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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-26-2015 - AgendaORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HILLSBOROUGH BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AGENDA BOCC /Hillsborough Board of Commissioners Joint Meeting February 26, 2015 Meeting — 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Richard Whiffed Meeting Facility 300 West Tryon Street Hillsborough, NC (7:00) Welcome and Opening Remarks (Mayor Tom Stevens and Chair Earl McKee) 1. Transportation/Transit a) Bus Circulator Routes b) Amtrak Station 2. Economic Development/Tourism a) County Economic Development Update b) Opportunities for County /Town Economic Development Partnerships c) Hillsborough Economic Development & Affordable Housing Update d) County and Town Tourism Activities Updates 3. Planning/Development a) Hillsborough Vision 2030 Plan b) Town Development Updates c) Highway 70 Corridor Update and Opportunities d) County Development Updates 4. Potential 2016 County Bond Referendum Update 5. INFORMATION ITEMS (Written Updates - Not for Specific Discussion) a) Update on Eno Mountain/Mayo Street b) Update on Interstates 40/85 Improvements c) Update on Solid Waste /Recycling d) Update on Recreation/Amenities e) Update on Water Infrastructure /City & County Overlap Orange County Board of Commissioners' regular meetings and work sessions are available via live streaming video at oran ec�ouniync .gov /occlerks /granicus.asp and Orange County Gov -TV on channels 1301 or 97.6 (Time Warner Cable). ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HILLSBOROUGH BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JOINT MEETING AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 26, 2015 SUBJECT: Joint Meetinq Discussion Items DEPARTMENT: County Manager /Town Manager /Town Planning /County Planning /County Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation /County Economic Development /County Asset Management Services /County Solid Waste /County Finance ATTACHMENT(S): As noted in "Background" section PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No INFORMATION CONTACT: Bonnie Hammersley, 245 -2300; Eric Peterson, 732 -1270; Margaret Hauth, 732- 1270; Craig Benedict, 245 -2592; Tom Altieri, 245 -2579; Jeff Thompson, 245- 2658; Paul Laughton, 245 -2550; Gayle Wilson, 968 -2885; Steve Brantley, 245- 2326, David Stancil, 245 -2510; Greg Wilder, 245 -2300 PURPOSE: To discuss topics of mutual interest between the governing boards of Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough. BACKGROUND: 1. Transportation /Transit This subject area provides the opportunity for the two governing boards to discuss the following items: a) Bus Circulator Routes Beginning March 2, 2015, the Hillsborough Circulator will begin traversing a slightly modified route with slightly different stop locations to correct some deficiencies associated with the existing route and to provide service to new locations in and around Hillsborough. The Circulator service will also be provided during the 12.00pm- 1.00pm period, which will be the first service improvement funded by vehicle registration fee /sales tax revenues. The new Circulator 2 alignment will tie into the other fixed -route bus service expansion services to be operated by Orange Public Transportation that will be funded by Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan (OCBRIP) revenues tentatively scheduled to begin in May 2015. In conjunction with this bus service expansion, Orange Public Transportation has drafted its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit Plan detailing how and where complementary ADA paratransit service will be provided in concert with the expansion services. Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss issues related to this item as necessary. Attachment 1a -1 — Hillsborough Circulator Attachment la-2 — Bus Service Expansion Attachment la-3 — Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Service Area b) Amtrak Station The draft Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) includes full construction funding for the Hillsborough station with construction beginning in 2019. The full scope and details of this funding are still unfolding as the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) continues to flesh out the draft TIP. The town intends to prepare a small area plan for the 250 acres bounded by the railroad, South Churton Street, and 1 -85 to reflect the advice and charette results from the Sustainable Cities Design Academy attended by the town and property owner representatives in October 2014. The charrette results were conceptual, but identified some critical connections and areas of joint agreement that should be documented and memorialized as development in this area may take years to come to pass. Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss issues related to this item as necessary. No Attachments 2. Economic Development /Tourism This subject area provides the opportunity for the two governing boards to discuss the following items: a) County Economic Development Update Article 46's New Business & Agriculture Grant Programs Orange County has a new Agriculture Economic Development Grant program and a Business Investment Grant program that will soon be available to support growth by small agricultural and business firms. The two (2) new grant programs are funded by the "Article 46" one - quarter cent sales tax to support economic development, are about to "go live" in the next few weeks, and can assist Hillsborough's small farmers and businesses. More details will be released soon in an ad campaign to be placed in the local media. • Business Investment Grant (Pending BOCC Final Approval - Small Grants up to $1,500, and, Large Grants from $1,501 - $10,000) • Agriculture Economic Development Grant (Pending BOCC Final Approval - Small Grants up to $1,000, and Large Grants from $1,001 - $10,000) Morinaga America Foods, Inc. • Construction of the company's initial 100,000 square foot candy manufacturing facility is proceeding, with completion planned for mid - 2015, and an Open House ceremony set for late September or October. Town of Hillsborough leadership and elected officials will be invited to that event. • The company recently held a job fair at the Waterstone campus of Durham Tech, and took applications from 850 interested candidates who participated in 21 separate information sessions. Agriculture Summit • The annual Orange County Agriculture Summit was recently held on March 16th in Hillsborough at the County's newly renovated Whitted meeting facility. Orange County Arts Commission • The Orange County Arts Commission, currently based in Chapel Hill, is physically relocating this month to Hillsborough and will be housed within the Economic Development Department. Staff Changes within Orange County Economic Development • Mike Ortosky has been hired as the County's full -time "Agriculture Economic Developer" to assist County residents engaged in farming and related agriculture initiatives. Mr. Ortosky will help lead the formation of a proposed food council, serve as a liaison with tenants of the Piedmont Food and Agriculture Facility (PFAP), and pursue related agricultural goals that benefit farmers in Hillsborough and Orange County. • Yvonne Scarlett, a 15 -year staff member of the County agency, and a long -time Hillsborough resident, has been promoted to fulfill a new "business retention" professional role recently created by the Board of Commissioners. The business retention economic developer task will assist existing businesses, large and small, to encourage their retention and expansion here in the County. • One vacancy will soon be filled to hire a "business recruitment economic developer" to assist the department director with the attraction of new business prospects in manufacturing, commercial and retail development. M Utility infrastructure progress in the Economic Development Districts • Over $4 million in water and sewer lines have been placed in the Buckhorn Economic Development District (EDD) to begin building a series of backbone infrastructure to serve the County's largest region zoned for business recruitment. The success to attract the Morinaga facility was enabled by the one - quarter cent sales tax for economic development that funded this initial water and sewer system. • Additional water and sewer line expenditures will be needed to serve priority sites in the Hillsborough Economic Development District (commercially zoned properties outside of the Waterstone development). General business recruitment activity throughout the County • Larger industrial sites in the County's Buckhorn and Hillsborough areas are being regularly proposed to active prospect leads that are generated by the State of N.C. Sites in the County are being visited by industries and developers seeking locations. • The County's total inventory of empty industrial, warehouse and office buildings available to attract new business prospects has notably increased, with most of this new inventory being located in Hillsborough. For the first time in many years, the County and Hillsborough now have available capacity to market large square footage facilities (Eno River Mill, & Southern Season warehouse) to large businesses. Comment Reaardina Southern Season's Warehouse in Hillsborouah • The County worked for 2 years meeting with and attempting to show Southern Season's management the available real estate sites in Hillsborough, and the County, and offer to quote potential financial incentives in order to retain the warehouse. However, despite the County and Hillsborough having suitably attractive and competitive site locations, the company showed little interest to consider the local options. The company recently selected a fully developed business park (N.C. Industrial Center) which has a 100,000 square foot shell building and 8 -10 existing warehouse operations located in Mebane. • Owners of the Hillsborough facility (Susan Green & Michael Falk) have hired a major real estate brokerage firm, CBRE Industrial Triad, to market the 90,000 square foot building to new users. The County has generated one prospect that will tour the building in February. • The County's Economic Development office is marketing the building on the County web site and on the State of N.C.'s industrial real estate web site. Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss issues related to these items as necessary. No Attachments b) Opportunities for County /Town Economic Development Partnerships Ongoing Business Prospect Activity in Hillsborough Orange County's Planning & Inspections Department, assisted by the Economic Development office, is involved in a number of promising commercial and retail development activities that should bring new capital investment that will add to the property tax base, add new jobs and payroll, and bring additional retail sales tax to the Town of Hillsborough and Orange County. Locations being considered for development include property improvements adjacent to Home Depot at the southeast quadrant of N.C. 86 and Interstate 85, and at the southwest quadrant of Old N.C. 85 and Interstate 40. Specific retail and commercial projects are at various stages of development, such as submitting site plans, or negotiating with land owners and NCDOT. The County's on -going discussions, some still confidential, include a major restaurant chain, and mixed use commercial office development. ➢ Sheetz gas station & convenience store ➢ Restaurant ➢ Mixed use commercial office building Prospects Visits Made to Hillsborough Hillsborough has several desirable real estate buildings currently on the market that are all suitable for commercial, light industrial and warehouse users. These locations are attractive, competitively priced and together represent the County's single strongest grouping of available buildings with the potential to attract new businesses. The Economic Development office has presented each of these facilities to visiting industrial prospects during the previous year. With the departure of Southern Season's warehouse operations by October 2015, the County will suddenly have a large industrial /distribution facility of nearly 90,000 square feet that can be marketed to more large business prospects than was previously possible in past years, when almost no empty buildings existed. In most cases, the Economic Development office has informed Hillsborough's Town Manager and /or Senior Planner regarding each prospect's visit. ➢ Eno River Mill — up to 90,000 sq. ft. ➢ 505 Eno Street (Southern Season's warehouse) — 89,834 sq. ft., (space will be available in October 2015, and is now being marketed and shown to prospective tenants). ➢ Elizabeth Brady Road — 24,000 sq. ft. ➢ Valley Forge Road - 2,500 to 3,000 sq. ft. (flex space, offices w/ warehouse) ➢ Sinclair building (N. Churton Street) Orange County's Small Business Loan Program & Actual Lending Activity that Support Hillsborough's Small Businesses The County's Small Business Loan Program has granted six (6) loans totaling $256,848 to small businesses located here in Hillsborough. This activity represents 55% of the total number of all loans extended, and 62% of all funds loaned to area businesses. The Hillsborough -based borrowers are as follows: ➢ Orange County Gymnastics ➢ The Depot ➢ Phd Productions, LLC ➢ The Accidental Baker ➢ Mystery Brewing Company ➢ Skram Furniture Tim Baker Meleah Coleman Patrick Groft Kevin Mason Erik Myers Jacob Marks (loan is now repaid) Orange County Arts Commission's Funding Support of the Town of Hillsborough's Artists, Arts Organizations and Schools ➢ Six arts grants were awarded to Hillsborough artists in the Spring 2014 grant cycle (out of 23 total arts grants funded), totaling $8,500 in state funds awarded to the Hillsborough Arts Council and Cedar Ridge High School. ➢ Three arts grants were awarded to Hillsborough artists in the Fall 2014 grant cycle (out of 21 total arts grants funded), totaling $3,000 in county funds awarded to the Hillsborough Arts Council, Cedar Ridge High School and The Expedition School. ➢ In these 2 grant cycles, 9 out of the 10 grant applications received from Hillsborough artist applicants were funded in full. ➢ These arts grants helped fund the following events and projects in Hillsborough: Last Friday Arts Walk, Hillsborough Jazz Festival, Hillsborough Handmade Parade, Free Spirit Freedom, updated equipment for Cedar Ridge High School's Creative Woodturning Program, Orange County artist Patrick Dougherty's Stickwork Sculpture (slated for November 2015), and a needed upgrade of the audio and recording system for Cedar Ridge High School's Band Room. ➢ Hillsborough -based speculative fiction (science fiction) author James Maxey was selected as the 2015 Piedmont Laureate for the Triangle area (Durham, Orange, Wake). Mr. Maxey will receive an honorarium of $5,500 ($1,350 of which is paid from Orange County funds) to present public readings and workshops, participate at select public functions and create at least one original activity to expand appreciation of speculative fiction. ➢ Hillsborough artists Alice Levinson (craft), Amy Fletcher (painting) and Damian Starner (painting) have been awarded $1,500 each in 2015 Emerging Artists Grants by the Durham Arts Council. The Orange County Arts Commission participates in this program (for artists living in Chatham, Durham, Granville, Orange and Person counties) contributing $1,500 annually, most recently paid from County funds. Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss issues related to these items as necessary. No Attachments 7 c) Hillsborough Economic Development & Affordable Housing Update Downtown - Construction will soon begin on a series of parking and street improvements in downtown. The town and NCDOT have coordinated closely with local merchants to fit the construction components around event schedules. The Bank of America parking lot construction will begin as soon as asphalt plants begin working this spring. Work on the west side of Churton Street could begin as soon as May and will start at Tryon Street, working south to Nash and Kollock Street. Work will progress block by block to limit disruptions to merchants and traffic. Resurfacing of the street is expected in either fall 2015 or early 2016, which is when the stamped crosswalks will be installed and work complete. Waterstone — About 50 active permits for houses and townhomes have been issued. The apartment complex should begin construction in the next few months. The developer is finalizing the dedication paperwork for Cates Creek Park and Cates Creek Parkway. The town is not aware of any contracts on other tracts. South Churton & Cornelius Streets — No specific development activity. The town is applying for a technical assistance grant from an economic development firm to assist in the implementation of the Cornelius Street Plan (also see Item 3 -c below). Affordable Housing — Two Town Commissioners and two Town Planning Board members are working with staff to develop a local policy to strengthen and formalize the mandated "conversation" about affordable housing during the Special Use Permit process. Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss issues related to these items as necessary. No Attachments d) County and Town Tourism Activities Updates In addition to a PowerPoint that will be provided at the meeting, the following joint County /Hillsborough tourism related activity has been produced in conjunction with the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough; Hillsborough's Tourism Board; Hillsborough Arts Council; and Hillsborough's Tourism Development Authority, as follows.. • A brochure was produced for Hillsborough's Historic properties that highlighted the town's commitment to historic preservation, inviting visitors to explore Hillsborough's story, which is a story of the south. • A targeted advertising campaign was produced and placed in Virginia and Charlotte, reminding interstate travelers of Hillsborough's downtown and area hotels. • Our State magazine, at the urging of the Visitors Bureau, produced a 30 page section on Hillsborough in its October 2014 edition. N. • The Visitors Bureau, at the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough's request, ran an ad in The New York Times to augment a feature story on Hillsborough residents Steven Burke and Randy Campbell. • Throughout summer 2014, the Visitors Bureau, at the request of Hillsborough Arts Council, ran an 8 -week advertising campaign in the INDY to remind Triangle residents of Last Fridays in Hillsborough. • To help launch a community radio station in Hillsborough, the Visitors Bureau provided "founding sponsor" dollars to WHUP, scheduled to be on the air in June. • A photography library on Hillsborough was commissioned by the Visitors Bureau, using photographer Donn Young, to capture images of Riverwalk, Churton Street, Last Fridays, Nash Street, Daniel Boone Village, Historic Properties, downtown merchants, restaurants and the Cupola. • Video, originally commissioned by the Visitors Bureau, was used to produce a 2 minute presentation on Hillsborough for on -line use. • For Hillsborough's holiday season, the Visitors Bureau secured a 4 week promotion on Chapelboro and WCHL and dedicated a staff member to provide public relations. • Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens was interviewed and photographed by the Visitors Bureau for a national wire story on small town America. • To support the Hillsborough -based News of Orange, the visitors bureau ran "50 Reasons to Love Orange County," advertisement in the newspaper, periodically in 2014. • Visitors Bureau sales staff works closely with Hillsborough hotels to provide leads on group business. • Hillsborough brochures are distributed at the Visitors Center to walk -in visitors. • News of Hillsborough events are sent to The Chapel Hill Herald every Wednesday for inclusion in the Sunday edition. • A planning session was held with leaders at Ayr Mount to discuss promotional activity surrounding their bicentennial in 2015. • Moving forward, the Visitors Bureau is working with Hillsborough Town Board Member Eric Hallman on possible future promotions. Board Member Hallman is the tourism liaison in Hillsborough. n The Town of Hillsborough also provided an attachment with updates on Town tourism activities. Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss issues related to these items as necessary. Attachment 2d — Hillsborough Tourism Summary 3. Planning /Development This subject area provides the opportunity for the two governing boards to discuss the following items: a) Hillsborough Vision 2030 Plan Efforts are continuing on work begun in 2013, and the town is nearing adoption of Vision 2030 to replace the Vision 2010 policy document. The current draft is available http : / /www.ci.hillsborough.nc.us /content /vision -2030. The town received comments from Orange County Planning staff and is taking them into consideration. The plan could be adopted as soon as March 9, 2015. Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss issues related to this item as necessary. No Attachments b) Town Development Updates UNC Hospital — The hospital is proceeding with the plan to be open in July. Construction has begun on the water tank needed to have sufficient pressure in the vicinity as development continues. Durham Technical Community College — The town is not aware of any activity related to the Community College. Historic Mills — The town designated both the Bellevue and Eno Cotton Mills (aka Hillsborough Business Center) as local historic landmarks at the end of 2014 to allow the owners the local landmark tax reduction. There is an active contract to purchase the Bellevue Mill and implement its conversion to apartments with the state mill tax credit still available to this site. The Eno Cotton Mill continues its efforts to renovate its spaces and make them available for a wider variety of uses. Former Colonial Inn — The town has contracted with the Development Finance Initiative (DFI) through the UNC School of Government for technical assistance and advice regarding tools available to incentivize or encourage the renovation of this property. The report is expected back in mid - March. 10 Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss issues related to these items as necessary. No Attachments c) Highway 70 Corridor Update and Opportunities The town has submitted a grant request, supported by the County Economic Development staff, to seek technical assistance from an economic development consulting firm to help the town better understand its options to participate in and incentivize the redevelopment of the Cornelius Street corridor. As the town does not have specialized economic development staff, the hope is to develop an understanding of key data or programs that can be collected, monitored or implemented to assist with limited oversight. A number of key properties in the corridor are available for sale. Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Board can discuss issues related to this item as necessary. No Attachments d) County Development Updates County Jail Orange County continues to plan for a proposed new detention facility on land adjacent to the Orange Correctional Facility on South Churton Street. Planning activities are concentrated on the sizing of the facility and alternative programs to detention that affect its initial size and potential expansion needs. The process of selecting a designer for the facility will follow this initial planning activity. The facility is anticipated to become operational no later than the fall of 2019. Sportsplex The Orange County Sportsplex continues its healthy growth of membership and program offerings as well as its value to Hillsborough and Orange County. Recognized by the Chapel Hill News and The Daily Tar Heel as the most visited sports and recreation facility in Orange County in 2013 (exceeding even the Dean E. Smith Center), the facility is accommodating the consistent growth in and around Hillsborough and the County with several initiatives. A major lobby renovation adding significant programming space has recently been completed. Design will begin in the coming weeks for the addition of a second mezzanine for expanded fitness and wellness programs. This mezzanine should be operational in the winter months of 2015. The Board of County Commissioners is also considering a proposed field house for indoor soccer, basketball, and other field activities to be constructed on adjacent land recently acquired by Orange County. The Sportsplex will continue to serve as a destination for individual and team wellness and will support continued economic development in the area. Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss issues related to these items as necessary. 11 No Attachments 4. Potential 2016 County Bond Referendum Update In several meetings during the past year, the Board of Commissioners has discussed the possible scheduling of a bond referendum to address County and School capital needs. A large part of the incentive for going forward with a potential General Obligation bond referendum is the repair, renovation, and upgrading of existing older school facilities. Both school systems have completed facilities assessments of their older schools, and reflect needs totaling approximately $330 million. At the Board's January 30, 2015 Retreat, the Board directed staff to develop materials for Board consideration regarding the Board formally expressing its intent to schedule a November 2016 Bond Referendum, including a total bond package amount of approximately $125 million. The Board also directed staff to move forward with the development of a process for a November 2016 Bond Referendum similar to the process utilized during the County's 2001 Bond Referendum. In preparation for a potential November 2016 Bond Referendum, staff has proposed that the Board discuss and consider approving the creation of a 2015 Capital Needs Advisory Task Force at its upcoming March 3, 2015 meeting. Items recommended to the County for inclusion in a 2016 Bond Referendum would be referred to the Task Force for review and prioritization, along with other proposed recommendations. Based on a staff suggested timeframe, the Board could likely appoint Task Force members at its April 7 and /or April 21, 2015 regular Board meetings. This would permit the Task Force to hold its initial meeting in May and continue meeting in May, June and through the summer break. Staff's initial proposal is that the Task Force be directed to complete its work and provide its recommendations to the Board of Commissioners by October 6, 2015, if not before. The Board would then consider establishing potential bond categories and amounts and consider staff's initial estimate of the potential tax rate impacts from the debt service of approximately $125 million for the total bond package. As was the case in 2001, the Board may retain the services of an external facilitator to assist the Capital Needs Advisory Task Force. The Task Force could receive assistance from the Dispute Settlement Center, the UNC School of Government or other resources that may be worthwhile again for the 2016 process. Staff will provide any other information at the meeting, and the Boards can discuss issues related to this item as necessary. No Attachments 12 5. INFORMATION ITEMS (Written Updates — Not for Specific Discussion) a) Update on Eno Mountain /Mayo Street The Town and County jointly contracted with Volkert Engineering to conduct a feasibility analysis of aligning Eno Mountain Road and Mayo Street in light of new development activity in the area, the proposed extension of Orange Grove Road east to the train station and consistent with the Orange Grove Road plan jointly prepared in 2002. The next step will be to share the preliminary results with area property owners to gauge interest and acceptability. Staff will report back to both boards following this step. No Attachments b) Update on Interstates 40185 Improvements The widening of 1 -40 from four (4) travel lanes to six (6) travel lanes from the 1 -40/1- 85 split to U.S. 15 -501 at the Orange /Durham County lines was originally programmed in the 2012 -2018 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for construction in 2018, 2019 and subsequent years. However, the project was subjected to reprioritization and is now programmed for right -of -way acquisition in 2023 and construction in 2024, 2025 and subsequent years in the draft 2016 -2025 STIP. Because the project is programmed in the latter five (5) years of the draft STIP, it is not considered committed for funding and implementation and will automatically be subjected to reprioritization in the next iteration of project prioritization and STIP development beginning later this year. For the next iteration of project prioritization, Orange County transportation planning staff will consider alternative methods by which the project can be submitted such that it scores high enough to be funded in the STIP sooner. The categorical exclusion, which is the environmental impact assessment for the proposed project, that was originally scheduled to be completed this year has been put on hold to more closely coordinate with the revised schedule for project implementation that will result from the project's later programming in the 2016 -2025 STIP. The project submitted by Orange County to widen 1 -85 from the 1- 40/1 -85 split to NC 147 in Durham from four (4) travel lanes to six (6) travel lanes did not score well enough to be funded in the 2016 -2015 STIP. No Attachments c) Update on Solid Waste /Recycling County Solid Waste Management Director Gayle Wilson has provided the attached memorandum with an update on various solid waste /recycling issues. Attachment 5c — Memorandum with Solid Waste Department Updates 13 d) Update on Recreation /Amenities Town of Hillsborough Planning Director Margaret Hauth and County Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation Director David Stancil have provided the attached memorandum with an update on recreation and parks. Attachments 5d — Memorandum with Recreation and Park Updates e) Update on Water Infrastructure /City & County Overlap Orange County has budgeted to move forward with studying the feasibility of servicing the area south of 1 -40 in the southwestern quadrant of the Town in FY 2015 -16. This economic development area is composed primarily of EDH -3 (Economic Development Hillsborough Limited Office with Residential). Also, a northwest area of EDH -2 (Economic Development Hillsborough Limited Office) may be extended from present location. Orange County will work with Town Planning and the Town Engineer /Utilities Director to integrate utility service planning for this area, primarily targeting sanitary sewer extension. No Attachments FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no direct financial impact associated with discussion of these topics. There are no action items requiring formal Board decisions. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Managers recommend the Boards discuss the topics listed and provide appropriate direction to the respective staffs. 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UNC Hospital - Hillsborough �O�Om�DrD racp'�`o Campus ao .. Hampton Pointe Shopping Cn 0 0l nn LN Lni(4 i � � V' Center W N i N i O(0 a? Eno Haven Triangle Sportsplex Senini 0 oa .. Lh j i i Center Riverside Drive:U.S. 70 i [jJ (7t Scot + S C tswood Blvd U.S. 70 A W N 7 jpPP? Ln Lh Ln 0 Kerr DruglNalgrecn's W [to o k90 "P S North Hills Shopping Center $ 8 S Z M 2 f— f— W C C C A2 0 x 0 C f— N O I- n Z a v n M C f— M N a Z 3 a 2 N V f1� O V, Z v M C f- n a O Z a a rn at ATTACHMENT 1a -1 15 NEW HILLSBOROUGH CIRCULATOR STOP AND TIMES MAP — BEGINNING MARCH 2, 2015 oil o ATTACHMENT 1a -2 16 Staff - Recommended Bus Service Expansion Concepts: Fixed - Routes Caswell m v c ca E ca F II----- Chatham 15 Person Durham Routes N 1 in = 2.9 miles Later Senior Center 0 1 Service NO US 70 Midday Service mellm Efland- Hillsborough Carson (10/14/2014) Commuter Loop mO Route 420 Expansion Hillsborough Circulator With Additional Noon Hour Service N 1 in = 2.9 miles 0 1 Miles Orange County Planning and Inspections Brian Carson (10/14/2014) ATTWGWENTA a\ 3 1 I 7( T\ 1 Carr R w A rn LEGEND N EXHIBIT 8: OPT FIXED ROUTE ADA SERVICE AREA SHEET 1 OF 2 Route Locations W+ E 814 V ° Co Road /Street S z sz Fixed Route ADA Paratransit Service Area 0 0.75 1.5 s 4.5 s Miles Orange County Planning and Inspections Department BM - 1 21812 01 4 Attachment 2d Hillsborough Tourism Summary The Town implemented a 3.0% occupancy tax approximately two years ago. Funds have not yet been disbursed. The Tourism Development Authority (TDA) is developing a budget and in the process of developing a funding strategy. The Tourism Board and TDA, in conjunction with the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, Visitor's Center, and Town are exploring new strategies for funding tourism, tourism promotion, and other related efforts in Hillsborough. Won the first round of voting in Budget Travel Magazine's Coolest Small Town in America, currently in 3rd place in the semi -final round. Public information staff from the Alliance /Visitor's Center and the Town have issued daily promotions via social media and the web during this contest. A video was produced and placed on Budget Travel's website explaining why Hillsborough is America's coolest small town. Riverwalk is a finalist for the American Planning Association, North Carolina Chapter — Great Places in North Carolina Contest for Great Greenways. Voting is currently taking place. A brochure was produced for Hillsborough's Historic properties that highlighted the town's commitment to historic preservation, inviting visitors to explore To help launch a community radio station in Hillsborough, the Visitors Bureau provided "founding sponsor" dollars to WHUP, scheduled to be on the air in June. A photography library on Hillsborough was commissioned by the Visitors Bureau, using photographer Donn Young, to capture images of Riverwalk, Churton Street, Last Fridays, Nash Street, Daniel Boone Village, Historic Properties, downtown merchants, restaurants and the Cupola. Video, originally commissioned by the Visitors Bureau, was used to produce a 2 minute presentation on Hillsborough for on -line use. For Hillsborough's holiday season, the Visitors Bureau secured a 4 week promotion on Chapelboro and WCHL and dedicated a staff member to provide public relations. Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens was interviewed and photographed by the Visitors Bureau for a national wire story on small town America. To support Hillsborough- based, News of Orange, the visitors bureau ran "50 Reasons to Love Orange County," advertisement in the newspaper, periodically in 2014. Hillsborough's story, which is a story of the south. Visitors Bureau sales staff works closely with A targeted advertising campaign was produced and placed in Virginia and Charlotte, reminding interstate travelers of Hillsborough's downtown and area hotels. Our State magazine, at the urging of the Visitors Bureau, produced a 30 page section on Hillsborough in its October 2014 edition. Hillsborough hotels to provide leads on group business. Hillsborough brochures are distributed at the Visitors Center to walk -in visitors. News of Hillsborough events are sent to the Chapel Hill Herald every Wednesday for inclusion in the The Visitors Bureau, at the Alliance for Historic Sunday edition. Hillsborough's request, ran an ad in the New York Times to augment a feature story on Hillsborough residents Steven Burke and Randy Campbell. Throughout summer 2014, the Visitors Bureau, at the request of Hillsborough Arts Council, ran an 8 -week advertising campaign in the INDY to remind Triangle residents of Last Fridays in Hillsborough. A planning session was held with leaders at Ayr Mount to discuss promotional activity surrounding their bicentennial in 2015. Moving forward, the Visitors Bureau is working with Eric Hallman on possible future promotions. Hillsborough Town Board Member Hallman is the tourism liaison in Hillsborough. 19 Attachment 5c Memorandum To: Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager From: Gayle Wilson, Solid Waste Management Director Subject: Solid Waste Department Updates Date: February 26, 2015 Update on Urban Curbside Recycling The urban curbside program contracted to Waste Industries serves over 18,200 residences within the corporate limits of Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough with weekly collection converted from using 18 gallon bins to 95 gallon roll carts in July 2014. Program tonnage has increased to 2,828 from 2,335 or about 21% in the first six months of cart usage compared to the same period using bins in 2013. Set out rates have declined somewhat as people have less need to set out the larger cart as often as the smaller capacity bins. Carts are equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that enables counting participation, maintaining inventory and tracking cart locations. County receives recyclables from the contractor and sells them to Sonoco in Raleigh NC. Update on Rural Curbside Recycline The rural curbside program is operated directly by Orange County employees and trucks serving over 14,200 residences or about two - thirds of residences outside of corporate limits of the three towns. Collection is every other week and approximately 60% of households were observed participating at least once a month in a survey conducted in early 2014. The program converted from 18 gallon bins to 95 gallon carts on a voluntary basis in January 2015. About 7,000 carts have been distributed and another 400 have been requested that will be distributed at the end of February or in early March. The remainder of eligible households will continue to use bins for service or carry recycling to a convenience center or drop -off site. Carts are equipped with RFID chips which are utilized for maintaining inventory and tracking cart locations. County receives recyclables and sells them combined with materials from other programs, predominantly to Sonoco in Raleigh NC Update on Performance of Modernized Walnut Grove Church Road Solid Waste Convenience Center Site During FY 2013 -14 the Solid Waste Convenience Center site at Walnut Grove Church Road was expanded, modernized, paved and new recycling options were added including food waste, plastic film, vegetable oil, textiles and shoes. A hazardous household waste (HHW) site was also added resulting in 43% increase in hazardous waste collection and 36% more users compared to the prior year with only the one Eubanks Road HHW site. Compactors replaced open top dumpsters for trash and most RA recyclable materials resulting in increased efficiency of collection with fewer trips to market for recycling and reduced trips to the transfer station. Update on Development of Improvements to Eubanks Road Convenience Center and Relocation of Eubanks Landfill Scales and Entranceway During the FY 13 -14 fiscal year, conceptual design began on the modernization of Eubanks Road Convenience Center as part of an overall plan to revise and consolidate all landfill operations to the north side of Eubanks Road and eliminate the need to weigh in on the south side of the road and cross to the north side to deliver waste or recyclables, etc. The modernization will include similar improvements as at the Walnut Grove site — paving, expanded materials, better circulation, compactors for waste and recyclables and two -level traffic to keep County hauling trucks away from residential users. Final project documents have been submitted to the Town of Chapel Hill (CH Planning Jurisdiction) for approval. Construction is projected to begin late in late spring of 2015 and to be completed by the end of 2015 or early 2016. An interim /temporary convenience center site will be developed and proposed to the BOCC for approval to serve Eubanks Road convenience center users during site construction. This interim center will offer reduced services. Update on expansion and outreach in Commercial recycling efforts Due to efficiency gains from use of larger compacting recycling trucks and some as -yet unrealized gains from conversion to single stream in FY 13 -14, the commercial program has been able to make some small expansions based primarily upon requests from businesses and organizations that wish to receive recycling collection by the County. About forty new stops have been added to the program during the past year. 21 Attachment 5d MEMORANDUM To: Hillsborough Board of Commissioners Orange County Board of Commissioners From: Margaret Hauth, Planning Director (Town of Hillsborough) David Stancil, Director, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation (Orange County) Date: February 26, 2015 Re: Recreation and Park Updates for Joint Board Meeting Please find below several updates on matters of mutual interest on recreation and parks topics, as requested. Riverwalk The town completed construction on Phases II and III of Riverwalk last year and formally celebrated the greenway's opening in October. One small greenway and sidewalk connection remains to be built to connect Gold Park to Occoneechee State Natural Area. This construction is funded through a CMAQ grant and is scheduled to be complete by the end of calendar year 2015. The town will then designate the entire route as a component of the Mountains to Sea Trail. No further construction or expansion is planned at this time. Skateboard Park The town has received requests from a group a residents for the construction of a skateboard park. Some funding for site selection and feasibility is proposed in the town's draft budget for FY16. One suggested site was Fairview Park, although this use was not identified in the neighborhood prioritization survey nor was it included in the Master Plan. The town would welcome Orange County's participation in the identification of a desirable site and development of a skateboard park in a location that is walkable to the interested population. Blackwood Farm Park County staff is preparing to open Blackwood Farm Park, a 152 -acre site located on NC 86 and New Hope Church Road between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill, on a limited basis this spring. The first phase of the park will include several miles of walking trails, a picnic shelter, open field for informal play, farmstead interpretive signage, fishing, and a small agricultural demonstration area. A future phase will include an amphitheater, scenic overlook and other amenities. 22 HYAA Baseball /Softball Fields Future development of the "Collins property" is likely to result in the loss of two -three baseball /softball fields used by the Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association. County and Town staff have been asked to look into possible options for additional land for ball fields, and have identified 1 -2 potential sites. Potential funding and partnership arrangements will need to be further explored.