commissioner Price attended the NCACC Public
Safety and Justice Steering Committee meeting on May 8 and had an overview of the
statewide VIPER system, which is only 88% complete. She said one challenge is financing for
maintenance. She said there was also discussion of the Prison Rape Elimination Act, which is
implemented at the federal levels and is now coming down to the local levels. She said it is
important for Orange County to implement this, because the County houses many federal
inmates. She has asked the attorney to look into who is ultimately responsible.
She also attended the environmental committee recently, where she heard about a bill
related to the reports for Solid Waste. She said there was an update on fracking and she
offered to discuss this further with anyone who is interested.
Commissioner Gordon reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting of
the DCHC MPO. She said one major topic of discussion was the Strategic Mobility Formula.
She sent an email to the Board with the letter drafted by the MPO which covered the major
points of concern to the MPO. The formula sets priorities for funding transportation projects
and she said it does not look good for local projects.
She said the other important item was the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). She
said the staff has advised that the MOU be revised. One of these revisions is to include
Triangle Transit in the membership, which will involve several changes. She said she has
suggested that, given the population of Orange County, there should be one more member on
the TCC.
She said the Unified Planning Work Program has been approved for 2013, but there is
a request for counties to pay money for planning.
She said the 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and Air Quality Conformity
Determination Report was adopted.
Commissioner Rich said there is an update coming from the Rogers Road meeting.
She would like to see a work session set up to discuss this in more detail after the final report
comes in September.
Commissioner McKee said the Walnut Grove Convenience Center has been open for a
couple of weeks, and he has had positive feedback. He said people are pleased with the
traffic flow and the setup. He said he will check to see about the shade areas for staff.
Commissioner Dorosin asked about the comment letter regarding drug testing
requirements for benefits. He said that if there is still consensus from the board, he would love
to see this happen.
Chair Jacobs said there is no consensus; but there is a majority, and he can draft a
letter, or a resolution can be added to the next meeting.
Commissioner Price said she has seen emails about the Research Triangle Regional
Partnership, and at one point, the General Assembly was going to re-district the state. If this
had been done, Orange County would have been with Greensboro, but this has not happened
at this point.
Chair Jacobs said there was a report completed on the TTA staff meeting. He said
there is also a report on the meeting with the manager and Mayor of Durham, which was a
productive meeting.
He said there was an event in Efland last week to finish and dedicate one sewer line
and to break ground for a second line. This was well attended.
He said that there was discussion at the agenda review, regarding the resolution on
bringing home money from Afghanistan. He said this is an incredibly dense motion and it was
decided that it should be brought back before the board for review.
Commissioner Rich requested a copy of this item.
13. Information Items
• May 7, 2013 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
• Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
• Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
• Parks & Recreation Master Plan — Update
14. Closed Session
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee seconded by Commissioner Rich to
adjourn into closed session at 10:56 PM for the purposes below:
"To discuss the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and County Attorney on
the negotiating position regarding the terms of a contract to purchase real property," NCGS §
143-318.11(a)(5).
"To discuss and take action regarding plans to protect public safety as it relates to existing or
potential terrorist activity and to receive briefings by staff members, legal counsel, or law
enforcement or emergency service officials concerning actions taken or to be taken to respond
to such activity." [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(9)]
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon seconded by Commissioner McKee to
reconvene into regular session at 11:45pm.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
15. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon seconded by Commissioner McKee to adjourn
the meeting at 11:49pm.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Donna S. Baker, CMC
Clerk to the Board