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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10-15-2013 APPROVED 1/23/2014 MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING October 15, 2013 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 15, 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, Earl McKee, Bernadette Pelissier, Renee Price and Penny Rich COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: Interim County Manager Michael Talbert, Assistant County Managers Clarence Grier and Cheryl Young 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 reviewed the following items at the Commissioner's places: - Lavender Sheet— Item 5a — Corrections to the Minutes from Chair Jacobs and Commissioner Gordon -Yellow Sheet— Item 51- Revised Change in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule for 2013, to include a closed session - Light Blue Sheet - Item 5j - Resolution Supporting an Application to the Local Government Commission for its Approval of a Financing Agreement for the County - PowerPoint - Item 6a - Economic Development Incentive for Morinaga America Foods, Inc. - White Sheet - Item 7a - Revised contract - Infrastructure Design and Construction Administration Contract for Morinaga Site - PowerPoint and Buff Handouts - Item 7c - information and revised resolution — Resolutions to Endorse Orange County's Priority Transportation Projects for the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Triangle Area Regional Planning Organization 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 asked the Board to disassociate with ICLEI. He said the people behind Agenda 21 have infiltrated the government. He said this is not a government shutdown. He said it is political theater meant to create fear. He has sent the Board an email about the banking system. He said the system is getting ready to collapse, and he encouraged the Board to move their money to a safe location. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) 3. Petitions by Board Members Commissioner Pelissier said she had asked earlier this year that the County Manager and Solid Waste Director meet with the Zero Waste folks. She would like a written report to be provided regarding the substance of this meeting. Chair Jacobs noted that there is a report at the end of the agenda regarding the issues at the Solid Waste Convenience Center (SWCC) at Walnut Grove. He said he would also like a report from the meeting between the Solid Waste staff and the small waste haulers. He asked for the addition of an agenda item for a future meeting with both of these reports on it. Chair Jacobs said the County used to put plaques in the lobbies of newly constructed buildings. He said the plaques stated the year the building was built, the names of the seated Board of County Commissioners, Managers, and the architects involved. He said, for the sake of posterity, it would be a nice to re-instate this practice as way to memorialize those who were involved. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations 5. Consent Agenda • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve the remaining items on the consent agenda. VOTE: UNANIMOUS a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes, with corrections, from June 13, September 5 and September 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 thirty-eight (38) taxpayers with a total of forty (40) 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 six (6) taxpayers with a total of twenty-one (21) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381. d. Applications for Property Tax Exemption/Exclusion The Board approved five (5) untimely applications for exemption/exclusion from ad valorem taxation for five (5) bills for the 2013 tax year. e. Fiscal Year 2013-14 Budget Amendment#2 The Board approved budget amendments for fiscal year 2013-14 for Department on Aging; Department of the Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR); Library Services; Emergency Services; Sheriff Department; Housing, Human Rights and Community Development. f. Budget Amendment#2-A— Upper Neuse River Basin Association Funding Request - Best Management Practices Credit Determination Project The Board approved Budget Amendment#2-A to provide requested funds to the Upper Neuse River Basin Association to complete a project to increase the number of Best Management Practices available for affected parties to use in meeting nutrient reductions required by the State. g. Eno River Association Conservation Easements — Funding Assistance and Approval of Budget Amendment#2-B The Board approved making a contribution of$45,000 of County funds for the acquisition of permanent conservation easements by the Eno River Association to protect significant natural resource lands at Infinity Farm (Cedar Grove Township) and along Buckquarter Creek (Eno Township); and to approve Budget Amendment#2-B. h. Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance Amendment Outlines and Schedules for Two Upcoming Items The Board approved process components and schedule for two upcoming government- initiated amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and Zoning Atlas. L Safe Routes to School Action Plan Update and Authorization of Next Steps The Board considered an update on Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Action Plan pre-adoption steps, and received authorization of next steps according to the Amendment form for the SRTS Action Plan. j. Preliminary Information and Approval to Finance Various Capital Investment Plan Projects and County Equipment The Board approved a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, moving forward with financing for capital investment projects and equipment for the year. k. Board of Commissioners Meeting Calendar for Year 2014 The Board approved the regular meeting schedule for the Board of County Commissioners for calendar year 2014. I. Change in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule for 2013 The Board considered three changes to the County Commissioners' regular meeting calendar for 2013 as follows: - Adding a joint meeting between BOCC and the City of Mebane for Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 5:30pm at the West Campus Office building downstairs meeting room, 131 W. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC, - Adding a closed session on Monday, October 28, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Solid Waste Administrative offices, 1207 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC for the purpose of"to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee," NCGS 143-318.11(a) (6). 6. Public Hearings a. Economic Development Incentive for Morinaga America Foods, Inc. The Board held a public hearing on the issuance of"performance-based" economic development incentives to a private company, and considered approval of the incentive agreement, with claw back provisions, for the recruitment of Morinaga America Foods, Inc. to Orange County and authorized the Chair to sign. Steve Brantley said he is proud to be at the next stage of this process. He introduced Masao Hoshino, President of Morinaga America in California. Masao Hoshino gave a brief review of the history of the company. He said the company was established in Tokyo in 1899 and manufactures confectionary items, ice cream, pancake mix and other products. He noted that one of the founders of the company visited the United States in 1898 to sell pottery and was inspired by his taste of western confectionary items. He said this was the starting point for the company. He said the construction of the facility in Orange County is a landmark event in the company's history. He introduced the grandson of the founder. Masao Hoshino said the company decided to locate in Mebane because of the remarkable business environment, access to transportation and raw materials, as well as infrastructure. He noted there are no harmful materials or chemical pollution produced in the process of making candy. He said the company looks forward to working with 90 or more people at their plant in the near future. Masao Hoshina said he sincerely hopes Morinaga will be accepted and recognized as a contributor to the community for many years to come in Orange County. Steve Brantley reviewed the following PowerPoint slides: Recruitment of Morinaga America Foods, Inc. to Orange County October 15, 2013 Orange County Economic Development Morinaga & Co., Ltd. • Founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1899. • U. S. subsidiary headquarters in Irvine, CA. • World-class confectionary & candy maker; $2 billion in annual global sales. • Over 40 product lines. • Ranks equal to Kellogg Company in worldwide sales. • Asia's equivalent to a Hershey's, Mars or Nestle. • #1 candy company in Japan. • Japan is the world's 2nd largest confectionery market. Morinaga & Co., Ltd. • Corporate philanthropy: "to be a company that improves the lives of children worldwide." • Partners with international NGOs in developing nations, places a special emphasis to promote healthy nutrition, and donates funding for school facilities & educational supplies in Africa. • 1 St Japanese corporation to be affiliated with the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF); works to prevent use of child labor in developing nations. Main Product Lines • Confectionaries (photos) • Foodstuffs (photos) • Frozen Desserts (photos) • Healthcare (photos) • Weider Nutritional Supplements & Fitness (photos) Hi-Chew (Logo graphic) Hi-Chew • Morinaga distribution channels are international (graphic/map) Hi-Chew • Bag & Stick Varieties (photo) Hi-Chew • Over 140 Different Flavors (photo) Timeline of Project Rainbow • February 2012 - Project began for Orange County. • Competition - Toronto, Portland OR, Philadelphia PA, Richmond VA, Atlanta GA, & 18 sites in 12 N.C. counties. • 11 total visits to Orange County (including visits by Chairman Gota Morinaga & President Toru Arai). • Interstate visibility became a key site criterion during 3rd visit. • 3 closed session meetings with the BOCC. • March & July 2013 - Governor McCrory & Secretary Sharon Decker of the N.C. Department of Commerce met Morinaga. • January 2013 - Orange County & Atlanta became finalist sites. • September 3, 2013 — Company announced it will establish Morinaga America Foods, Inc. in Orange County, N.C. Key Recruitment Partners • Orange County ■ Board of County Commissioners ■ Manager's Office ■ Economic Development, Planning & Inspections ■ Visitors Bureau, Public Affairs • City of Mebane • N. C. Department of Commerce • N. C. Department of Transportation • Durham Technical Community College • InSpec Group Morinaga's Investment Plans Investment: $34 - $48 million Employment: 90 — 120 jobs Avg. Annual Salary: $37,969 Annual Payroll: $3.4 million + Benefits Facility Size: 98,000 sq. ft. Type of Operation: Production of"Hi-Chew" Site Size: 21 Acres (Buckhorn EDD) The Company has not committed to making any additional investment at this time. However, an expansion may eventually occur, since the site acreage is large enough to allow for the facility to double. Competitive Issues Competitive Differences between the Finalist Sites: • The other finalist location near Atlanta offered numerous cost advantages to Morinaga, such as a lower-priced site, reduced state and local taxes, access roads & utilities to the site already in place, existing firms within an established business park, & a major airport with direct flights to Tokyo. • Utility lines & road access improvements required to make Orange County's site competitive & attract Morinaga will now make adjacent properties more developable, attractive, competitive, and appealing to future business prospects considering Orange County. Steve Brantley referring to the timeline slide and noted that NCDOT traffic counts estimate that the Mebane site has 92,000 cars passing by on a daily basis. He said this was a motivating factor in the decision to switch from the original site. He referred to the Investment Plans slide and said the potential $48 million investment number would make Morinaga the third largest corporate tax payer in the County. Craig Benedict reviewed the following portion of the PowerPoint presentation: Site Location Buckhorn Economic Development District: • 21.0-acre site is under option by Morinaga. • Near Ben Wilson Road & facing interstate 1-40/1-85; close to the Orange/Alamance county line. • Part of a larger tract of land rezoned by the BOCC in 2012 to Office/Institutional (0/1) to promote business recruitment. • Currently undeveloped with no infrastructure. • Private landowner has applied to the City of Mebane to have the site rezoned and annexed. Site Photo Planned Infrastructure to Site (photo) Infrastructure Funding Community Development Block Grant: N.C. Department of Commerce has ruled the project as eligible to apply for a CDBG, allowing reimbursement of up to 75%, or, $750,000 for the County's total site infrastructure improvement costs. County has a 25% co-pay. Grant criteria — at least 60% of total jobs created in the first 3 years must directly relate to Orange County employees who are qualified as coming from low or moderate incomes (earning no more than 80% of the County's median income of$37,950), prior to coming to work for the company. Orange County's "Article 46" '/4 Cent Sales Tax Proceeds: Also available, if needed. Utility Infrastructure Orange County: 12" water line to site $375,000+ 10" sewer line to site $200,000+ Service road extension $100,000+ (Design, engineering &permitting for Ben Wilson service road) PSNC Energy: 4" natural gas line to the site, paid by PSNC Energy. Duke Energy: Deliver electrical power & install transformers at the site, paid by Duke Energy. Access Road Extension N. C. Department of Transportation: • 2,500-ft road access construction. $500,000 (extension of the existing Ben Wilson service road parallel along the highway to Morinaga's site). • Paid 100% by the N. C. Department of Transportation. • Design & construction time is approximately 12 months. • Road improvement improves the likelihood that nearby Mattress Factory Road may one day be upgraded to become a full interchange. Craig Benedict, referring to the Access Road Extension slide, said the Department of Transportation (DOT) will be building the road. He said Orange County staff will provide environmental and design plans, and DOT will take it from there. He said the majority of the infrastructure will be permitted in the spring of 2014 and will be completed by the end of next year to meet the needs of Morinaga's planned opening in July 2015. Michael Talbert presented the following portion of the PowerPoint presentation: Orange County Incentive Performance-Based Incentive is Calculated as Follows: • Inducement Grant is calculated at 75% of the estimated county taxable value of the Company's investment, for up to 5 years. $34 million investment = $218,790 annual grant x 5 years = $1,093,950 total grant. $48 million investment = $308,000 annual grant x 5 years = $1,545,000 maximum total grant. • "Claw-back" provision is included in the Inducement Grant to require verification that the Company reaches annual investment &jobs creation targets, before the County incentive is paid. • Company will be required to provide health insurance for employees. City of Mebane Incentive City of Mebane: Mebane City Council approved a "performance-based" local incentive package, calculated as 1.5 % of the Company's actual investment, following a public hearing on October 7, 2013. $34 million investment @ 1.5 % _ $102,000 annual grant x 5 years = $510,000 total grant. $48 million investment @ 1.5% _ $144,000 annual grant x 5 years = $720,000 maximum total grant. State of North Carolina Incentives • "One North Carolina Fund" program $264,000 performance-based 3-year grant. • N. C. Department of Transportation $500,000 to provide road access to the site. • Durham Technical Community College $150,000 earmarked for technical training of new employees (Hillsborough Campus). • Division of Employment Security Pre-screening of job applicants to help identify Orange County residents who wish to gain employment with Morinaga. Conclusion Our Morinaga Success Story: • Highlights Orange County's efforts to diversify our local economy, tax base & employment opportunities. • Creates more & better jobs, with technical training, health & related employment benefits for our residents. • Demonstrates how the BOCC's commitment to prepare the Economic Development Zones with utilities, zoning, incentives & thoughtful use of the '/4 cent sales tax for economic development, has proven to be a winning formula for the long term. • Highlights the public's commitment to economic development through passage of the 1/4 cent sales tax for economic development in Nov. 2011. Michael Talbert discussed the performance based incentive and said there will be no money distributed upfront. He said this will be a reimbursement based on the investment of the company. He said the commencement date of this agreement is December 2015, and the full term of the agreement is 5 years. He said the minimum taxable value of$34 million must be achieved by January 31 of 2018, and the 90 jobs must be achieved by this same date. He said the County tax office will provide verification for the "clawback" provision. Michael Talbert said the company has an average mean salary of$38,000. He reviewed the successes of this process. He reviewed next steps with the Board, to include a public hearing. He said the Manager's recommendation is that the Board approve the performance based economic development incentive and move forward with this project. Chair Jacobs recognized Everette Greene from the Mebane City Council. PUBLIC COMMENT: D.R. Bryan, Chair of the Economic Development Advisory Board, said the board offers their enthusiastic support for this project and asks that the Commissioners support and approve the incentives package. Dr. Bill Ingram, President of Durham Tech, said the school is very supportive of the Board of County Commissioners and the Morinaga Company. He said they have worked with multi-national firms from Durham County. He said Durham Tech's mission is to enrich students' lives and the broader community, through teaching, learning and service. He said this initiative has the opportunity to expand and diversify the economic base in Orange County. Chair Jacobs said, on behalf of the Board, that they are pleased to be creating this partnership. He said the County has just started to embark on the course of offering incentives to businesses that start or stay in Orange County. He said this has been an amicable collaborative process. He thanked Masao Hoshino and the Morinaga family. He thanked the Orange County staff and said they have done an excellent job of shepherding this project through the state, the County and Mebane. He thanked the voters of Orange County, who approved the '/4 cent sales tax, for making an investment in the community. He said this investment would reap many dividends in the County. He said one of these dividends was the ability to provide infrastructure to the western part of Orange County and to bring in Morinaga. Commissioner Gordon said the Board is pleased to have this partnership with Morinaga, and she welcomed them to Orange County. Commissioner Dorosin said, in the interest of transparency, he would like to be clear about the incentives being considered. He said he is very supportive of this project. He referred to the agreement - 6a1. He asked if the investment part of the commitment is a % cent reduction in property tax for up to 5 years. John Roberts said it is based on the property tax, so it will be approximately 75 percent of whatever the final investment is. Commissioner Dorosin asked if this is done on an annual basis, so the taxes can be accounted for. John Roberts said yes. He said a provision was added to the agreement, stating that it will be examined annually. He said the initial intent was that there would be 5 equal annual payments that were equal in amount; but now it will be based on annual valuation, with a maximum amount of$1.5 million. Commissioner Dorosin clarified that this is not actually a payment from the County; but it is a reduction in the amount of property taxes paid. John Roberts said incentives cannot be tax rebates. He said incentive agreements that provide for a payment based on tax valuation are authorized. He said this would be a payment from the County to the company after the tax assessment. Commissioner Dorosin said this means the County collects 100 percent of the taxes and then pays according to the 75 percent formula. Commissioner Dorosin referred to the employment incentive and noted that if the 90 position target is not met, there is a $450 penalty for each position not created. He asked how this will be structured. John Roberts said if employment numbers are not met, then the $450 would be removed from the County's payment to the company. Commissioner Price said she is delighted that Morinaga chose Orange County, and she is looking forward to the many ways the company will enrich Orange County. Commissioner Rich thanked Morinaga. She said it is exciting to know that the work put into getting the '/4 cent sales tax passed is now turning into this. She said she is excited about all of the partnerships being formed. Commissioner Pelissier said thank you and echoed what Commissioner Rich said about partnerships. She is glad that Morinaga had the courage to locate here in a place without existing infrastructure. She said this means there will now be infrastructure, which will attract more companies. Commissioner McKee said this project is anchored at two points, in Japan and America. He said this creates an opportunity to increase cooperation between countries and cultures. He said his family moved to Orange County in the 1800's, and he knows there was a lot of support needed in this move. He pledged his continued support for this project. He extended a warm welcome to the Morinaga family. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner McKee to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Rich to: 1. Receive the proposal to consider the issuance of incentives to a private company for the recruitment of Morinaga America Foods, Inc. to Orange County, and to consider approval of a "performance-based" economic development incentive agreement with claw back provisions. 2. Conduct the Public Hearing and accept public and BOCC comments. 3. Close the Public Hearing. 4. Approve the "Performance-Based" economic development incentive agreement between Orange County and the Company, subject to final review by the County Attorney, and authorize the Chair to sign the agreement on behalf of the County. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Orange County Community Development Block Grants The Board received comments from the public regarding opportunities for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Programs in Orange County in 2013. Craig Benedict said, due to some funding at the state level, there is more of a focus on jobs, economic development and infrastructure. He said there are CDBG grants available to Orange County. He said the purpose of tonight is to open this up for the public. He said if there are interested parties and non-profits, the County can look to see what funds may be available. NO PUBLIC COMMENT Commissioner Dorosin asked if there are already proposals from the Planning Department or Housing, regarding CDBG projects in need of funding. Craig Benedict said this is the generic public hearing to announce that monies are available and to seek input as to where the funding can be used. He said the public hearing can be left open for a couple of weeks. He said the second stage will involve developing the application and then bringing it back to the Board at a second public hearing to lay out the specifics of the projects and how the money will be spent. Commissioner Dorosin asked for information on the parameters for these grants. Craig Benedict said the state legislature narrowed the focus this year, so there is not as much funding available for typical housing purposes. He said there are limitations based on the classification of Orange County as a tier three county. He said monies are available for infrastructure and job creation and training. He said he will be able to elaborate more by the second public hearing. Commissioner Rich asked who is able to request monies at the second public hearing. She asked how the Board of County Commissioners can get involved in recommending projects. Craig Benedict said the typical cadence would be to identify five different pots of money. He said non-profits would normally request monies at this hearing. He said monies are not available as they have been in the past, but monies are available for infrastructure that will bring jobs to low income residents. He said he would expect to see projects such as extending water and sewer to companies that provide jobs to people who have not been making 80 percent of the median income. Craig Benedict said the effects of the state legislature rules are far-reaching, and he will provide the Board of County Commissioners with this information at a later date. Commissioner Rich asked if any non-profits have contacted Craig Benedict's or Tara Fikes' office yet. Tara Fikes said she has received one inquiry from Habitat for Humanity. Chair Jacobs said this is a two-step process. He said people will be encouraged to come to the next hearing. Craig Benedict said people have been notified directly, and there are public hearing ads. He said people are scrambling to see how monies will be distributed. Commissioner Dorosin said, in thinking about issues of poverty, the state has prioritized tier one counties. He noted that the 40 lowest wealth counties are tier one, the second 40 counties are tier two, and the 20 wealthiest counties are tier three, which includes Orange County. He said people who live in a low wealth community in a high tier county have a much smaller pool of funds to address needs. He said this clearly places the burden on the Board of County Commissioners to address the low wealth communities in Orange County. Michael Talbert said there are going to be limited funds for Orange County, especially in the housing arena, this year and next year. He said the next public hearing will be very specific regarding the economic development grant. He said this is the first step in making that happen. Chair Jacobs referred to Commissioner Dorosin's comment and said this was one of the hurdles in addressing concerns with the Rogers Road Neighborhood. He said the tier three status prevented access to monies. He noted that the Board has now gone in a different, self supported direction. The Interim Manager recommends that the Board continue to receive comments from the public as additional information. 7. Regular Agenda a. Infrastructure Design and Construction Administration Contract for Morinaga Site The Board considered approving a contract with McGill & Associates for the design, permitting and bid and construction administration of interstate frontage road, water and sewer infrastructure to serve the proposed Morinaga manufacturing facility site and authorizing the Chair to sign. Craig Benedict noted the revised contract at the Commissioner's places, and he thanked Commissioner Gordon for her helpful comments on this revision. He said this is just for the design work. He said when this is completed next year this will go out to bid. He said staff chose McGill because the firm provided help in the past with the Efland sewer project and the North Buckhorn Sewer project, which were completed on time and within budget. He said the contract would be for the amount of$142,000, to included work outlined in the abstract materials. Commissioner Gordon asked if staff wanted to change the recommendation to include the wording "subject to attorney review." John Roberts said this wording should be included. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve and authorize the chair to sign a contract with McGill & Associates for the design, permitting and bid and construction administration for $142,000 for interstate frontage road, water and sewer infrastructure to serve the proposed Morinaga manufacturing facility site, subject to attorney review. Commissioner Dorosin asked Michael Talbert how many proposals were received in response to the Request for Qualifications (RFQs). Michael Talbert said staff interviewed the top six firms. Commissioner Dorosin referred to the previous CDBG discussion. He asked if this means other CDBG requests will be considered in addition to this one, or if the intent is that this will be their CDBG request. Craig Benedict said it is the intent that the money to be expended with this contract will be part of the 25 percent share of the grant proposal. He said another part will be an estimate of the construction cost for the water and sewer work. He said a letter has been signed with the state, authorizing consultants to be hired and counted as a County match when applications are submitted. Commissioner Dorosin clarified that the County will request a CDBG grant for $1 million related to this project, and this grant proposal will include all the work in this item, as well as $800,000 for infrastructure. Craig Benedict said that is correct. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. SportsPlex Property Purchase and Sale Agreements and Approval of Budget Amendment#2-C The Board considered authorizing the Interim Manager and Chair to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the County and the sellers of property adjacent to the Orange County SportsPlex; execute the necessary paperwork to close the transaction no later than 30 days after the agreements are fully executed, subject to final County Attorney approval; and approve Budget Amendment#2-C in the amount of$382,000 to fund the transaction from the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance. Jeff Thompson reviewed information on the two properties, and he said this is county property and could be used for parking. The board was briefed on this project in closed session on September 17, 2013. Jeff Thompson said both sites have vertical residential structures that may be of use in the short term. He said the 1.36 acre parcel is priced at $182,000 and the 1.5 acre parcel is priced at $200,000. Commissioner Rich asked if recycling and reuse will be used when the existing buildings on the property are not longer needed. Jeff Thompson said yes. He said these properties could also potentially be moved and re-sited for use as affordable housing. Commissioner Gordon said she has some concerns about using unassigned fund balance for these purchases. She is not in favor of using $382,000 in general fund balance to fund this during this time of fiscal uncertainty. Commissioner McKee said he would normally agree with Commissioner Gordon, but with the success of the Sportsplex and the continuing need for expansion, he feels it is critical to go ahead and make this purchase and have it on hand. Commissioner Price echoed what Commissioner McKee said. She said she sees this as an economic development project. Jeff Thompson made the clarification that this is excess fund balance, not unassigned fund balance. Chair Jacobs said the Board wanted to recognize the fine job that John Stock and his staff have done to make this facility such a success. He said the need for more room is a good problem. A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Price to: • authorize the Interim Manager and Chair to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement between the County and the Sellers of property adjacent to the Orange County SportsPlex; • execute the necessary paperwork to close the transaction no later than 30 days after the agreements are fully executed, subject to final County Attorney approval; and • approve Budget Amendment#2-C in the amount of$382,000 to fund the transaction from the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays, 1 (Commissioner Gordon) c. Resolutions to Endorse Orange County's Priority Transportation Projects for the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Triangle Area Regional Planning Organization The Board considered two (2) resolutions (Attachments 2 and 5) endorsing two (2) priority lists of transportation projects within the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) and the Triangle Area Regional Planning Organization (TARPO) planning areas for consideration of inclusion in the 2016-2022 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Transportation Planner Bret Martin said this item originally came to the Board as a full list with all modes of transportation. He said information is still being released that affects these projects. He said there was a preliminary list created; however, now that there are hard deadlines in place, the bike, pedestrian and highway projects can be slowed as more information comes out that might affect the ranking and order of the list. He said the transit projects do have a deadline of today with the DCHC MPO, but it can be turned in tomorrow. He said there have been many changes to the state funding structure, and project selection criteria. He will review how this affects Orange County projects and the priority of the items. He noted that the Board already approved the priority projects for the BGMPO, and those projects have been submitted. He reviewed the following PowerPoint slides: BOCC ITEM 7C Orange County Transportation Project Priorities OCTOBER 15, 2013 Quick Background • Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) developed every 2 years. • MPOs/RPOs currently working with local governments to prioritize projects for 2016- 2022 STIP. • STIP contains funding/scheduling information for projects conceived from locally/regionally adopted transportation plans. • Projects last prioritized and submitted from Orange County in 2011. • Local government priority lists serve dual role: official project submission list and guide for assigning local input points. • Changes to State funding and project selection policies and criteria affecting Orange County project priorities. Identified Issues with State's Previous Funding Structure • Fragmentation of funding among regions 4 discontinuity and fragmentation of projects. • Difficult to implement projects of statewide significance when money is not required to be spent on those projects. • Not a need-based distribution of funding. • North Carolina ranks 47/50 among all states for revenue per lane mile of responsibility, requiring more efficient need-based approach. How the Strategic Mobility Formula will work (graphic) Regions and divisions (map) Previous Scoring Methodology- Highway Mobility (table) Previous Scoring Methodology- Highway Modernization (table) New Scoring Methodology- Highway (table) Previous/New Scoring Methodology- Bike/Pedestrian (table) However, Regions and Divisions Can Devise Their Own Scoring Criteria (table) Highway Project Implications For Orange County • Less local input influence. • More emphasis on congestion and benefit/cost favors added capacity projects on higher volume thoroughfares. • Low-cost highway projects with profound travel time and congestion relief benefits will score well. • Highway projects not adding capacity will not score well. • Projects of statewide or regional significance (1-40, 1-85, NC 86, NC 54) will be eligible for more money than projects of local significance (South Churton Street, Orange Grove Road extension, etc.) and will not have to rely as much on the power of local input points to get them funded. Bike/Pedestrian Project Implications for Orange County • Require 20% local match and must be locally administered. • Right-of-way will not be an included cost to NCDOT. • No highway modernization projects means bike projects previously submitted as highway projects (>$1,000,000) will not score well with new formula and will have to be submitted as bike/pedestrian projects to receive funding. • More emphasis on safety, utilitarian demand, access and connectivity for bike/pedestrian projects 4 Favors more urban contexts. Staff's Approach/Strategy for Ranking/Prioritizing Projects • Projects on staff-suggested priority list ranked to optimize scoring output and funding probability, but list was also sensitive to local desires for those projects that are only eligible for the Division funding tier. • Staff carried forward projects submitted in last iteration of project prioritization as starting point for considering projects in this iteration. • Staff used the following strategy to rank suggested projects: ➢ 1 st -Added capacity/mobility projects of local significance; ➢ 2nd-Added capacity/mobility projects of statewide/regional significance; ➢ 3rd - Transit/rail projects; ➢ 4th — Bike/ped projects of local significance that require a 20% local match and for projects to be locally administered. Optimize Final Scores to Get Projects Funded While Also Addressing County's Most Profound Transportation Needs Recommended Board Approach Moving Forward: Action to take tonight: Consider and endorse transit priority list by approving the resolution for transit-specific projects for both TARPO and DCHS MPO (Refer to handouts). Action for November 19th: Consider and endorse TARPO and DCHC MPO priority lists by approving resolution for all projects (including highway, bike/ped, transit). Brett Martin said the local MPO has a set number of input points that can be assigned to projects on their list. Bret Martin referred to the slides on how the Strategic Mobility Formula will work. He said three tiers have now been established, and all of the money for transportation projects in NC is divided into these three tiers over a ten year period (2016-2025). He said the first tier is statewide mobility, which addresses projects of statewide significance; and 40 percent of the money ($6 billion) would go to this tier. He said these projects will not be selected based on any local input. He said these projects will be based 100 percent on quantitative data. Bret Martin said the only potential projects in Orange County that fall under this category are 1-85, 1-40, and US 15-501. He said the second tier is the regional tier, which receives 30 percent of the funds ($4.5 billion). He noted that the selection of these projects is based 70 percent on quantitative data, using the state's scoring process. The other 30 percent is based on local input. He said everything eligible at the statewide tier is also available at the regional tier, as there is a cascading effect of projects down through the tiers. This means that Interstate 85, Interstate 40, and US 15-501 are eligible, along with the other US and NC routes. The last tier is for division needs, and it also receives 30 percent of the funds ($4.5 billion). He said this tier is based 50 percent on quantitative data and 50 percent on local input. This tier can include any of the projects from the previous tiers, as well as any other secondary highways or road routes. Brett Martin reviewed the regions and divisions on the map. He said Orange County is matched up with the Triad, and this is who the County is competing with at the regional level. He reviewed the Scoring Methodology charts from the PowerPoint, with a focus on the changes. He noted the increased emphasis on quantitative data. He said there were previously a highway mobility category and a highway modernization category, both with different scoring factors. He said the modernization projects would favor rural areas, and the mobility projects favored the urban areas. He said the new scoring method takes away the modernization category, so the projects that favored rural projects no longer exist. He said this is a big deal because Orange County had previously submitted several projects classified as modernization projects. These are no longer lucrative projects for submission. Brett Martin said an opportunity was provided for divisions and regions to get together and come up with their own scoring criteria at the regional/divisional level. He said some divisions were able to do this, and lane and shoulder width were included in their scoring factors; therefore the rural projects in those regions have a better chance to be funded. He said division 7 was not able to mobilize fast enough to make this change, but it is an option two years from now in the next phase of development. Brett Martin said all of the modes of transportation will be competing against one another, as there is no separate pot of money for each mode. However the state has set a minimum amount of 4 percent of funding that must go to non-highway modes, with a maximum allowable amount of 10 percent. He noted the list of projects outlined in the materials at the Commissioner's places, and he invited questions from the Board. Commissioner Gordon said it is important to consider the cascade effect and the fact that this only runs one way. She said the local input only takes effect at the regional and divisional level, and it has a low level of points. She said another important factor is the limitation in monies. She referred to a letter, sent out today from DCHC MPO, that expresses concern about the normalization process. She noted that the 4 -10 percent amount for non- highway means a minimum of 90 percent for highway. She said that for highway project submissions, there is a need to consider the relative importance to Orange County. She did ask transportation planner Andy Henry about this, and it was his opinion that the Board did not need to submit Interstate 40 and Interstate 85 since they are already on the list. She said those projects will be 100 percent data driven at the state level. She said the Board will need to think about whether some of the local projects are more important than the regional projects. She said the Board needs to think about how many points should be put on projects that are extremely data driven. She said the transit projects can have an unlimited number of submissions, so this is where the cascade effect is not as important tonight; however it will be very important on November 1 9tH She suggested the submission of separate lists for bike/pedestrian and highway on November 19tH Bret Martin said the County can submit different projects in different modes, but the projects will still all be scored as one item. He said the list that will be coming to the Board on November 19th will act as a guide for the TAC members to look at where to assign points. Chair Jacobs asked if the Burlington MPO will be dealt with separately. Brett Martin said this was done last month. Chair Jacobs said staff discussed some adjustments, and somehow the number one priority, which was is the TARPO projects, got lost in the shuffle. He was wondering how to get this back in. Brett Martin asked if this is about the Buckhorn Road widening. He said this is now in the Burlington/Graham MPO planning area and can no longer be submitted. He said the projects that came to the BGMPO TCC were an abbreviated list of projects made by their staff. He said the Board did submit that project, but he is unsure what decision making process occurred at the MPO level to prevent it from being included in the recommendations. Chair Jacobs said there was an exchange of emails regarding substitution of projects. Craig Benedict said he believes the email discussion today will put the Buckhorn project in the Burlington/Graham priority list. Chair Jacobs said this is important because it is in the middle of the Economic Development District, and it is a bottleneck, especially as long as the flea market is there. He noted that residents do not like the traffic immobility on weekends, and it would also be a more attractive economic development area if people could drive through easily. Chair Jacobs said one of the reasons the interstate funding has not gone forward is because it has not been a priority in the past. He said the reason Interstate 40 stopped at the Orange County line is because Orange County sued to block that route in the 1980's. He said it has not been funded for the past 25 years, and he does not think this is a coincidence or a function of district lines. He said it is more a function of the way the DOT used to operate, but hopefully this is no longer the case. Chair Jacobs suggested that staff use the front and back of pages to create larger PowerPoint materials that the Board can more easily read the material. Commissioner Dorosin asked about the substitute handout for 7C. He asked if this is to replace 7C 3 in the original packet. Brett Martin said the handout will supplant what was previously received. He said this list is the only action item for tonight. He said the original list had all modes, but this list is narrowed to the action item. He said a comprehensive list with all modes will come back to the Board on the 19th Commissioner McKee said he gets a feeling that no matter how the Board prioritizes or ranks items, it will have little impact. He is not opposed to doing it, but he does question the effectiveness. Commissioner Gordon asked if Brett Martin had more to say on the transit projects. Brett Martin said he wanted to make the strong point that a lot of the projects being indicated would require a local match. He said the approval of the list tonight does not commit the County to a local match. Commissioner Gordon said there are two projects on the list for DCHC MPO —the Hillsborough Train Station and the Buckhorn EDD. She noted that those projects were on the original list, and now others have been added for a total of six. She said the Buckhorn EDD was submitted to the Burlington/Graham MPO, and it is in that MPO. Brett Martin said most of it is, but not all of it. Commissioner Gordon said it appears to be on the border. Brett Martin said there is a small area of this EDD in the DCHC planning area. He said the intent of that project is to have it in the Mebane area. Commissioner Gordon noted that there were previously two lists, one for TARPO and one for DCHC, and she thought this was a good idea. She is not sure about the wisdom of submitting one list to both organizations. She believes what is being asked for is a resolution endorsing transit projects for the TARPO regional priority list and the DCHC MPO regional priority list. She said these priority lists will eventually go into the transportation improvement program. She asked if this is correct. Brett Martin asked if this is about the title of the resolution. Commissioner Gordon said this is in the title and the body. She read from the document. Brett Martin said the MPO's regional priority list is the MPO'S TIP. Commissioner Gordon said this is not stated in the materials. She asked if STIP projects can be submitted later. Brett Martin said the naming does not affect the action. He said anything that rolls up to the STIP must first be on the TIP at the MPO level. He said the Board is not approving projects to be included in a regional priority list. He said the goal is to be considered for inclusion in the TIP, in order to roll up to the STIP. Commissioner Gordon asked if he would double check how this is supposed to be done. She feels this should be submitted in two different lists. She said she has questions about which MPO or RPO it should go to. Brett Martin said the Northern Human Services project would be in the TARPO planning area. Commissioner Gordon suggested the projects be split here. She said it is clear that items 4 and 5 are in DCHC. She noted that Buckhorn falls into both planning areas. Brett Martin clarified that Buckhorn Road is not the border of the planning area. He said the planning area extends to the east of Buckhorn Road. Commissioner Gordon asked if this item was submitted to the Burlington/Graham MPO, and if it will be submitted to DCHC. Brett Martin said yes, but this is only because the EDD crosses a little over the boundary. Commissioner Gordon said her point is that it should be two separate lists - one to TARPO and one to DCHC. She said something should be said about a regional priority list. She asked which format will be submitted. Brett Martin said the list with the finer details will be submitted. Chair Jacobs asked if this information was in the packet before the meeting. Brett Martin said these are the items that were emailed out and placed at the Commissioner's places. Commissioner Gordon noted that the original list received by the Board only had two transit projects; those items are now items 5 and 6 on the new list, and 4 other items have been added. Bret Martin said two lists will be submitted, one to TARPO and one to DCHC MPO. He said the fact that all the projects are on the list does not mean they will be submitted. He said the expansion vehicles make it difficult to know how many need to be submitted to one versus the other. He said these details have not been worked out by Triangle Transit and Orange County staff. He said it is also not known if the Northern Human Services Center will be an implementation objective in that program. He said a lot of these projects are not official submissions, but are Triangle Transit or Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation projects. He said the reason these are added for Board endorsement is so the Board can express support and assign local input points to them. Commissioner Price said it doesn't make any difference what lists you use at this point, due to the state's new prioritization plan. Commissioner Price asked if Hillsborough had seen this proposed listing and resolution. She noted that some of the changes affect Hillsborough. Brett Martin said he did talk with Hillsborough. He said the planning director thought that the Town would not submit any projects, but she expressed support for the Orange County submissions. Commissioner Price asked about Cornelius Street. Brett Martin said this was not mentioned. Commissioner Price said TARPO was meeting this week, so there may be more developments. Commissioner Gordon suggested that the resolutions should read, "A resolution endorsing transit projects for TARPO Regional Priority List, the DCHCO Regional Priority List, and the Transportation Improvement Programs." She said this covers all bases. She said any reference to DCHC should say, "the DCHC MPO Regional Priority list and the 2016-2022 STIP." REVISED RESOLUTION ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS A RESOLUTION ENDORSING ORANGE COUNTY'S PRIORITY TRANSIT PROJECTS FOR THE TRIANGLE AREA RURAL PLANNING ORGANIZATION (TARPO) AND DURHAM- CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (DCHC MPO) REGIONAL PRIORITY LISTS FOR THE 2016 —2022 STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the North Carolina Board of Transportation (BOT), every two years, prepares a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) that identifies transportation projects to be implemented over the next seven years with State and Federal funding; and WHEREAS, the North Carolina BOT solicits input for identifying transportation projects of local and regional importance to be included in the FY 2016-2022 STIP; and WHEREAS, the TARPO Rural Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC) is charged with the development of a regional priority list and the DCHC MPO Transportation Advisory Committee is charged with the development of a regional priority list and Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP); and WHEREAS, Orange County is a member jurisdiction of the TARPO and the DCHC MPO; and WHEREAS, Orange County and other member jurisdictions have been asked by the DCHC MPO to submit a list of priority transit projects by October 15, 2013; and WHEREAS, Orange County gives priority to identified safety needs on existing roads and bridges, to transportation projects that encourage alternatives to automobile travel, to projects that minimize adverse impacts on the natural environment and cultural sites, and to those projects that foster economic development in the County's designated Economic Development Districts; and WHEREAS, Orange County strongly encourages the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to design all highway projects, where appropriate, to accommodate bicycle and pedestrian traffic to provide alternative means of transportation that may result in reduced automobile traffic and related air and water impacts; and WHEREAS, Orange County encourages the NCDOT to design all new or replacement bridges with sufficient clearance to allow wildlife to cross safely under them, and to allow pedestrian passage along any existing or planned trail-system connectors; and WHEREAS, Orange County has outlined its transit-specific transportation needs within the TARPO and DCHC MPO planning areas in an attachment to this resolution; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Orange County Board of Commissioners that the Board endorses the following prioritized list of transit-specific transportation projects to be considered for the FY 2016-2022 TARPO regional priority list and DCHC MPO regional priority list and MTIP. 1 Orange Public Transportation Expansion Vehicles: Request/purchase up to six (6), 25- foot, 18-passenger cutaway bus vehicles to accommodate bus service expansion as recommended in the Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan (OCBRIP) and the Five-Year Orange County Bus Service Expansion Program currently under development. This project will be submitted as a new transit project to both TARPO and DCHC MPO (depending on the proposed location of vehicle use) for consideration of inclusion in the TARPO regional priority list, the DCHC MPO regional priority list and MTIP, and the 2016-2022 STIP. 2 Park-and-Ride Improvements at Orange County Northern Human Services Center (Conceptual): Implement park-and-ride improvements at the Orange County Northern Human Services Center for potential fixed-route service to Hillsborough. This project will be submitted as a new transit project to TARPO for consideration of inclusion in the TARPO regional priority list and the 2016-2022 STIP. 3 Park-and-Ride Improvements in Efland (Conceptual): Implement park-and-ride improvements in the Efland area for cross-county, fixed-route service between Mebane and Durham. This project will be submitted as a new transit project to the DCHC MPO for consideration of inclusion in the DCHC MPO regional priority list and MTIP and in the 2016-2022 STIP. The project's official submission may be made by Triangle Transit or Orange Public Transportation. 4 Park-and-Ride Improvements in Hillsborough (Conceptual): Implement park-and-ride improvements in Hillsborough for cross-county, fixed-route service between Mebane and Durham. This project will be submitted as a new transit project to the DCHC MPO for consideration of inclusion in the DCHC MPO regional priority list and MTIP and in the 2016-2022 STIP. The project's official submission must be made by Triangle Transit. 5 Hillsborough Train Station: Construct a train station in Hillsborough and implement AMTRAK service. This project will be submitted as a new transit/rail project to the DCHC MPO for consideration of inclusion in the DCHC MPO regional priority list and MTIP and in the 2016-2022 STIP. The project's official submission must be made by Triangle Transit. 6 Buckhorn Economic Development District (EDD) Park-and-Ride: Make park-and-ride improvements or construct a park-and-ride facility to be located in the I-85/Buckhorn Road Economic Development District (EDD) to collect ridership in eastern Alamance and western Orange Counties. This project will be submitted as a new transit project for consideration of inclusion in the DCHC MPO regional priority list and MTIP and in the 2016-2022 STIP. The project's official submission must be made by either Triangle Transit or the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART). A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to approve the above resolution, modified to include "Regional Priority List" before Transportation Improvement Program every place it appears for the DCHC MPO. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. Reports NONE 9. County Manager's Report Michael Talbert gave an update of the effects of the government shutdown on the County. He said the issues for the County revolve around social services and the health department. He noted that WIC funds have been reinstated until end of the month. He said the County is starting to hit roadblocks at the Department of Social Services (DSS) due to the shutdown. He said the County has been ordered in some cases not to provide services at DSS. He said there has been immediate action by DSS to reduce services provided to the adolescent parenting program. He said this puts kids at risk, and he thinks the government will come through and fund these programs, so it is important to keep them running. He said there will be no cash payments for Work First after November 1 st. He said no new clients can be signed up for this program at this time. Nancy Coston said the state has ordered a stop work on the Work First employment program. She said the child care program may also be cut soon. She said child care has only been suspended for 42 children of people in the Work Force activities. This has been done with the understanding that child care will be re-instated as soon as the program comes back. She said there was a stop work order for the Adolescent Parenting Program, and this is being examined. She said there are 44 parenting teens in the two school systems, and the goal is to insure that these teens finish school, delay pregnancy and become good parents. She said the purpose of tonight is just to inform the Board of the risks being taken. Chair Jacobs said the Board appropriated monies for the social justice safety net fund. He said the Board has made a commitment to keep programs going for those that most need help. He requested a status report at the next meeting in order to make some priority decisions. Michael Talbert said this budget was $250,000, and those funds are available if needed. Chair Jacobs said there was an item in the budget amendment about maintaining section 8 housing. He recommended a press release about the things that are happening to people in Orange County. He said attention needs to be given to what is going on. 10. County Attorney's Report NONE 11. Appointments a. Affordable Housing Advisory Board —Appointment The Board considered making an appointment to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to appoint Ms. Sally Jaffer to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board in position # 1 with a term ending 9/30/2016. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, second by Commissioner Price to appoint: • Ms. Tammi Jacobs to position #6 with a term ending 6/30/2015 • Ms. Britney Walden to position #9 with a term ending 6/30/2015. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Orange Dog Poets Society—Appointment The Board considered making an appointment of a Commissioner as a representative to the Orange Dog Poets Society's Poet Laureate selection committee. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Rich to appoint Commissioner Dorosin as a representative to the Orange Dog Poets Society's Poet Laureate selection committee. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Orange Unified Transportation Board —Appointments The Board considered making appointments to the Orange Unified Transportation Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to appoint to the Orange Unified Transportation Board: • Mr. Donald Wollum to the Eno Township position with a term ending 9/30/2016. • Mr. Brantley Wells to the Hillsborough Township position with a term ending 9/30/2016. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 12. Board Comments Commissioner Rich said Project Connect took place last week, and 300 people attended. She said each of these people got about 10 services. Commissioner Price — no comments Commissioner McKee said if the Board of County Commissioners acted like the federal government the Board would be run out of town. He said if the federal government doesn't get this straightened out, the citizens should replace them all in the next election. Commissioner Gordon said she and many of the Commissioners attended the installation of the Chancellor at UNC. Commissioner Gordon said the DCHC MPO meeting was held on October 9th. She said there was discussion of the Memorandum of Understanding, taking into account the comments received from Orange County and others. She said this has been released for approval and should come back to the Board in the near future. She said time was spent on the prioritization of bicycle projects, and a schedule was received. She said this will come back on November 19th She said the DCHC MPO always expresses concern about how this process is moving forward. She referenced a letter being sent to the Board of Transportation to highlight two issues. She said the issues are: 1) How many input points the MPOs and RPOs are given to allocate, and 2) the so called normalization of monies for highway and non-highway. Commissioner Dorosin said today he was representing clients in the latest hearing regarding the future viability of the NC Pre-K program. He said a compelling argument was made in favor of the program, but the state continues to argue their authority to narrow this program. He said the decision will be in a couple of months, and he is cautiously optimistic. He said he has been working with Commissioner Price on the County Fair exploratory committee. He said there will be a meeting on October 30th at 7pm at the Solid Waste Administrative Office to receive public input and gauge interest. This will be presented to the Board at the work session on the 12th of November. Commissioner Pelissier recognized school board members who volunteered at Project Connect. She also said she had talked to an attendee who lived at a mobile home park that is closing. She noted that housing was a major concern. She said there needs to be a discussion about mobile home parks. She said Triangle Transit Authority released their annual performance report, and ridership was up 11 percent overall. She said will be attending a Triangle Transit conference in Seattle this weekend and she hopes to learn a lot of things. She said she is happy to copy the Board on her report. She said TTA had a petition from the Town of Carrboro at Triangle Transit to use the 1/4 cent sales tax to build sidewalks, especially for access to the transit stops. She said this will require further discussion. Commissioner Pelissier said she went to her first meeting of the Orange County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. She said other counties have an annual report about the work of the council. She said there was informal discussion of creating a report in Orange County. Commissioner Price said she attended the NCACC conference today on the Affordable Care Act. She invited the Commissioners to look at the information on the website. She noted the next meeting scheduled for October 28th in Burlington. Chair Jacobs said he and Commissioner Pelissier met with their recently appointed representative to the Chapel Hill Library Board of Trustees, Mr. Stroud. He said efforts were made to get him up to date on the County's areas of concern. He said it reminded him of the need to put together a group to plan the upcoming retreat and to gather reports from representatives of Orange County that serve on other governmental boards. He referred to the discussion of 4 to10 percent funding for non-highway projects. He said this means the number will be 4 percent. He said this fits into the discussion of bus rapid transit in Wake County. He said, without significant state funding in the foreseeable future for light rail, there will be some interesting discussions at Triangle Transit. He said this will likely filter back to the Board regarding the future of public transportation planning. 13. Information Items • October 1, 2013 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections • Walnut Grove Church Road Convenience Center Update 14. Closed Session -NONE 15. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to adjourn the meeting at 9:37 pm. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Barry Jacobs, Chair Donna S. Baker, CMC Clerk to the Board