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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11-18-2014 APPROVED 1/22/2015 MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING November 18, 2014 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center, in Chapel Hill, N.C. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jacobs and Commissioners Alice M. Gordon, Earl McKee, Bernadette Pelissier, Renee Price and Penny Rich COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Mark Dorosin COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Assistant County Managers Clarence Grier, 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. Chair Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. 1. Additions or Chanqes to the Aqenda Chair Jacobs noted that the following proposed addition to the agenda: - Pink Sheet -Addition to the Agenda - Item 4-c -Proposed Proclamation Recognizing the Twenty Five Year Anniversary of Orange County's Curbside Recycling A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to add this item to the agenda as item 4-c. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Jacobs reviewed the following list of items at the Commissioner's places: - Proposed Revisions for item 4-b - Resolution of Declaration on Climate Change - Revised attachment 7 for item 5-b - Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment Requiring Neighborhood Information Meetings for Special Use Permit Applications - Memo regarding item 7a - Proposed Orange County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030 - Orange County Facility Report for November 2014 Chair Jacobs recognized Bonnie Hammersley, who deferred to Jeff Thompson. • Introduction of new Sustainability Coordinator: Brennan Bouma Jeff Thompson introduced Brennan Bouma as the new Sustainability Coordinator for Orange County. He said Brennan Bouma comes from the Triangle J Council of Governments (TJCOG), where he served as a regional energy and environmental planner. He said Mr. Bouma will collaborate with the departments and assist the staff of the council of the environment. Brennan Bouma said he wanted to recognize Orange County's leadership and vision of sustainability. He said he looks forward to working with the Board of County Commissioners and the Orange County residents. Chair Jacobs welcomed him, on behalf of the Board. Commissioner Gordon welcomed him and said the Board has looked forward to having this position. She noted the resolution on climate change as proof of their concern with sustainability. • Acknowledgement of AMS receipt of the 2014 Smart Fleet Award Jeff Thompson recognized staff from Fleet Management Services for their receipt of the 2014 Smart Fleet Award. PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Aqenda NO PUBLIC COMMENT b. Matters on the Printed Aqenda (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) 3. Petitions by Board Members Commissioner Rich said the Rogers Road ribbon cutting occurred this past weekend, and she petitioned the Chair to send a letter of recognition and thanks to Blythe Thompson for her assistance with the setup. Commissioner Rich asked a question regarding the procedure for discussing an item listed in the information items. Chair Jacobs said this would occur after the completion of the regular agenda. Commissioner Rich said she has been reading about the concept of tiny house villages popping up across the country, which are being used to help take homeless vets off of the street. She petitioned that Orange County look at a private public partnership with Empowerment for the creation of something like this. Chair Jacobs said the Board needs a primer for the public regarding planning items. He said people do not really understand what is expected of them, and it would be nice to post or send something that is simple, to the point, and written in layman's language. Chair Jacobs asked about the status of the environmental assessment for the Hillsborough train station. Chair Jacobs said a resident told him about a possible airstrip in Efland. He asked for information regarding the process and any regulations for having an airstrip. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations a. Proclamation Recoqnizinq November 2014 as Oranqe Conqreqations in Mission (OCIM) Month The Board considered proclaiming November 2014 as Orange Congregations in Mission (OCIM) Month in Orange County and authorizing the Chair to sign. Chair of OCIM Leo Allison accepted the proclamation. Commissioner Price read the proclamation: Orange County Board of Commissioners Proclamation ORANGE CONGREGATIONS IN MISSIONS MONTH (OCIM) November 2014 Whereas, Orange Congregations in Mission (OCIM) is a private non-profit ministry composed of almost 50 congregations in northern Orange County; and Whereas, OCIM is committed to providing a helping hand to those in our community who are in need of assistance; and Whereas, OCIM strives to meet the emergency needs of those who find themselves in a crisis situation; and Whereas, the OCIM mission is fulfilled by ministering to the needs of people who populate the small communities and rural areas of Orange County since 1981; and Whereas, OCIM is committed to feeding the hungry, providing clothing and other essentials through its Meals on Wheels and Food Pantry Ministries and Thrift Shop Ministry; and Whereas, other needs are met through its Samaritan Relief Ministry; and Whereas, OCIM volunteers, staff, town and county governments contribute greatly to the success of its programs. NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners do proclaim November 2014 to be OCIM Month and urge all community members to engage with those in need through cheerful giving. This, the 18th day of November 2014. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the Board to approve and to authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. VOTE: UNANIMOUS OCIM Board President Leo Allison thanked the Board of County Commissioners for their continued contributions. b. Resolution of Declaration on Climate Chanqe The Board considered approving a resolution regarding climate change, based on a petition from Commissioner Alice Gordon, and authorizing the Chair to sign. David Stancil said staff had provided a draft resolution, but there have been revisions and improvements that are included in the resolution at their places. He said Commissioner Gordon also caught some grammatical issues and made some suggested changes. He referred to the attachment to the resolution, which includes a list of things that residents and government can do, and he noted the following: - Item 11- change this to read "continue to employ" - Item 16— replace the word "gold" with the word "identified" Commissioner Gordon said she had asked for this resolution to be brought forward because she believes global climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Revised resolution: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION OF DECLARATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE WHEREAS, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, representing over 2,500 climate scientists and twenty years of research, has concluded that global warming caused by human emission of greenhouse gases is among the most significant problems facing the world today; and WHEREAS, projected impacts of global warming will likely include changing patterns of habitats for disease-carrying insects; changes in rain and snowfall patterns, affecting water supplies, agriculture, and the frequency of flooding; changes in natural habitats that will eliminate some species and introduce new ones; and WHEREAS, state, regional and local governments throughout the United States are adopting emission reduction targets and programs and that this leadership is bipartisan and coming from governors, county officials, and mayors alike; and WHEREAS, many counties throughout the nation, large and small, are reducing the production of global warming pollutants through programs that provide economic and quality of life benefits, such as reduced energy bills, green space preservation, air quality improvements, reduced traffic congestion, improved transportation choices, and economic development and job creation through energy conservation/new energy technologies; and WHEREAS, Orange County is undertaking policies, programs and activities to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS, these policies, programs and activities save energy and money, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable land use and transportation planning in the community; and WHEREAS, Orange County government will serve as a model for the community by taking appropriate actions, including those listed in the attachment to this resolution; and WHEREAS, cities and counties statewide are leading by example by adopting innovative sustainability programs and policies, including working with community residents, business groups and others; and WHEREAS, Orange County will recommend actions that Orange County residents and businesses can take, including the ten actions listed in the attachment to this resolution; and WHEREAS, Orange County wishes to expand these activities, share its experiences with other communities, and be recognized for its accomplishments; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby recognize the critical nature of global warming and climate change, and cognizant of the actions being taken by local, state, and federal governments and other organizations around the globe, pledges to take steps for climate stabilization, and strongly encourages Orange County residents and businesses to reduce their carbon footprints. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be sent to the mayors of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough with the request that the towns adopt similar resolutions, and that it also be sent to the members of our state and federal legislative delegations. This, the 18th day of November, 2014. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Price for the Board to approve the revised resolution and to authorize the Chair to sign the resolution. The attachment to the resolution is in the permanent agenda file and is hereby incorporated into these minutes by reference. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ***ADDITION- NCACC PRESENTATION TO COMMISSIONER GORDON FOR 24 YEARS OF SERVICE Neil Emory of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), Outreach Associate, said he brings greetings from their new director, and he thanked the Board of County Commissioners for their commitment. He said his purpose this evening is to honor Commissioner Gordon for her exemplary service. He said she has served her fellow citizens as a County Commissioner for 24 years, being first elected in 1990. He recognized her achievements and presented her with the NCACC Exemplary Service Award. Commissioner Gordon expressed her thanks for this award and said she has enjoyed being on the Board of County Commissioners for all of these years. c. Proclamation Recoqnizinq the Twenty-Five Year Anniversary of Oranqe County's Curbside Recyclinq ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Proclamation Recognizing the Twenty-Five Year Anniversary of Orange County's Curbside Recycling WHEREAS, Orange County, North Carolina and its municipalities have achieved the highest waste reduction rate in North Carolina for the past four years including a rate of 58% last year; and WHEREAS, Orange County and its municipalities have set the highest waste reduction goal in the state at 61% per capita; and WHEREAS, Orange County is recognized internationally for its recycling and waste reduction programs; and WHEREAS, Orange County has the highest electronics recycling rate per person in North Carolina; and WHEREAS, Orange County and its municipalities have consistently and strongly supported waste reduction and recycling since 1987; and WHEREAS, the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough were among the first in North Carolina to have comprehensive curbside recycling for all residences; and WHEREAS, all multifamily units and two-thirds of rural households now have on-site access to recycling; and WHEREAS, the Town of Carrboro, Town of Chapel Hill, Town of Hillsborough and Orange County have worked cooperatively for more than twenty-five years to achieve superior recycling and waste reduction program success; NOW THEREFORE be it proclaimed that in recognition of America Recycles Day (November 15, 2014), Orange County celebrates twenty-five years since beginning its comprehensive urban curbside recycling programs and initiation of the many other programs that now constitute its successful and renowned recycling and waste reduction efforts. This the 18th of November, 2014. A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to adopt the proclamation Recognizing the Twenty Five Year Anniversary of Orange County's Curbside Recycling. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 5. Public Hearinqs a. Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendments for Aqricultural Support Enterprises Within the Rural Buffer Land Use Classification — Defer Public Hearinq Process to March 3, 2015 The Board considered deferring the public hearing process on the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) zoning text amendments pertaining to Agricultural Support Enterprises within the Rural Buffer land use classification to March 3, 2015. Perdita Holtz said the purpose tonight is to once again defer this item until March 3, 2015. She said the necessary amendments to the joint planning area documents have not yet been adopted by the three local governments, and the County cannot consider adoption of the comprehensive plan and UDO until after those documents are amended. Commissioner Gordon noted that the fact that this will be discussed at the Assembly of Governments meeting tomorrow night. She said the clerk sent out an email today with the resolution adopted by the Town of Carrboro, and this included the attachments. She said the joint planning land use plan and the joint planning agreement changes are needed in order to enable the agricultural support enterprises. She said it is important to understand any changes made by Carrboro. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to open the hearing and to defer the hearing by adjourning it to March 3, 2015 in order to allow time for the necessary JPA land use amendments to be further considered. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment Requirinq Neiqhborhood Information Meetinqs for Special Use Permit Applications The Board received the Planning Board recommendation, closed the public hearing, and considered a decision on a Planning Director initiated text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requiring a Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM) for all Special Use Permit (SUP) applications. Michael Harvey said there is a revised attachment 7 at the Commissioners' places. He said this is an item heard at the September 8th Quarterly Public Hearing, due to concerns that there was not adequate notice to the public when a project involved special use permits. He said the thought was that additional education was necessary in order to insure that individuals interested in a project understood what the project entailed, as well as their obligations when offering support or arguing against a project. He said if this is adopted, a neighborhood information meeting will be required to occur 45 days before the public hearing. He said the staff and the applicant will be sending notices 14 days prior to the neighborhood meeting, and signs would be posted on the property 10 days prior to the meeting. He said this is addition to the already existing public hearing notice requirements. Michael Harvey said there are several attachments that include minutes from the public hearing and the planning board meeting, as well as the ordinance amendment outline form. He said upon receiving an email from Commissioner Gordon yesterday, staff did incorporate some of her suggested changes, and these are included in the revised document on page 34. A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to: 1. Receive the Planning Board's recommendation; 2. Close the public hearing; and 3. Take action on the request by: a. Approving the Resolution Concerning Statement of Consistency contained within Attachment 6, and b. Approving the Ordinance amending the UDO, contained within revised Attachment 7, as recommended by the Planning Board and staff. Commissioner Rich referred to page 9 in the section on fiscal impact for the applicant. She feels that this information should be available when permit applications are submitted. Michael Harvey said part of that cost would be unique to each individual applicant, depending on how many people have to be notified. He said there will be no amendments to the fee schedule until this is adopted. He said the ordinance also requires a pre-application meeting for all special use permits, and applications costs are reviewed with the applicant at this meeting. Commissioner Gordon thanked staff for their work and for incorporating the language she requested. She said she will ask at some point that staff consider extending the notice for conditional zoning so that it is more in concert with conditional uses. She said this is important because it is a new process, and it is negotiated. She said 45 days notice would be fine. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. Consent Aqenda • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda Commissioner Price removed item 6b for discussion. Commissioner Gordon removed item 6g for discussion. • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Rich to approve the remaining items on the consent agenda. VOTE: UNANIMOUS a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes from October 7 and October 14 (5:30 and 7:00 p.m. meetings), 2014 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. c. Housinq Rehabilitation Proqram — N.C. Housinq Finance Aqency The Board adopted the amended Procurement Policy for the 2014 Single Family Housing Rehabilitation Program funded by the N.C. Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA). d. Proposed Donation of Staqe Risers The Board accepted the donation of six (6) stage/performance risers by Michael Malone and Maureen Quilligan for use at the Whitted Meeting facility. e. Fiscal Year 2014-15 Budqet Amendment#3 The Board approved budget ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2014-15 for: Department of Social Services; Sportsplex; Library Services; Planning and Inspections; Information Technology Capital Project—Technical Amendment; and Health Department. f. Inter-Faith Council Lease Estoppel Certificate and Standstill Aqreement The Board approved an Estoppel Certificate and Standstill Agreement authorizing the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency ("NCHFA") to be notified prior to any changes or modifications within the current Lease and to be recognized as the Tenant within the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service, Inc. ("IFC") Lease in case of a default on an existing loan agreement between NCHFA and IFC, and authorized the Chair to sign. • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda b. Proposed Amendment to the Oranqe County Code of Ordinances to Delete Section 28-32 (b) (2) from Article IV Reqardinq Hazardous Weather Plan — Administrative Leave The Board considered approving a resolution regarding an amendment for the deletion of Section 28-32 (b) (2) from Article IV of the Orange County Code of Ordinances regarding Hazardous Weather Plan —Administrative Leave policy, specifically omitting the make-up leave language. Commissioner Price noted that weather conditions can vary across the County during a weather emergency, and some parts may be less safe than others. She asked how this will be addressed for the employees. Brenda Bartholomew said if an employee chose to stay home when the manager has not declared administrative leave, they would have to use their own accrual time. Commissioner Price said there may be isolated places that take longer to thaw out, and it is not a choice for the employee. She said this may need to be an item for further discussion. Brenda Bartholomew said the intent was to remove the makeup language that has existed. Commissioner Price said she realizes this is not directly related to the resolution, but she has a question about this issue. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve the resolution regarding the amendment deleting Section 28-32 (b) (2) from Article IV of the Orange County Code of Ordinances to reflect the change of not allowing employees to use make-up leave when they elect not to report for work, report late or leave early when Administrative Leave has not been declared by the Manager. VOTE: UNANIMOUS g_ Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Amendment Outline and Schedule for the February 2015 Quarterly Public Hearinq The Board considered approval of process components and schedule for a government initiated Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendment for the February 2015 Quarterly Public Hearing regarding temporary health care structures. Commissioner Gordon said she wanted some indication from the Board on whether they are interested in asking the staff to increase the time for public hearing notices for conditional zoning, at the February hearing or another hearing. Commissioner McKee said he is good with it being 45 days. Commissioner Gordon said she wants to make it 45 days. Chair Jacobs suggested that this be referred to staff for clarity's sake, with a request for them to outline the options and bring it back to the Board. He said a decision can then be made on whether it needs to go to a public hearing. Commissioner Gordon said she would like to see the pros and cons and the possibilities. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Price to approve process components and schedule for a government initiated Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendment for the February 2015 Quarterly Public Hearing regarding temporary health care structures, and to refer to staff a request for recommendations, pros and cons for discussion at a future time. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 7. Reqular Aqenda a. Proposed Oranqe County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030 (8:55-9:30) The Board considered adoption of the Orange County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030. David Stancil introduced Neal Bench, who is chair of the Parks and Recreation Council. Neal Bench thanked the Commissioners for all of their appointments to the Parks and Recreation Council. He said the council is happy to work with staff and has provided input into this plan. He said the members of the council have voted unanimously for the Board of County Commissioners to approve the document as presented. David Stancil, director of the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR), reviewed the following PowerPoint slides and several maps of the area: Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030 Brief Review -June 3 Master Plan • County-run recreation programs since 1970's • 1988 Master Plan - Opened 1 st park 1998 • 1990's Reports � 1997 & 2001 Bonds • New Master Plan Needed for Several Reasons • Inventory of Facilities and Programs/Athletics • Updated Demographics and Service Area Data • Community Needs Assessment Surveys + • Economic, Health and Environmental Impacts Overview of System -2014 Facilities and Locations • Five County Parks • One Soccer Center • Two Recreation/Community Centers • One Greenway (pt.) Planned Future Facilities • 4 Future Parks (land-banked) • 2 Nature Preserves (with trails and access areas) • 1 New Community Center Community Needs Assessments • Public view of current facilities/programs and future needs? • Several components (youth, statistical random-sample, online, targeted groups) • 835 surveys received; over 140 additional persons via outreach. • Seven focus groups and six open houses held Needs Assessment Results Main Takeaways • High marks for facilities, safety, customer service • Strong interest in programs (soccer, basketball, others) & special events (such as Fishing Rodeo) • Trails, pool and outdoor programs most desired • Expand outdoor recreation options, connect parks and open spaces • More opportunities to be out"in nature" Funding Strategy Responses • Donations and Grants (95% agree) • Use Existing Local Taxes (73% agree) • Voter-approved Bonds (70% agree) • Existing Property Taxes (70% agree) • User Fees (68% agree) • Increase New Local Taxes (34% agree) Demographics — Quick Summary • Orange County = 140,352 persons (7/1/2013) • Top 10 Nationally in Education Level...but • Above-avg income masks 17% below poverty • By 2030, County could have 173,000 persons • Around 75,000 in County service area? Important Themes and Topics • Link to the Goals/Objectives in Comp Plan • Synchronizing and coordinating with Town plans • State Parks, OWASA, Schools, Others • Economic benefits of parks, rec and open space • Important linkages to public health, opportunities • Parks and conserving our natural resources Standards and Findings • A number of changed conditions since 1988 • Park Classifications: School Park Community Park (usually 40-75 acres) District Park (usually 75-125 acres) Regional Park (usually 150 acres +) Nature Preserve Access Areas • Standards: Best Approach - use community needs Goals and Objectives • Previously-created in Comprehensive Plan • 5 Goals with objectives for each • Plan strategies attempt to address these Master Plan Recommendations • Weighing All the Data and Findings • Basis of Park Planning in Place (districts, 1988 plan, CIP) • Proactive Acquiring of Sites = Few "new" Parks Needed Recommendations 1. Protect Investment in Parks and Open Space a. Multi-Million $ Investment b. Facility Renovation and Repairs c. Operating and Maintenance 2. Build Planned Future Parks (pg 10-12) a. CIP and Lands Legacy Have "Set the Table" b. 4 New Parks c. 5 Future Phases at Existing Parks d. 2 (3) Nature Preserves with Publicly-Accessible Areas 3. Complete Nature Preserves, Provide Access 4. Structure for Multi-Partner Capital Facilities 5. Master Plan for Orange County MST Segment 6. Build More Trails, Connections 7. Improve Access, Promote Healthy Lifestyles 8. Recreation Program Needs, Partnerships 9. Examine Role of Community Centers a. Types of programs, offerings b. Hours and usage expectations c. Facilities and amenities Supplemental Report Based on Board and Public Hearing Feedback 1. Prioritize Planned Parks/ Facilities Done Using CIP, Degree of Facility Planning, Other 2. How to Address Recommendations/Issues Proposed Actions and Timeframe Identified 3. Additional Community Outreach Meetings Ongoing with Under-represented Groups 4. Future Park Concept Plans Four Planned for 2014 through end 2015 5. Greene Tract— Orange County 60 Acres 6. Coordination with Hillsborough Discussions Underway 7. Expansion of Trail Network/Connectivity Commissioner Pelissier asked about the plans to address issues for further study and whether there would be an annual report or mechanism for providing status updates on these issues. David Stancil said yes, that would be an easy thing to produce. Chair Jacobs asked if the Lands Legacy update is done annually or every two years. David Stancil said this is done every two to three years. Commissioner Gordon thanked staff for this report. She referred to the table in the report as compared to table 10-1 on page 4 of the report and asked about the relationship between these. David Stancil said this shows the prioritization and some minor refinements. He said staff was able to take a closer look at the projects, and there may have been one case in which there was a cost adjustment. He noted that the projected total cost is a ball park estimate, and it errs on the high side. Commissioner Gordon asked if the Board would be adopting what is in the actual text. David Stancil said the Board would be adopting the master plan itself, and the supplemental report is just information for the Commissioners. He said this will be manifested through the capital investment plan, which is looked at every year. Commissioner McKee said he is curious about the metrics used to determine some of the numbers, especially the number of 35,000 to 40,000 visitors for Cedar Grove Park. David Stancil said Cedar Grove Park does not have the capability of counting heads because residents can walk into that park, even when it is closed. He said this number is an estimate based on activity, and it is probably driven by the fact that Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association (HYAA) uses that facility from April to October. PUBLIC COMMENT: Allan Green is a member of the Parks and Recreation Council, as well as a user of Orange County parks and a resident. He said the master plan specifically mentions more trails, greenways, and connectivity between parks. He said these plans provide benefits for Orange County residents and are low cost. He urged the Board to consider those particular benefits and to adopt this plan. Commissioner Gordon said the last master plan was done in 1988. She said the County needs a new master plan in order to get matching grant funds. She said the plan can be updated as things move forward. She is interested in Twin Creeks Park, and she noted priority number 7 is Twin Creeks Park— Phase 2. This Phase 2 actually contains some projects that were contemplated in a past bond referendum, and therefore should have priority for completion. She would like to see this park moved up on the priority list, and she asked the Board to remember Twin Creeks Park - Phase 2 when considering which park projects should be completed first. She noted that this approval is only for the table listing all of the projects, and there should be an understanding that this list will updated as things move forward. Commissioner Gordon referred to the OUTBOARD comments on the master plan, and asked if this board had some part in the continuing updating of the plan. David Stancil said the OUTBOARD made some good points, several of which are incorporated into the document. He said these are all items that are valid points but many are sub-plan level and can be incorporated at an operational level. Commissioner Gordon said she thinks it is very important to go ahead with this master plan to give an overall set of guidelines. She said parts of it can be changed during the CIP process if priorities change. David Stancil recognized the staff inembers who helped with this plan. Commissioner Rich asked for more details on how the surveys were done, and she referred specifically to number 7 on the sheet. She asked for information on how future outreach will be done. David Stancil said residents were asked to respond to what they enjoy doing, and the next section asked what they want to see, so both of these were used. He said staff chose to do a comprehensive County-wide survey even though many of the town residents might not be very familiar with Orange County Parks. He said there were a number of"don't know" answers, as many residents choose to patronize parks in their own town. He said the plan is to do another community needs assessment in 5 years. He said there are outreach events happening in the meantime with church and civic groups, as well as the school system. Commissioner Price asked if the other name for Twin Creeks can be used. David Stancil said yes. He said this will not be lost in the signage. Commissioner Price said it is important in naming parks meant to honor ethnic populations, that the name actually be used. Commissioner McKee said this is a living document and it is good not to set every detail in concrete. He said one concern of his is the overall ballpark figure being $40 million. He said he has to compare that with other needs such as schools, transportation, and affordable housing. He said it is good to acknowledge this document as a living thing that can be worked toward. He said he supports it, and he will vote for it, but he will look at each individual project with a very hard eye in comparing it to other priorities. Chair Jacobs said he thinks this is beautiful document, and it is comprehensive and thoughtful. Chair Jacobs said the document refers to appendices, but these are not included. He assumes these will be included in the future. Dave Stancil said the appendices are 150 pages long, and staff will try and get it back up on the web by Thursday. Chair Jacobs noted that adverbs ending in "ly" should not be hyphenated and should be taken out of the verbiage. Chair Jacobs said the County cannot update their payment in lieu plan until a plan is in place. He hopes that when this is done, there can be a conversation with Mebane about incorporating a different way of looking at open space in the subdivisions being built in Orange County. Chair Jacobs said page 10-6 has a statement that Orange County has been very prescient in its approach to planning, and he wants to comment staff for that. Chair Jacobs noted the following list of suggested changes: - Page 3.7- Fairview Park - Part of this park cannot be developed because of the landfill area. This caveat should be added. - Page 3.22 - Future north east park plans mention the possibility of a Solid Waste Convenience Center. A possible fire training center was also discussed and this should be flagged. - Millhouse Road —This should mention that this is a prime site for a partnership with the towns. - Map on page 4.4—The gray is not visible, and a circle could be added to note the municipal boundaries. - Page 5.1 —There are asterisks but no footnotes - Page 10.5—This should note that non-profit funds have also been leveraged. - Page 10.6—The first column discusses a multiplicity of amenities. The parenthetical note is not consistent with what the County set out to do with regard to low and high impact uses. - Page 10.8— He requested an update on the Smith Middle School soccer field. (David Stancil noted that this field exists and is in use and programmed by the Town of Carrboro.) Chair Jacobs said this should be listed as a resource. - Page 10.9— Mountains to Sea Trail master plan is listed as a 2014 project. This has been overtaken by the state. (David Stancil said this can be deleted.) - Page 10.10 —Contrary to the notes here, there has been no mention of transportation stops at future and current parks, other than Cedar Grove. - Page 10.12 — Blackwood Park's funding information is confusing and needs more explanation. David Stancil said the Blackwood Farm project is being completed with pre-dated funds Chair Jacobs said the issue of a swimming pool is something that should be talked about before discussing a bond package that includes recreation facilities. He said this is an expensive item, and it seems like it is a high priority item in the surveys. He said perhaps a group advocating for recreation can drive that discussion. He said it would be nice to get some ballpark figures before the discussion gets too far down the road. Chair Jacobs said there is a lot of discussion about bicycling. He feels that bike and pedestrian trails are incompatible, and he thinks this should be made clear in the documents. He suggested asking OWASA about interest in a bike trail near Cane Creek. He said this could mirror what has been done in Little River, which has been very successful. Chair Jacobs said the County needs to be sensitive and careful about what is invested in parks, because operating expenses come with it; however, many projects that used to be controversial are now embraced by the residents, and he heartily endorses this plan. Commissioner McKee thanked DEAPR for working with the school systems, and he encouraged them to continue to work with the schools and HYAA. Commissioner Price asked if staff could provide an update on the parking at Fairview. David Stancil said yes. Commissioner Gordon asked what staff is going to do with the various comments and revisions that have been made. David Stancil said the comments will be reviewed and sorted. He said some of these are administrative or language changes that can be made. He said other items would need further updates, subsequent information, or addendums. He said any substantive change would come back to the Board of County Commissioners as a possible addendum or amendment. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Price to adopt the Orange County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030, with future actions consistent with the plan to be brought back to the Board for action according to funding and park planning timetables; and that staff take comments and make administrative changes; and for any other substantive changes, that staff bring it back to the Board of County Commissioners as expeditiously as possible. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Buckhorn-Mebane Phase 2 Utilities — Transfer of Ownership to City of Mebane The Board considered transferring ownership of the recently built Buckhorn-Mebane Phase 2 water and sewer utility infrastructure to the City of Mebane and authorizing the Chair to sign. Kevin Lindley showed a map of the project, which has been completed. He said Orange County has an inter-local agreement with Mebane, wherein Mebane has agreed to serve the areas noted on the map with water and sewer utilities; and it states that any utilities built by the County in these areas will be turned over to Mebane for ownership and operation. He said Mebane is already operating this, and the purpose of tonight is to turn over the ownership. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to: 1. Approve the transfer of ownership of the utility infrastructure and easements to the City of Mebane and authorize the Chair to sign the Dedication Form (Attachment 2); and 2. Authorize staff to pursue any further action necessary to complete the transfer of ownership to the City of Mebane, per the 2012 Mebane-Orange County Utility Service Agreement. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Jacobs said he read that Mebane has agreed to take over the parcel owned by Morinaga in order for it to escape Orange County's regulations. Craig Benedict said that is not correct. He said part of the Mebane Efland Small Area Plan was to match regulations side by side. Chair Jacobs said what he read was full of inaccuracies. 8. Reports - NONE 9. County Manaqer's Report Bonnie Hammersley thanked Commissioner Gordon from all of the employees for her service to Orange County and for allowing her story to be published in the newsletter. She presented a copy of this newsletter story to Commissioner Gordon. 10. County Attorney's Report John Roberts said there is some movement in Raleigh to re-draft all of the land use statutes out of the 153-a chapter—which is the chapter dealing with Counties—to create a new chapter for all of the land uses. He said this may trigger changes in the Unified Development Ordinance. He will keep the Board updated as this moves forward. Chair Jacobs asked if this would extend to the counties some of the powers of the municipalities. John Roberts said he does not know yet but he did see one recommendation to remove conditional use districts. He is not sure if this will continue. 11. Appointments - NONE 12. Board Comments Commissioner Rich said she and Commissioner Price were at the Black Alumni Reunion (BAR) dinner this past weekend, and it was a lovely event. She said the Visitors Bureau is working hard to keep that event in Orange County. Commissioner Rich said she and Laurie Paolicelli went to the SECU house. She said the house is very nice, and visitors are given a cap when they come to stay. Commissioner Gordon said the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization Board (MPO Board) held a meeting recently and discussed the strategic transportation corridors. Commissioner Gordon said the Town of Chapel Hill has requested Ephesus Church Road/Fordham Boulevard road improvements. This project was on the MPO Board meeting agenda and is moving forward. It will be discussed at future DOT and MPO meetings. She said this is of interest since the project is one the transportation projects in the Ephesus Fordham area. Commissioner Gordon said there are some things that have been completed during the past few years while she has been on the Board, like the parks plan, and some things that have been progressing but have not yet been completed. She said there are several things that she hopes will be accomplished in 2015, including: the strategic communications plan; a method to provide links to individual items in the online agendas; and revisions to the public hearing process. Commissioner Gordon said this is her last full board meeting as a Commissioner. She said she has appreciated working with all of the people, the Board of County Commissioners and the staff. She will miss the collegial relationships, but said she is not going away and will still remain active in the community. She said it has been an honor and a privilege to serve for six terms. Commissioner Price said she had spoken with the Insurance Commissioner, and she thanked him for helping to reduce our fire insurance rates. She said he expressed his willingness to continue working with the Board. Commissioner Price said she was at a Durham Technical Community College board meeting, and they just adopted a 5 year strategic plan. She said things look good for the college, and their mission is to be a first choice for people seeking a higher education. She said the Durham Tech president will be sending out a report that highlights the strategic plan. Commissioner Price said she attended the opening for an affordable rental property in Chapel Hill, along with Chair Jacobs, and she is glad that Orange County is part of the process. Commissioner Price said it has been a privilege to serve for two years with Commissioner Gordon. Commissioner McKee said he has attended many community events lately, including the Veteran's Breakfast, where Sam Boylan was honored for his service in World War II. Commissioner McKee said he attended the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce's Hall of Fame Induction for five members of the community, including Bob Nutter, who owns Maple View Farms. He said the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce had an event last night to introduce their new executive director, Sara Stephens. Commissioner McKee noted the information included in tonight's packet regarding the space study. He said there is a lot of discussion to be held on possible future expansions and co-locations. Commissioner Pelissier said earlier today she attended the Durham—Orange Light Rail Transit public session. She said she was pleased to see the public engagement. Chair Jacobs said he attended the Rogers Road Community Center ribbon cutting, and this was truly a success. He said it was good to be part of an event where people enjoyed themselves. Chair Jacobs said there was a library meeting yesterday, which included elected officials and staff from Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill about the library inter-local agreement, and it was a spirited but productive meeting. He said the goal is to come back with some interim strategies for addressing some of the library issues. Chair Jacobs said there have been two planning meetings for the Agricultural Summit, and the goal is to have this event in mid-February. Chair Jacobs said there have been two meetings of the 2015 retreat planning committee, and this should be a fairly seamless transition. Chair Jacobs said the Manager has been doing an excellent job of being out in the community. 13. Information Items • November 6, 2014 BOCC Regular Meeting Follow-up Actions List • Space Study Work Group Progress Information Item • Memorandum Regarding Update on "The Edge" Project • BOCC Chair Letter Regarding Petitions from November 6, 2014 Regular Board Meeting 14. Closed Session A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Rich to go into closed session at 9:13 p.m. for the purposes of: ADDED: [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(4)] To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of business in the area served by this body. "To discuss the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and County Attorney on the negotiating position regarding the terms of a contract to purchase real property," NCGS § 143-318.11(a)(5). Approval of Closed Session Minutes Commissioner Rich said she had a question before going into closed session. She asked about the item, Memorandum Regarding Update on "The Edge" Project under Information items. She said the Edge property developer is now proposing more residential units than retail. She said this is becoming a common problem, and it affects the schools systems when a development proposes 40 percent residential units and then changes it to 70 percent. She would like to make sure the Board follows this project. Bonnie Hammersley said staff will come to the board in early 2015 to talk more about this development. Commissioner Rich said the schools just released a report about student projections, and she wondered what this might do to those projections. Commissioner Gordon echoed what Commissioner Rich said. She said Orange County has about 85 percent residential development and 15 percent retail development. She said some of these developments might be as much as 95 percent, and it is important to work with our partners while being mindful of the impact of this. VOTE: UNANIMOUS RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Price seconded by Commissioner Rich to reconvene into regular session at 11:40 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 15. Adiournment A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner McKee to adjourn the meeting at 11:40pm. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Barry Jacobs, Chair Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board