HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-11-2014 APPROVED 6/3/2014
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION
March 11, 2014
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Work Session on Tuesday,
March 11, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Link Government Services Center, in Hillsborough, 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: Assistant County Manager Clarence Grier, and Clerk to the
Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below)
Chair Jacobs called the meeting to order.
1. Cedar Grove Community Center Project Update
Jeff Thompson introduced this item and reviewed the following PowerPoint slide:
CEDAR GROVE COMMUNITY CENTER
Project Update — March 11, 2014
• Intended Outcome
• Receive an update regarding requested information from the Board of County
Commissioners during its November 12, 2013 work session;
• Confirm the project plan as approved in the FY2013-14 Capital Investment Plan;
or
• Provide new direction to staff.
John Thomas with MBAJ Architecture reviewed the following PowerPoint slides:
Existing Conditions (5 graphic/map slides)
Proposed Site Plan (map - assuming wings remain)
Proposed Floor Plan (blueprint)
Occupancy
• Septic Capacity
- 1,400 gals/day
• Full Day Use (8 hours)
- 140 persons
• Half Day Use (4 hours)
- 220 persons
John Thomas reviewed the maps and blueprint slides of the existing conditions. He
said there are 3 component parts, including the main center and 2 distinct classroom wings.
He said the building currently acts as the entrance to Cedar Grove Park, which is scheduled
for continued development and expansion over the next 5 to 10 years.
He said the center section of the existing building was the focus of the advisory group
work. He said there are a total of 16 classrooms the 2 educational wings. He said one of the
classrooms in the south wing has been folded into the design of the community center as a
result of its location with regard to the fire partition and as part of an effort to create more
space for programming needs.
John Thomas said the proposal includes plans for paving the gravel lot to the south,
shifting the entrance to improve site lines, and improving the landscaping. He said a new entry
plaza in the rear will become the main entrance, and a memorial will be created in the front to
commemorate the older school. He said a system of sidewalks will be created to connect the
paved parking areas to the entrances and walking trail.
He reviewed each of the rooms shown on the blueprint. He said the community center
will include the following: a multi-purpose room; permanent space for parks and recreation; a
dual use conference room; an internet cafe; a multi-media room; an office for onsite staff; and
flexible dividable space located in the former cafeteria. He said the kitchen will be re-
developed into a limited use warming kitchen, due to septic issues.
John Thomas said his firm is proposing the inclusion of a multi-media room for tutoring
and internet access, and this would take the place of a lot of the functions that the library once
filled. He said this would allow a potential remote location for the library to send requested
books.
Commissioner Gordon asked if this is the area that is currently funded in the CIP.
John Thomas said yes.
John Thomas noted the location of the current septic. He said this existing system has
a capacity of 2,400 gallons per day, and 1,000 gallons of this are allocated to the park. He
said this only leaves 1,400 for the facility, which is the reason for the occupancy limitations
noted on the slide — 140 persons for full day use.
Commissioner McKee asked how often the park is used, if that much septic capacity is
dedicated to it. He said the effective absorption rate is actually higher due to the limited use of
the park.
John Thomas said he does not have an answer to this; however Hillsborough Youth
Athletic Association (HYAA) creates heavy use of the 3 ball fields located there.
Chair Jacobs noted that this septic allocation is also meant to accommodate the future
expansion of the park.
Commissioner Pelissier said she thought that the 1,000 gallons was based on the
planned full park use.
John Thomas said this number is fixed.
Chair Jacobs said Commissioner Dorosin had brought up putting money in the CIP to
move the septic system across the street. He said the CIP has not been discussed, but this
may be another way to address this in the future.
Commissioner Dorosin said the Board could also consider making seasonal
adjustments to the septic allocations for times when the park is not in heavy use.
Commissioner Rich asked how the capacity and use of the system will be monitored.
John Thomas said formulas for usage are developed based on proposed activities. He
said it would take a stout use to utilize 1,000 gallons per day. He said there are a lot of safety
measures built into this number. He said no one would be counting heads, but there would be
need to be awareness of the programming and participation.
Jeff Thompson said to actively manage this facility will be intensive from the staff
standpoint. He said if this moves forward, a discussion could be opened with environmental
health about how to modify the existing septic permit limits.
Commissioner Gordon asked what the number of people would be if every room was
filled in the community center simultaneously.
Dave Stancil said this facility would be scheduled through their department's scheduling
system, and the capacity could be monitored.
John Thomas said the numbers are done by a formula that packs people in to the
space. He said this is the calculation that is required by code, and using those numbers the
figure is 718.
Commissioner Gordon said this is more than three times the capacity and this is only
an hour or two per day that the building can be fully occupied.
John Thomas said the realistic occupancy is substantially less, and there will never be
718 people.
Commissioner Gordon said the capacity in the building could be bumped up against
much more easily than the capacity in the park.
Chair Jacobs said environmental health would have the final say in this.
Jeff Thompson reviewed the following slides:
Park & Ride; "Kiss & Ride"
• Route and shelter facility
- First priority for 5 year bus service program
• BOCC to be presented with program in April, 2014
Additional classroom space
• 732 square feet as multi-functional, programmable space
• Estimated additional cost: $29,000
Additional Septic Capacity
• Studied in 2000's
- Space fully occupied at the time
- Continued use needed capacity expansion
- Land acquired for expansion
- Design completed in 2009
- 7,000 gallons of daily flow capacity
• Expansion project not pursued:
- Estimated cost: $800,000
- Dramatic drop in programmed space
Mothballing Wings vs. Use as Storage
• Objective
- Preservation of Existing Space
• Minimum Scope
- Window Replacement
- Roof Replacement
- HVAC
- Fire Alarm
- Smoke Detection
- Storage use would require additional estimated$15,000 in fire alarm costs
Jeff Thompson referred to the park & ride slide and said Orange County Planning
confirmed that bus service to the Cedar Grove site is the first service planned to be launched
as part of the 5 year bus service program. He said the design and installation of the planned
transit shelter and amenities (signage, schedules, etc.) can be coordinated with the Community
Center design, should the BOCC choose to move forward with the project. The Board should
see the final bus service plan for approval in April 2014.
Jeff Thompson said this will use the southern parking component to allow people to
loop around for drop offs. He said there is parking in the designated "new paved parking".
Commissioner Rich asked how many spots this would have.
Jeff Thompson said he does not see this being stressed for use, as a result of the
parking North of the facility.
Commissioner Rich asked if the parking will require a permit.
Jeff Thompson said no permit will be required.
Referring to the slide on additional classroom space," Commissioner Gordon asked
about the location on the blueprint.
Jeff Thompson said this is the area just south of the ladies room, next to the multi-
media room.
Jeff Thompson reviewed the slide regarding additional septic capacity. He said the
estimated cost of$800,000 still stands as a reasonable estimate for that expansion. He said
the plans have been reviewed, and there are no issues with design.
Commissioner Rich asked why the 2009 Board of County Commissioners decided not
to pursue this expansion.
Jeff Thompson said in 2009 the only business that remained in use was a daycare
center. He said it was cost prohibitive to keep the facility running.
Chair Jacobs said the County tried to recruit others to use the space, but there were no
takers. He said the cost effectiveness issues and the difficulty finding tenants during the
recession led to the decision to close the facility.
Jeff Thompson reviewed the slide titled "Mothballing Wings vs. Use as Storage." He
said the mothballing state means protecting and preserving the wings for future use, while
leaving the interiors as is. He said the question from the Board was what it would cost to
convert this to code worthy, useable storage space. He said this would require additional fire
alarm infrastructure at a cost of$15,000.
Chair Jacobs said he brought up the space needs issue at a past meeting, and he felt
this may justify the expenditure of creating storage space in the wings. He said in the
meantime, he attended a Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing (PFAP) board meeting.
He said business has been so successful that PFAP's storage space is overwhelmed. He
invited the PFAP Director Matthew Roybal to look at the wings for possible storage and
suggested the businesses that use it could pay a rental fee. He said this rental fee would pay
back for any needed improvements.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if anything could be stored without the proposed
improvements.
John Thomas said no. He said the fire alarm system must be updated, and transoms
must be changed.
Commissioner Dorosin clarified that the space would be completely empty in the
mothball model.
John Thomas said that is correct.
Jeff Thompson noted that the cost to mothball is $600,000, and the cost to convert to
storage is $615,000.
Chair Jacobs introduced Matthew Roybal, Manager of PFAP.
Matthew Roybal said his clients at PFAP have a great deal of need for storage, and
their current space is being reclaimed. He said the lack of dry storage will drive these clients
out of the area. He said his initial assessment of the space was that it would be limited to dry
storage use; however this is the greatest need at this point. He said the area would need to be
free of pests, and there would need to be HVAC and access to restrooms.
Matthew Roybal referred to the following email, previously sent to Chair Jacobs:
Subject: PFAPC off-site storage
Date: Feb 7, 2014 11:45 AM
"On Wednesday afternoon, Jeff T., Rob, and I toured the community center site to evaluate
the potential use of the auxiliary wings. The following is my initial assessment.
Site Improvements
Beyond the general "mothballing" improvements (windows, seals, etc.) the following would be
required:
• Docks would need to be added to either wing to accommodate food storage. Both
wings are well suited for this improvement.
• Doors would also need to be converted to double-doors with a minimum of 52 inches.
• The floors would require a minimum resurfacing upgrade to weight-bearing tile or paint
system.
• Access to restrooms and hand-sinks would be required (the community center
bathrooms would be sufficient for almost all potential uses).
The following would be recommended improvements:
• Parking and dock separation barrier half-wall or fence for foot traffic safety (a half-wall
could be done in the planter-box style and landscaped if desired).
• Long-term flooring system installed (concrete treatment or epoxy).
Possible Use and Benefits
Based on the above, the site could support food storage, ag-business production, distribution,
and education (ag, food business, and job training) operations.
• PFAPC and/or its Clients could immediately fill 33% of one wing, and 80% of both
wings within two (2) years.
• It is possible to locate some ag-business functions at the site beyond storage, resulting
in additional site jobs. The community center could be an ideal labor source and
training environment.
• With two ag-business's on-site and 80% occupancy of both wings, my conservative
estimate is that the site would support 8 to 12 full-time jobs, 6 to 8 part-time jobs, and 6
to 8 seasonal jobs. Please note a majority of these jobs would be transferred to the
facility from other locations, and may not result in immediate hiring demands.
• Regardless of PFAPC overseeing operations at the site or renting space at the site,
PFAPC could possibly relocate select food operations to the site (ag and distribution
related) freeing up valuable space at PFAPC.
• The site is suitable for the location of a sub-zero freezer, which is in VERY high
demand by local farmers and food businesses. Currently, PFAPC would be able to slot
12 to 20 pallets there today, and that demand is expected to triple within the next two
(2) years. However, the expense of such an addition would be out of PFAPC's budget
and would require other sources of funding, either county or grant funding. Costs would
range from $30k to $90k dollars depending on specifications. Please note that certain
ag-business functions that would be allowed at the site would require freezer capacity.
Moving Forward
If the county chooses to consider these potential uses, the following steps would be
recommended:
• Assessment/ study/ report of use and demand.
• NCDA site evaluation for use.
• Operational modeling / budgeting.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Orange County agriculture and small businesses. This
site has good potential; especially considering the area of the county it is located. Jeff has
asked me (and I have agreed) to attend next week's meeting to answer any questions if
necessary."
Matthew Roybal
PFAP Director
matthew(a-)_pfapnc.org
919-241-4212
Chair Jacobs noted that this storage option could generate jobs.
Matthew Roybal said many businesses are looking for co-location and seasonal work
such as creating gift baskets, and that is a large growth area. He said restrooms would be
required for any employees.
Chair Jacobs said he thought this was worth bringing to the Board.
Commissioner Gordon asked for clarification concerning the correlation between
storage and employees needing restrooms.
Matthew Roybal said if someone is using this for storage/distribution, individuals will
come in to stock and relocate product. He said the state requirement is that restroom access
be available for any approved space.
Commissioner McKee said this facility operates as a business incubator, and several
companies are about to graduate out of the facility. He said the discussion of using the wings
for storage for PFAP ties back into the Board's desire to keep local businesses in this area.
He said this is a reasonable use for these wings, and he would be more amenable to spending
money for this use.
Commissioner Rich asked for a description of dry goods.
Matthew said this would include retail products or the supplies to create retail products,
including pallets of boxes or boxes with non-perishable foods. He said the thickness of the
floor also makes the site suitable for expanded use for potential refrigeration,
Commissioner Rich asked how much space PFAP would use now and in the future.
Matthew Roybal said PFAP themselves could potentially use 3000 square feet of dry
storage capacity.
Jeff Thompson said this equates to about 1/3 of a wing, or 3 classrooms.
Matthew Roybal said that current demand would be exceeded, because his clients are
so in need of storage. He said it would likely only take about 2 months to fill 33 percent of the
facility.
Commissioner Price thanked him for this proposal and said it is encouraging. She said
this ties in well with the area and its agricultural heritage.
Commissioner Gordon said the Board needs more information on the need for storage
space. She questioned who needs the space; how much it will cost; how much income will be
generated from clients; who will be the potential users; and what the impact will be on septic
capacity. She would like staff outline the storage needs of Orange County's departments, and
all of the other potential uses, as well the figures on use, revenue, and total cost.
Commissioner Pelissier said there is a figure in their abstract that states the cost at just
over $600,000. She said some additional funding will be necessary to make the additional
improvements. She said the question is what the revenue will be in exchange for the
investment. She questioned whether this location is a good long term storage space for
PFAP, or if there is a potential that other options would draw clients away after the County
invests in these improvements. She asked if this is really a good location or a stop gap
location during a time of need.
Matthew Roybal said it is not an ideal location, but the ideal location is not available for
this use. He said food storage is usually in very inconvenient locations. He said there will be
fluctuations in demand, and his dream is that a private developer would come in and see the
value in developing space for this need. He said no developers have been interested so far.
He said at this point, PFAP wants storage as close as possible to their current location in
Orange County.
Chair Jacobs said he envisioned that the Board would refer this back to staff to flesh
out. He said in the past the Commissioners did not want to moth ball the wings. He is
encouraged that the Board is now interested in this space for possible storage for either the
County or for PFAP, and this meets a lot of other goals in the short and medium term. He
said these businesses would pay for this storage space, which would allow the County to
recoup these expenses. He said this is something to be fleshed out by staff.
Commissioner Rich asked what this does to the timeframe for getting the community
center built.
Jeff Thompson said the architects are ready to go ahead with the community center
with or without the moth ball option. He said there will be a 4-5 month design time, followed by
the bid process and build process. He said this puts the opening in the summer of 2015. He
said this is assuming the Board of County Commissioners releases them to go forward with the
design in the next 6-8 weeks.
Commissioner Rich asked what happens with storage space and if it comes on sooner.
Jeff Thompson said the storage space is marginal add, as the mothballing scope will
have to be done anyway. He said it will not add much timing to do the fire alarm system and
the other modification. He said this would not really affect the endpoint timeline.
Commissioner Rich said the Board doesn't want PFAP to find another storage space in
the meantime.
Jeff Thompson said staff could prepare the analysis during the architect's design time
and bring it back to the Board of County Commissioners with the final design.
Commissioner Price asked if the windows are state of the art premium priced items.
John Thomas said these will meet the code requirement for community conservation
and make this a weather tight space. He said these are standard commercial grade windows
and roofing.
Jeff Thompson reviewed the following slides and materials from the abstract:
Option Comparison
• Base Project (Approved in CIP)
- Community Center
- Removal of Wings
• Option "A"
- Community Center
- Preservation of Wings
- Storage Use
- Fire Alarm
- Smoke Detection
• Option B"
- Community Center
- Preservation of Wings
- Programmed Use
- Septic Upgrade
"Base" Project: Community Center, Remove Wings
Preliminary Cost Estimate
General Conditions $172,712
Selective Abatement & Deconstruction $294,881
Building Renovation $1,029,247
Site Work $253,255
Construction Subtotal $1,577,383
Contingency 8% $105,930
Professional Fees $173,500
Cultural & Archaeology Study $5,000
Construction Testing & Inspections $15,774
Permits & Fees $2,000
Audio Visual Equipment $20,000
Signage $3,500
Furniture, Fixtures &Equipment $94,643
Project Total $1,997,730
Option B— Fully Programmed Space.
The cost to convert the wings to fully programmed space involves major investments in the
septic system upgrade to allow for the additional required wastewater flow as well as the
interior space upfit (to include an expansion of the proposed Community Center HVAC system)
that would provide comfortable office, meeting and services areas necessary for
programmable space.
Septic Upgrade: MBAJ Architects and their engineering sub-consultants reviewed the
construction documents and state that the system as designed is adequate for up to 7,000
gallons of daily flow. Full capacity design is estimated not to exceed $800,000, which includes
adequate contingency for unforeseen conditions.
This system was originally conceived and designed for the Board's consideration for
installation from the early 2000s through 2009. The Board chose not to pursue the additional
7,000 gallons of daily flow to support the rapidly declining occupancy and programming of the
facility.
Upfit:A full occupancy upfit is estimated at $100 per square foot. The estimated full cost for
this upfit, which includes the expanded Community Center HVAC system, is $2,100,000.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Board approved the FY2012-17 Capital Investment Plan ("CIP") that
included $250,000 in FY 2012-13 for deconstruction of sections of the facility in preparation for
the future use on the site. The Board also approved $2.0 million in FY2014-15 for the design
and construction of the new facility that, when combined with the $250,000 authorized in FY
2012-13, brings the total project capital budget to $2,250,000. The following illustration outlines
the costs associated with the alternatives discussed:
Option A — Storage Use, additional classroom space (No septic upgrade)
Estimated Current Surplus/
Cost Revenues Appropriations (Deficit)
Cedar Grove $2,000,000 $2,250,000 $2,250,000 $250,000
Project
Classroom $28,800 $0 $0 ($28,800)
Wing "Mothball"
Design Fee
Classroom $579,900 $0 $0 ($579,900)
Wing "Mothball"
Estimated
Construction
Cost*
Classroom $15,000 $0 $0 ($15,000)
Wing Storage
Upgrade
Estimated Cost
Palletized $10,000 $0 $0 ($10,000)
Storage
Opening
Additional $29,000 $0 $0 ($29,000)
Classroom
Space Upfit
Estimated Cost
Totals: $2,662,700 $2,250,000 $2,250,000 ($412,700)
Option B — Program Use (Septic Upgrade)
Estimated Current Surplus/
Cost Revenues Appropriations (Deficit)
Cedar Grove $2,000,000 $2,250,000 $2,250,000 $250,000
Project
Classroom $28,800 $0 $0 ($28,800)
Wing
"Mothball"
Design Fee
Classroom $579,900 $0 $0 ($579,900)
Wing
"Mothball"
Estimated
Construction
Cost
Classroom $2,100,000 $0 $0 ($2,100,000)
Wing Upfit
Cost (est. $100
per square
foot)
Septic System $800,000 $0 $0 ($800,000)
Upgrade
Estimated Cost
Additional $29,000 $0 $0 ($29,000)
Classroom
Space Upfit
Estimated Cost
Totals: $5,537,700 $2,250,000 $2,250,000 ($3,287,700)
Chair Jacobs said Dr. Sue Florence is here as spokesperson for the workgroup and
would like to speak on this item.
Dr. Sue Florence thanked everyone for allowing her to speak. She said she is a
product of Orange County. She recognized members of her work group and thanked the
recreation department and architects, who worked well with the group. She said everyone was
able to agree on a plan to present to the Board of Commissioners. She said at the last
meeting the group talked about bringing other programming services to the community center.
She said economic standards caused all of the programming to be removed from this facility,
and this is a lifeline for the community. She said the workgroup is interested in Option b
because it would allow space for programs to return to the center. She said the group wants a
combination of activities for their community to educate, flourish and grow. She said they also
want the wings to be maintained. She said she would like to see the rescue squad back at this
facility. She said the community will work together to help make this project happen.
Chair Jacobs said this item will be coming back to the Board in April, and there is
funding allocated in the budget.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if it is possible to find a third way that would renovate one
wing fully and use the other wing for storage.
Commissioner Gordon said if the Board is talking about services, the County has a dual
service model. She said the idea of expanding that model would be a different conversation.
Chair Jacobs said that is not what is being discussed now, but is a possible discussion
for the future.
2. Space Study Follow-Up to November 12, 2013 BOCC Work Session
Wayne Fenton reviewed the following PowerPoint slides:
Stressed, Unused and Underutilized Assets and Storage Assessment
BOCC Work Session
March 11, 2014
Board Update
i November 12, 2013 space use and facility report presented to Board
i Identified stressed, unused and under-utilized facilities and spaces
i Identified inefficient use of storage space in some locations
i Board requested additional information
Board Update
i This report presents:
Options, costs and considerations for:
i use or disposition of financially stressed assets
i use of available unused/underutilized space
Information regarding departmental storage practices, identified needs and
policy recommendations
i Board feedback and guidance intended to guide development of CIP
Industry Standard Space Definitions
i Report primarily considers assignable square footage
Industry Standard Space Definitions
- Service Area Square Footage
- Circulation Areas
- Mechanical Area Square Footage
- Structural Area Square Footage
"Stressed Assets"
i Financially stressed assets
i Assets that are fully depreciated and where cost of needed improvements exceeds
market value of asset
i Environment and Agriculture Center (EAC)
Unused/Underutilized Space
Includes:
Unoccupied spaces
Space not used at highest purpose
Space occupied below recommended "density"
EAC
i Government Services Annex (GSA)
i Whitted Center `A' Building First Floor "Flex Space" (unassigned)
i Link Center First Floor
�i Cedar Grove Center -wings
Stressed Asset
Environment & Agriculture Center
Stressed Asset - EAC
i Original construction 1960s i County acquisition and renovation - 1980s
�i Fully depreciated
�i Requires - $1,433,000 investment for roof, HVAC and/or parking area improvements/
replacements
�i Would require additional - $80/square foot if existing spaces are upfit for other uses (�
10,960 assignable square feet available) - approximate cost of$876,800
EAC Options
�i Current occupancy- assignable square feet
EAC Options
i "Status Quo" - existing use and/or occupants
Requires HVAC, roof, parking investments
�i Convert remainder of facility to conditioned storage
Requires HVAC, roof investments
�i Relocate occupants and storage and divest property and structures (may include ES
sub-station and former car wash building)
�i Relocate occupants and storage, deconstruct/demolish structures and divest property
Jeff Thompson said a lot of this information is not in the CIP, but this conversation and
the Board direction will allow staff to feed that CIP discussion.
Wayne Fenton referred to slide 3 and said the gross square footage is the exterior
measurement of the building, so it is not all useable space. He said this report focuses on
what can be assigned to departments for their use.
Commissioner Dorosin asked how a building can be stressed and underutilized.
Wayne Fenton said stressed means the building is fully depreciated and has
improvements that exceed its value. He said the underutilized status means the number of
people for the square footage is lower than it would ideally be if the renovations were done.
Commissioner McKee said the current occupants of the Environment and Agriculture
Center (EAC) are happy with their location and would like to remain there. He said if the
building is underutilized, then more people need to be put in the space, rather than writing it
off.
Wayne Fenton said the HVAC improvements are required, and the entire system has
aged out.
Commissioner Gordon asked what space in the EAC building would be converted to
storage if occupants stay there.
Wayne Fenton said the goldenrod colored area on the blueprint is the current
conditioned storage. He said if the status quo option is followed, this would be left as is.
Commissioner Dorosin said the suggestion was about turning the whole space into
conditioned storage.
Commissioner Gordon said if the EAC is underutilized, it can either be used for more
storage or more people.
Wayne Fenton said there are currently offices being informally used for storage in
addition to the conditioned storage. He said more people could be put in that space.
Commissioner Gordon said this means that some of the designated department spaces
on the design are not occupied.
Wayne Fenton said there are some spaces that are not occupied, and there are some
that are larger than needed.
Commissioner Gordon asked if staff would recommend converting unoccupied offices
to conditioned storage.
Wayne Fenton said there are a number of options that could be pursued.
Jeff Thompson said one of the perspectives of underutilization is matching the building
to its highest and best use. He said this building would be suitable for a lower rent rate as a
storage unit.
Commissioner McKee said he is not arguing against making an investment to make this
a more useable space. He said there are many agricultural offices that need to be co-located
for their similarity of purposes in the EAC. He said the records need to be accessible to each
other. He said the idea was floated of moving these offices to other locations, and his main
point is that this facility works best for what it is being used for. He said it is meant to be an
agricultural facility and these departments need to stay together.
Commissioner Price asked what the difference would be between upfitting this space or
building a new facility with the same services. She agrees with Commissioner McKee that the
departments should stay together.
Jeff Thompson said the existing CIP has the Blackwood Farm, which would be the
consolidated facility for these uses. He said this is now in the CIP at $6 million. He said if that
was not there and the County had to replicate this facility, it would be about a $3 million
project. He said this compares to $1.4 million to keep the current facility in an operational state
as a co-located facility.
Commissioner Pelissier referred to the chart and said it appears that one option was to
put all of these departments into the Government Services Annex.
Wayne Fenton said this was discussed in November as an option that could work but
was not ideal.
Commissioner Pelissier said she understands the need to keep these departments
together. She said her idea was to move them to the Government Services Annex and then
use the old building for storage for PFAP, since it is more centrally located. She asked if this
move would require the departments to share counters.
Jeff Thompson said yes. He said using industry standards, the space could be
consolidated; however this does not account for individual needs of the departments, which
add space. He said these are really four independent departments working individually under
one roof.
Commissioner McKee said there are not only 4 separate agencies, but there are 3
separate governments in this building.
Wayne Fenton said this presentation is just about presenting the options.
Chair Jacobs asked about the next steps for this particular facility and when this will
come back to the Board.
Jeff Thompson said this has been an outline of the options, and there is a $1.4 million
need to keep this building going as it stands. He said this can be done, but if there is a choice
to move forward with Blackwood Farm, then this old building could be filled with storage.
Chair Jacobs said he is just asking where this is being left in the decision making
process for the Board. He asked if this will be brought back to a subsequent meeting with
options.
Wayne Fenton said if a decision is made on Blackwood Farms then staff can keep this
building operational, because there is a goal line. He said the recommendation for the use of
the facility is more in keeping with being a former grocery store. He said if there are factors
that make the Board want to keep it then staff will work with that guidance.
Chair Jacobs asked if this will then be part of the CIP discussion. He said the Board
can talk about this at work sessions, keeping this information in mind as a decision is made
about any CIP modifications in relation to this building or Blackwood Farm.
Clarence Grier said if the building is kept, one suggestion likely to be put forward if is to
invest the additional $1.6 million to make it structurally sound.
Commissioner Gordon said no one has asked about the specific needs for more office
space, co-location and who needs it. She said this information has not been presented in a
way that will help them make any decisions.
Jeff Thompson said staff reported in November that there was no demand for more
office space in the near future. He said the only exception was the Department on Aging. He
said there is more office space overall than demand, which results in underutilized space. He
said the only facility that is stressed is the EAC.
Commissioner Gordon said the principles say that the use of office space for storage
space is bad. She asked what the solution is for this, and she asked if this information can be
brought back.
Commissioner Price asked if staff would recommend moving walls or reconstructing the
inside if the EAC building were kept.
Jeff Thompson said the storage space was created when planning and environmental
health moved out. He said anything is possible for an interior upfit.
Commissioner McKee said he is hearing that it would make more sense to renovate the
whole structure to standards rather than to spend less and leave other improvements hanging
out there.
Clarence Grier said the debt service cost gained would bring the building up to code
and give staff the desired building and space.
Commissioner McKee said this makes sense. He said past conversations have been a
stalking horse to move to the Blackwood Farm facility. He said the conversation continually
comes back to this being an underutilized facility, and then this leads to conversations about
Blackwood Farm, which is a disconnect for him.
Jeff Thompson said Blackwood Farms predated this plan, and his point is if the Board
of County Commissioners is going to do this, then funding should not be spent in two places.
Commissioner McKee said his point is that the funding for Blackwood Farms was
jumped forward last year and then back again. He said there is no definitive plan for why the
funding was moved forward.
Dave Stancil said when staff went through the CIP discussions last year, the idea that
this older building was not worth saving was what drove the idea of the Blackwood Farm
facility.
Commissioner Dorosin said the Board needs to make a policy decision of whether to
keep the EAC with the collocated spaces on this site. He said if this decision is yes, then the
question of renovating the building is an easier one to answer; if the answer is no, then the
Board can look at other options. He said perhaps underutilized facilities should put back on
the tax rolls, or for affordable housing or some other use. He said this policy question needs to
be answered soon.
Chair Jacobs said the funding jumped because the manager at that time saw the
proposed costs to renovate and decided to propose moving to Blackwood Farms. He said the
Board did not make that decision and they were working on consolidating facilities. He said he
feels this should be part of the CIP discussion. He said there is now a different take on this
building, and there are two options.
Commissioner Gordon said the EAC site is better suited to stay in Hillsborough in some
form or fashion. She said Blackwood Farms was designed by the committee to have a parks
operation base. She said the location is decentralized, and she feels the Environmental and
Agricultural Center functions should not be put there.
Commissioner McKee asked for consensus on moving forward with looking at how to
best utilize the existing space at EAC to maintain or rebuild the facility for usage by current
occupants.
Chair Jacobs said he has not heard anyone object to this, and he feels the Board can
take Blackwood Farm off the table; however he feels other sites could be kept on the table.
He said it is premature to say definitively that there is no other option until the Board hears the
presentation.
Commissioner Gordon said she would just like to see this facility somewhere in
Hillsborough.
Chair Jacobs said he hears the consensus that Blackwood Farms is not where the EAC
should be located.
Wayne Fenton resumed his review of the following PowerPoint Slides:
Underutilized Asset
Cedar Grove Center
Underutilized Asset- Cedar Grove Center (blueprint)
Cedar Grove Center "wing" options
i "Moth ball" for potential future use (several upgrades required to meet current code);
i Make minor modifications to allow use as minimally conditioned storage space;
i Renovate for use as fully-conditioned storage space;
i Renovate for use as office space for one or more of the departments currently housed
at
EAC
i Has adequate space to house all EAC occupants
i Would require - $2,100,000 for upfit
i Additional $800,000 for septic system if office and associated use selected
Underutilized space
Whitted Center
i Unassigned "flex" space (blueprint)
Unassigned space 2,565 square feet
Underutilized space -
Whitted Center
i Whitted `A' building -
i Approximately 2,565 SF of assignable space
i Opportunities include:
Move DEAPR staff from EAC
Move DEAPR staff from Central Rec
i free up Central Rec space for programming
Other
i $205,000 to upfit for office and associated use
Underutilized Asset
Government Services Annex
Underutilized Asset - GSA
i Significant use of class `B' office space for storage
i Items can be stored more efficiently
i Off-site storage more economical and would free up valuable office space
i Opportunity to house County department(s), business incubator space, and third-party
leased space, etc.
Underutilized Asset- GSA (blueprint)
i Current occupancy- assignable square feet
(First Floor)
Board of Elections 4,880 square feet
Underutilized Asset - GSA
i Potential occupancy- assignable square feet
Board of Elections (2,880 square feet)
Other Use (2,000 square feet)
Underutilized Asset - GSA
i Required for any continued use:
$350,000 required for HVAC system replacement
$400,000 to address floodplain issues
i Required if interior space to be modified for other uses:
$390,000 for extensive upfit of all assignable square footage (4,875 @
$80/square foot)
Underutilized Asset-
Link Government Services Center
Underutilized Asset- Link GSC
i Unassigned space - - 4,680 unassigned square feet
i Underutilized Asset- Link GSC
i Available to house additional County department(s);
i Available for future growth of current occupying departments;
i - $819,000 to upfit all available unassigned square footage (restroom upgrades, air
distribution modifications, sprinkler activation, etc.)
Underutilized Asset
Former AMS North Administration Building
i Former AMS North Administration Building
i Minor upfits completed early 2014 for use by Orange Public Transportation
i Relocated from modular unit leased at $600 per month
Underutilized Asset
Public Defender/129 King St
Public Defender/129 King St.
i Former Purchasing and Central Services Building
i Public Defender relocated from leased space in Fall 2011
i Building includes - 1,360 square feet of unconditioned low-bay warehouse space
i Accessibility issues
Storage Assessment
Storage Needs
Records
i Tools & Equipment
Office - Printers, copiers, etc.
Service delivery-AMS, Animal Services, Emergency Services
Supplies
Service delivery- medical, food, books, etc.
Office
i Surplus property
Storage Space - "Off-Site"
i EAC - Revere Road
Storage Space - "Off-Site"
i EAC - Revere Road
Dedicated records storage
Twenty-nine individual "lockers"
Standardized storage for file boxes only
Equipped with shelving units
Secure, managed space
Conditioned space
Storage Space - "Off-Site" - cont'd
Former car wash - Revere Road
Storage Space - "Off-Site" - cont'd
Former car wash - Revere Road
Unconditioned space
Four individual "bays"
To be equipped with shelving units to maximize capacity
Secure space
Storage Space - "Off-Site" - cont'd
510 Meadowlands - Emergency Services
Storage Space - "Off-Site" - cont'd
i 510 Meadowlands - Emergency Services
Heated warehouse
High bay storage racks - count/linear feet
Managed by Emergency Services staff
Loading dock access
Storage Space - Off-Site - cont'd
Former Motor Pool - Highway 86 N
Storage Space — Off-Site — cont'd
�i Former Motor Pool — Highway 86 N
AMS tools, equipment and supplies
Rack storage to maximize use
Second level could be added to increase storage capacity
Heated warehouse
Departmental Storage Survey Findings
�i Fifteen departments make use of the "off-site" conditioned storage lockers located at
the EAC on Revere Road for records storage;
�i Three departments store items in the unconditioned space at 510 Meadowlands Road;
�i Twenty departments indicated that there are regulatory requirements for records
retention for records for their departments;
Departmental Storage Survey
�i Fifteen departments indicated that they routinely retain records beyond the required
retention period for their department/agency;
�i Eighteen departments indicated that electronic storage of at least some of the records
they are required to retain is acceptable (would have additional unbudgeted cost
implications for IT scanning project);
Departmental Storage Survey
�i Seventeen agencies indicated that off-site storage of required records is acceptable;
�i Several departments currently use office space for storage of records, equipment, etc.
Storage Use Recommendations
�i Written policy for storage of records and other items requiring storage that will ensure:
Frequently accessed records and other items housed " locally" stored within
departments; infrequently accessed records and items efficiently stored in off-
site storage locations;
Regulatory requirements for records retention are met;
County needs/wishes for retention of records with historical significance are
maintained
Storage Use Recommendations — cont'd
�i Written policy for storage of records and other items requiring storage that will ensure:
Records not maintained for historical reference routinely destroyed and/or
recycled at end of retention period;
Non-record items stored as efficiently as possible based on frequency of
access, type of storage required (conditioned versus unconditioned), etc.
Designated office space not used for records or equipment storage;
Discussion
"The County Manager recommends the Board receive and discuss the space
study follow up information and provide guidance to the County Manager and
staff in anticipation of the FY2014-15 Capital Investment Planning process."
Wayne Fenton said some of the building and equipment at the Link Government
Services Center is in the flood plain area and needs to be moved.
Jeff Thompson said there is no regulatory mandate to do this, but it is a risk. He said
there has been water in the basement.
Chair Jacobs noted that if the building was taken down, nothing new could be put back
up as it is in the flood plain.
Jeff Thompson said this is correct.
Commissioner Gordon asked about the differences in the upfit costs.
Wayne Fenton said the heating and air systems in this part of the building were not
designed for individual offices, so the distribution would have to be re-done, and bathrooms
would have to be added.
Discussion ensued about the past history and use of the building.
Referring to the storage space needs slides, Wayne Fenton said staff sent out a survey
to the departments requesting information on storage needs and practices.
Referring to the slides on EAC storage space, Wayne Fenton said the storage area is
upfit with chain link fences and shelving, and the only thing being stored there are records in
banker boxes, properly stored on shelving.
Jeff Thompson said each cage stores about 108 record boxes, and some departments
have more than one cage.
Wayne Thompson said staff will come back with a draft policy for how long records
need to be kept. He said staff will work to help departments comply.
Jeff Thompson said the incorporation of the digitization technology will hopefully result
in more shared goals with the departments. He said some departments want all records at
arm's length, and this takes up valuable space.
Chair Jacobs asked what recommendation is being made with regard to existing
unused space and space currently being used for storage.
Jeff Thompson said the Government Services Annex could be offered up for third party
use and still has ample storage.
Chair Jacobs said the conclusion is that guidelines are needed for storage. He said he
does not have clarity on where things are stored now and where they would be stored in the
future.
Jeff Thompson said there is a need for centralized storage, and there are office and
common area spaces being used inappropriately for storage. He said departments will request
more space because space is being used for storage that could be done offsite. He said staff
has interviewed the departments and now understands these situations. He said departments
feel fragmented in their record retention needs, and there is little awareness of the digitization
process. He said the recommendation is to formalize a policy for this and free up the best use
office and common space by getting those items into storage spaces.
He said this will lend itself to the space study as it relates to available space that can be
used for incubation, developmental, or other economic development space.
Chair Jacobs said the Board is trying to come to more clarity regarding the wings at
Cedar Grove or the EAC building. He thought there would be better answers after this
discussion, but it seems that staff needs more time.
Jeff Thompson said that is correct.
Commissioner Gordon said this is a start, but it does not go far enough. She said the
information needs to be organized more efficiently. She said there needs to be some kind of
statement about what kind of space each department needs and how much space it needs.
Jeff Thompson said this question has been asked, but most departments don't know
that answer. He said more probing and education is needed on this issue.
Commissioner Gordon said the Board received a lot of information before, and this is a
subset of that. She feels there needs to be another work session on the space needs study to
bring this to some manageable recommendations.
She said if the discussion is about consolidation, staff should try to figure out some way
that is convenient in order to eliminate the need for people to drive their cars to get to different
departments.
Jeff Thompson said this has been done, and EAC has been consolidated and co-
located, though the facility is depreciated. He said he is not asking to move people out.
Commissioner Gordon said her point is that consolidation should be done to as few
locations in Hillsborough as possible.
Jeff Thompson said that point is intact.
Commissioner Gordon said it would be good have another space needs work session.
She said the idea of having the recreation folks come over to Whitted is a good one, as the
recreation building is not a great space. She also thinks recreation needs expansion.
Commissioner Price would like to see more consideration of the fact that we are in a
digital age. She said this needs to be considered when looking at what the modern space
needs really are for the people in each department. She said a huge desk is no longer a
requirement.
Jeff Thompson said this has been discussed, and modernization of offices does require
less square footage, however technology does not address meeting spaces and customer
service spaces, and size is needed in these spaces. He said there is adequate space for
growth, and there will be more once the storage policy is tightened up.
Commissioner Pelissier said she has struggled because there are CIP decisions to be
made, and the Board does not have all of the information. She said this is really more about
best use of facilities. She would like to see how much actual space is being used for storage.
She said there is no way to know how much less space is needed until the policy is developed
and implemented.
Jeff Thompson said the big CIP discussion is what to do about EAC. He said this is
really the only facility in need of direction, outside of optimal use, which is not a CIP issue.
Commissioner Pelissier asked how long it will take to find out how much less space is
needed.
Jeff Thompson said that is a challenge, because there are so many regulatory groups
to deal with. He said 6 months is probably a fair timeline.
Commissioner Rich asked what happens to the CIP if departments start digitizing items.
Jeff Thompson said there is a line item for that.
Chair Jacobs said there seems to be a lot more work to do on analyzing storage space.
He said it would be good to have a matrix showing the overlapping needs of departments, and
an analysis of office space. He said the Board also needs to come back to the issue of the
EAC and how it fits into the CIP. He said there is agreement not to put EAC functions at
Blackwood Farms, and it seems there is no other space that would allow the co-location. He
said the Board would like to have three alternatives in the CIP for EAC: 1) keep it as is; 2)
renovate; or 3) build a new building on the same site.
Jeff Thompson said a major renovation, adaptive reuse or a deconstruction could be
done. He said these options could be presented, as well as what is currently in the CIP.
Commissioner McKee asked for a consensus again on the current uses at EAC to be
maintained at the site on Revere Road and not moved to Blackwood Farms.
Commissioner Price said she really wants to stay on top of the technology issue as it
relates to the space study and the effect on office space.
Jeff Thompson said staff can specifically report on this.
Commissioner Price said she was also voting in favor of the straw poll.
Commissioner Dorosin asked for clarification on the purpose of the straw poll. He
reviewed the three options for the site.
Chair Jacobs said another option is to leave the building as it is.
Commissioner McKee said the consensus he asked for is simply that the best use is to
maintain the current agencies at the current building, as this is what is best for the agricultural
community.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if Commissioner McKee wants the idea of moving all
three agencies somewhere else to be taken off the table.
Commissioner McKee said yes, because the agencies and the community are happy
with the current location. He said there are various government agencies involved and if a
move were made to the annex, some of these agencies would go to Durham.
Commissioner Gordon said she feels this should be brought back again.
Chair Jacobs asked if the majority of Board of County Commissioners is comfortable
with leaving the current functions co-located at that site, with recommendations for
permutations to come from staff for consideration in the future. He said this at least gives
some direction.
Chair Jacobs asked if there are plans for expansion for those offices that have extra
unused space, or if the Board should be considering further shifts of departmental space. He
questioned whether some of these buildings should go into the public pool or be dedicated to
some quasi-private function like an incubator.
Jeff Thompson said if staff can get the storage situation right, there will be space for
reasonable and prudent County function expansion. He said if there is still surplus space, this
can go into the pool for economic development.
Chair Jacobs noted that the Board will not have adequate information about storage
when the Cedar Grove item comes back on April 15th. He said this means a decision will be
made without knowledge of the County storage needs that might be met by those wings. He
said there can be discussion of other possibilities, but there will be only one actual proposal in
front of the Board at that time
3. Presentation of Manager's Recommended FY 2014-19 Capital Investment Plan
(CIP)
Clarence Grier said the CIP commits the County only to the first year of funding for
capital projects and the other years are just used as a planning tool. He said the next fiscal year
includes $22.8 million in projects.
Paul Laughton reviewed the background information for this item. He referenced
the letter from Orange County schools that is included in the packet. He said this addresses
funding requests for year 1 and the facility assessments and needs. He said both school
districts total $330 million in facility assessment needs.
He said the department heads were not asked to speak tonight, as time is limited, and
he noted April 10th and May 15th as dates for future CIP work sessions. He said these will
provide opportunities to outline specific projects.
Paul Laughton reviewed the following PowerPoint presentation:
County Manager's Recommended FY 2014-19 Capital Investment Plan
Presentation
Link Government Services Center, Hillsborough
Orange County, NC
March 11, 2014
Overview
• 5-Year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) with detailed information in Years 1-5, and
an overall picture in Years 6-10
• The CIP is a budget planning tool that is evaluated annually to include year-to-
year changes in priorities, needs, and available resources.
• Funding decisions are approved only for Year 1 (FY 2014-15.
CIP Format
• Divided into the following sections/tabs:
• CIP Summaries
• County Projects
• Special Revenue Projects (Article 46 Sales Tax)
• Proprietary Projects (Water & Sewer, Solid Waste, and Sportsplex)
• School Projects
• Appendices (Debt Service, County Project balances, and Policies)
FY 2014-19 Orange County CIP Projects (pie chart)
County-Wide Summary—Appropriations
FY 2014-19 Orange County CIP Projects (pie chart)
County-Wide Summary - Revenues
Current CIP Projects Removed from Recommended FY 2014-19 CIP
County Projects:
• Robert and Pearl Seymour Center (no funding since FY 12-13)
• Upfit of Link Government Services Center (no funding since FY 12-13)
• Affordable Housing — Impact Fee Reimbursement (will be budgeted in the
Housing Fund in FY 2014-15)
• Energy Bank (will be handled through the Asset Management Services
operations budget in FY 2014-15)
Parks Projects:
• Joint Artificial Turf Soccer Fields w/Town of CH (project completed in FY 13-14)
Current CIP Projects Removed from Recommended FY 2014-19 CIP
Water and Sewer Projects:
• Lake Orange Capital Maintenance (no funding since FY 12-13; will be handled
as an operations and maintenance item in Annual Operations Budget starting in
FY 2014-15).
• Richmond Hills Pump Station Rehabilitation (the anticipated connection timeline
between the Efland Sewer and the City of Mebane negates the need for this
project in the CIP).
Major Changes to Current FY 2013-18 CIP
County Projects:
• Southern Branch Library— moves up 1 year
• HVAC Projects —Whitted HSC Chiller Replacement included in Year 1
• EMS Substations — co-build concept with Towns of CH and Hillsborough
• Six (6) New Projects
Major Changes to Current FY 2013-18 CIP (cont.)
Park Projects:
• Blackwood Farm Park— includes $147,000 in Year 1 for limited
opening/amenities (trail construction, dock, restrooms, parking, signage); Park
construction in Year 4
• Cedar Grove Park (Phase II) — includes $200,000 in Year 4 for lighting
replacement on field #1 and renovations to basketball courts.
• Lands Legacy—the $2.4 million total in prior bond authorization funds is
included in Years 1 and 2
• Millhouse Road Park— park construction pushed back 2 years (to Year 4) as per
Town of CH funding timetable
• 1 New Project (Facility Renovations and Repairs)
Major Changes to Current FY 2013-18 CIP (cont.)
Water and Sewer Projects:
• Buckhorn-Mebane EDD Phase 3 & 4 — pushed back 1 year to allow completion
of Phase 2
• Efland Sewer Flow to Mebane — construction costs have increased by
approximately $900,000
• Hillsborough EDD — moved up 3 years due to projected economic activity
• Eno EDD — pushed back 4 years due to recent feasibility studies in providing
sewer service to the area
• 2 New Projects
Major Changes to Current FY 2013-18 CIP (cont.)
Solid Waste Projects:
• Sanitation — increased costs of Eubanks Road Convenience Center
improvements by approximately $1.1 million.
• High Rock and Ferguson Road Convenience Centers improvements have been
pushed back 1 year. Bradshaw Quarry Center Improvements pushed back to
Years 6-10.
• Recycling — includes purchase of Urban carts in FY 2013-14 and Rural carts in
Years 1 and 2.
Major Changes to Current FY 2013-18 CIP (cont.)
Sportsplex:
• Includes consolidating Phases 2 (Indoor Field) and 3 (Indoor Court) into one
Major Expansion Project in Year 2 after Phase 1 is complete.
Schools: (Based on most recent SAPFO #'s)
• CHCCS — Middle School #5 moves back 3 years to open FY 2020-21;
Elementary #12 moves up 1 year to open FY 2020-21; Carrboro HS additions
moves back 3 years to open FY 2023-24
• OCS — Cedar Ridge HS Classroom Addition moves back from FY 2015-16 to FY
2022-23
New Projects in CIP
County Projects:
• Cedar Grove Community Center Library Kiosk (Year 2)
• Main Branch Library Remodel (Years 6-10)
• Parking Lot Improvements (Years 2 and 4, Years 6-10)
• Life Safety—ADA (Years 1, 2, and 5, Years 6-10)
• Court Street Annex (Years 6-10)
• Historic Rogers Road Neighborhood Community Center/Infrastructure (Year 2)
Park Project:
• Facility Renovations and Repairs (Years 1-5)
Water & Sewer Projects:
• Economic Development Infrastructure (Year 1)
• Economic Development Utility Extension Projects(Years 1 and 2)
New Projects in CIP (cont.)
Solid Waste Projects:
• Recycling Operations - purchase of Urban carts (Current FY 2013-14) and Rural
Carts (Years 1 and 2)
Sportsplex Projects:
• Combines Phases 2 (Indoor Turf) and 3 (Indoor Court) into one consolidated
project (Year 2)
Major County Projects -Year 1
• Cedar Grove Community Center $2,000,000
• Southern Orange Campus (Future Planning) - $400,000
• Information Technology $500,000
• VIPER Radio System $500,000 (2nd year of tower cost)
• Conservation Easements $250,000
• Lands Legacy $400,000
• P & R Facility Renovations and Repairs $256,500
Special Revenue Projects —Year 1
(Article 46 Sales Tax)
• 50% of proceeds to Economic Development initiatives, and 50% to Schools
• Economic Development— $1, 386,490 (distributed among 8 initiatives with
approximately 60% reserved for debt service)
• Schools — CHCCS $852,690 (1/2 towards Technology, and 1/2 towards facility
improvements at older schools); OCS $533,800 (Technology 1:1 laptop initiative)
Proprietary Projects —Year 1
• Water and Sewer Projects:
• Efland Sewer Flow to Mebane $4,530,000
• Hillsborough EDD $150,000
• Economic Development Infrastructure $100,000
• Economic Development Utility Extension Projects $250,000
• Solid Waste Projects:
• Eubanks Road SWCC Improvements $2,428,283
• Purchase 7,000 Rural Recycling Carts $378,000
• Sportsplex Projects:
• Phase 1 Expansion (Pool Mezzanine) $950,000
School Projects -Year 1
• No new Debt financing of School Projects in FY 2014-15
• Pay-As-You-Go funds ($3,724,849) — same amount as in FY 2013-14
• Lottery Proceeds ($1,336,280) — decrease of approximately $17,000 from FY 2013-14
(based on State projections)
Appendices
• Debt Service and Debt Capacity:
• General Fund — remains under the 15% debt capacity throughout the 5-year
CIP; reaches 15.44% in Year 6 (FY 19-20) with a high of 19.15% in Year 8 (FY
21-22)
• Water and Sewer Projects (Article 46 Sales Tax proceeds) — current projected
revenue earmarked for debt service is adequate to cover debt service payments
over the 5-Year CIP
• County Capital Project balances
• Capital Funding, Debt Management, and Fund Balance Management Policies
Document Availability
• Clerk to the Board of Commissioners
• County Finance and Administrative Services Office
• Orange County Website
• www.orangecountync.gov
Paul Laughton referred to the pie charts regarding appropriation and revenues. He
said the appropriations can really change year to year. He said a large part of this year's
increase is driven by the jail project. He said the SAPFO numbers for the schools drive the
needs and capacity decisions. He said the CIP shows many of these in years 6 through 10.
He reminded the Board of the capitol funding policy included in the appendices section, which
gives a principle target of providing capital funding of 60 percent to schools, and 40 percent to
the County over a decade, starting in 2005. He said the County is right at this goal if you look
at the 10 year period, with 59.6 percent schools and 40.4 percent County.
Paul Laughton said the HVAC chiller is having a lot of problems and there is $150,000
in HVAC to pay for this. He said the total cost is $200,000, but there is $100,000 in available
contingency from the Whitted project that can be used.
Chair Jacobs said the current chiller has been a problem from the start, and there is an
issue in the community with the sound. He suggested that the replacement be vetted for
sound.
Paul Laughton said the co-build concept for EMS substations with the towns of Chapel
Hill and Hillsborough includes a plan to do two buildings in year 2, with a cost of$600,000 per
substation. He said this would be one for the town of Chapel Hill and one with the town of
Hillsborough. He said this would be done again the next year, followed by two stand alone
stations. He said this would include one in year 5 and one in the out years. He said this
provides 4 co-built locations and 2 stand-alones, which is a major change.
He said the Lands Legacy allocations are $400,000 in year 1 and $2 million in year 2.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if the Lands Legacy plan is to spend $2.4 million by
2015-16 buying more land.
Paul Laughton said that money would be available.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if the money could be given to something else if it is not
spent.
Paul Laughton said that would be a decision for the Board, but the people approved
this bond for use with Lands Legacy. He said this lapsed in 2010, and it will require
refinancing and re-funding if it is the desire of the Board.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a legal obligation to continue allocating this
bond money to this project.
Commissioner Gordon said the Board has an ethical obligation, since the voters voted
for this bond. She said there were some rough patches with financing, and therefore some
Lands Legacy funding was deferred; but she feels there is still an ethical obligation to come
through with this funding.
Commissioner Dorosin said there is not a legal obligation.
Commissioner Gordon said there is not a legal obligation with any bond, but there is an
ethical obligation.
Paul Laughton said the increase to the Eubanks Road Convenience Center
improvements will bring the total cost to $2.4 million. He said much of this is dealing with the
moving of the scale house operations and the associated site improvements. He said this
includes extension of water and sewer, additional storm water structures, 2 additional
compactors and a larger household hazardous waste building.
Paul Laughton referred to the Sportsplex improvements. He said there are details in
the abstract that present some compelling revenue numbers. He said phase 1 would be done
in 2014/15, moving right into phases 2 and 3 in year 2. He said the cost is the same, with
$950,000 for the first phase and $2.8 million for the next two phases.
He referred to the changes to schools. He said the move back for the middle school is
related to the addition of the Culbreth science wing. He said the Cedar Ridge High School
addition was put in the plan for discussion, but the SAPFO numbers say this is not needed
until 2022-23.
Paul Laughton reviewed the new projects slide. He said the Main Library remodel
focuses on upfits to four main areas. He said one immediate need is that some of the shelving
units have height and safety issues. He said this may be seen in the recurring capital library
budget for next year. He said this is an $11,000 project.
Commissioner Gordon asked why this new library would need remodeling.
Paul Laughton said this was based on a study that identified four areas for re-design.
He said this is outlined on page 26 of the CIP. He read some of this language.
Paul Laughton said the Historic Rogers Road Community Center infrastructure is
$3,025,000 allocated in year 2.
Commissioner Dorosin asked about the ADA improvements and whether these
improvements are scattered sites.
Jeff Thompson said there are five or six different buildings funded in the CIP for this.
Commissioner Price asked if there is a way of collapsing the timeframe to be ADA
compliant
Jeff Thompson said a lot of the ADA issues are not code requirements, but they are
convenience requirements
Commissioner Price asked if this can be moved up in the CIP.
Paul Laughton said a lot of these items are small funding amounts. He said the total
for a ten year project is only $175,000.
Chair Jacobs agreed with a shorter time frame. He said he brings this up every year.
Paul Laughton noted an increase to the Efland Sewer project, based on design
changes. He said the economic development utility extension project has $250,000 allocated
in year 1 and year 2 as a placeholder for projects being considered but not finalized. He said if
no project develops, this money would be rolled into future years to be used as needed.
He referred to the appendices section of the document and said the first section on
page 108 separates out the general funds and debt capacity. He said this plan remains under
the 15 percent debt capacity throughout the 5 year CIP period and then reaches 15.44 percent
in year 6. He said this gets to a high of 19.15 percent in year 8. He said this is driven by the 3
new schools that will open between 2020 and 2024.
Paul Laughton said water and sewer projects also show a debt service on page 110 of
the appendices. He said the debt financing is funded through article 46 sales tax. He said
there is adequate funding for debt service over the 5 year period. He said in year 4, the debt
will not be covered on an annual basis, but there will be reserves set aside for this.
Commissioner Gordon asked how much is set aside.
Paul Laughton said right now, to get through fiscal year 2018/19, there will still be $1.8
million set aside for debt service. He said the debt service in 2018/19 is about $982,000.
Commissioner Gordon said she looked at last year's CIP compared to this year. She
noted that there is $9 million more in year 3, and $4 million more in year 4. She asked what
drove this.
Paul Laughton said one item that moved up a year was the $7.7 million for the
Southern Branch Library.
Commissioner Gordon asked how this is financed with these large changes.
Paul Laughton said staff looks at their debt capacity and makes sure to stay under that
15 percent. He said the manager can then recommend moving projects forward based on
needs, as long as the debt capacity can handle it. He said the issue will be when the schools
start opening, based on SAPFO, in years 6 through 10.
Jeff Thompson said there will be more discussion with the department heads at the
next two meetings. He said he welcomes the opportunity to answer questions prior to the
meeting on April 10tH
Chair Jacobs said storm response was discussed in agenda review, and there is a
report coming to the Board. He said the strategic communications group needs to talk about
how the County can be a better conduit for information.
Commissioner Price said she was also concerned that the shelter was closed when
people were still out of power.
Chair Jacobs said Piedmont Electric was not aware that the shelter had opened or
closed, and he feels there needs to be a better communication plan that gives one place for all
the information.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
adjourn the meeting at 10:23 pm.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Donna S. Baker
Clerk to the Board