HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-03-2015 - 6jORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 3, 2015
1
Consent Agenda
Item No. 6 -j
SUBJECT: Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard) Policies and Procedures
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Orange County Board of Health Request
2. Proposed Revision to OUTBoard Policies and
Procedures
3. Resolution Adopting Amended OUTBoard
Policies and Procedures
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Abigaile Pittman, 245 -2567
Tom Altieri, 245 -2575
Craig Benedict, 245 -2585
PURPOSE: To consider the attached resolution amending OUTBoard Policies and Procedures
to include Public Health as an additional area of expertise or interest for representation within
its membership composition.
BACKGROUND: Health Department staff contacted Planning staff and expressed interest in
public health representation on the OUTBoard. Subsequently, the Chair of the Orange County
Board of Health submitted a letter to the Chair of the OUTBoard with the request (Attachment
1). Public health representation on the OUTBoard could be a benefit to the Board in the
following ways:
1. Address improving the built environment for safe and accessible physical activity and
transportation, which is a key component of addressing obesity and its related health
effects;
2. Address transportation concerns, which are frequently cited by clients of the Health
Department is accessing its services, as well as services around the county;
3. Further the Board's capacity to examine transportation planning and funding decisions
with a public health perspective; and
4. Provide regular opportunities for continuous communication between public health,
planning and transportation, to enhance decision making, data sharing, and to conduct
mutually reinforcing activities.
Proposed Amendment of OUTBoard Policies and Procedures
In coordination with Health Department staff, Planning Department staff is recommending a
very minor change to OUTBoard Policies and Procedures. The proposed amendment to
Section III.B. of the Board's Policies and Procedures (Attachment 2) would add public health to
the list of areas of expertise or special interest, and would also provide that the six (6) at -large
members have expertise or specific interests in as many of the areas as possible. This
amendment would accommodate the Board of Health's request, and also further broaden
OUTBoard at -large membership opportunities. In coordination with the Clerk's Office, Planning
staff will monitor Board composition with regard to the areas of expertise or special interest.
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At its meeting on March 17, 2015 the BOCC will be considering OUTBoard appointments,
which among others will include a member of the Board of Health.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
resolution approving the proposed amendment to the OUTBoard Policies and Procedures.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the attached resolution approving the amendment to the OUTBoard specific
Policies and Procedures (Attachment 3).
Attachment 1 3
ORANGE COUNTY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Improving health. Inspiring change.
January 9, 2015
Mr. Paul Guthrie
Chair, Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard)
131 W. Margaret Lane
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Dear Mr. Guthrie,
Based on community feedback and local health data from the 2011 Orange County Community Health
Assessment, the Orange County Board of Health identified obesity as a top health concern in our 2012-
2014 and 2014 -2016 Strategic Plans. As I know you and the OUTBoard already recognize, a key
component of addressing obesity and its related health effects is to improve the built environment for
safe and accessible physical activity and transportation. In addition, transportation concerns are
frequently cited by clients of the Health Department in accessing our services, as well as services around
the county.
As a complement to the strong work that the OUTBoard is already doing to improve transportation and
the built environment, we believe including representation from public health on the OUTBoard will
further your capacity to examine transportation planning and funding decisions with a health lens.
Formally including a member of the Board of Health on the OUTBoard will provide regular opportunities
for continuous communication between public health, planning, and transportation to enhance decision
making, data sharing, and to conduct mutually reinforcing activities.
To this end, we are requesting that you include representation of public health through Board of Health
representation on the OUTBoard. We have identified a Board of Health member, Esther Earbin, as willing
and excited to serve in this capacity. We would also request that your Bylaws be amended to formally
recognize "public health" as an area of specialization (see Attachment A).
I look forward to this next step in working together to support Orange County residents. If you have any
questions, please let me know.
Sincerely,
4!M.A.- A &006
Susan Elmore, MS, DVM
Chair
Orange County Board of Health
919 245 2400 > 300 West Tryon Street ), Hillsborough, NC 27278 > orangecountync.gov
M
Attachment A
Suggested edit to the OUTBoard Bylaws for inclusion of public health, highlighted in red.
Bylaws Excerpt:
B. Composition
1. The OUT Board is composed of thirteen (13) voting members.
2. The OUT Board does not have alternate members.
3. Members shall represent demographic, geographic, cultural and professional
characteristics, as follows:
a. Seven members, one from each township.
b. Six at -large members, with expertise or specific interests in the following
areas:
• Public Health
• Bicycle transportation
• Pedestrian access and safety
• Public Transit
• Environmental issues
• Economic Development
• Planning
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02/10/2015 Attachment 2
Orange Unified Transportation (OUT) BOARD POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Amendment Notes:
Proposed additions /changes to existing text are depicted in red and underscored.
Some text on the following pages has a large "X" through it to denote that these
sections are not part of the amendments under consideration. Text with a large "X" is
not proposed for modification.
CTION I: SCOPE
Purpose
\an1. To establish a policy and procedures /mappoint he Or nge County
Commissioners will establiscifi policies and
s governing the Orange Unified a n (OUT) Board.
ge County Board of Commissioppoint an advisory
ose duty is to serve in an ad acity in regards to
and programming transportation ture improvements
County transportation planning , as determined by
of Commissioners.
B. Authority
1. North Carolin General Statute 3A -76 grants boards of county
commissioners th authority toe ablish advisory boards.
2. The Orange Count Advisory oard Policy serves as the underlying
policy document to w h th OUT Board, in addition to this policy and
procedure document, is ject. The Orange County Advisory Board
Policy is attached here t a "Exhibit A ".
3. In the event that t re is conflict between the Orange County
Advisory Board Po i y and this olicies and Procedures document this
Policies and Pro dures documen shall control.
C. Charge
1. The OUT Board is charged with \�n he Board of County
Commi loners on the planning and ing of transportation
infras ucture improvements and otheransportation planning
initi fives as directed by the Board.
2. F m time to time the OUT Board mate to provide input on
egulations on which the Planning Bprim statutory and
local ordinance advisory duties. In nces, e OUT Board
shall serve in an advisory capacity to tg Board.
SECTION II: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
A. Goals
02/10/2015 Attachment 2
The Transportation Element of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan includes the
County's goals for transportation planning and provides guidance for the OUT
hoard, Planning Board, Board of County Commissioners, and staff.
B. Obj tives
The O T Board shall:
1. I tify and provide prioritization recommendations on the Co ty's
roa ay, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian needs.
2. Assist i development and review of updates to the Tra portation
Element the Comprehensive Plan.
3. Provide re mmendations to the Board regarding Fe rat and State
legislation aff ting transportation in Orange County.
4. Provide recom ndations on innovative techniq s and methods to
improve the of . iency and capacity of xisting and future
transportation syste
5. Carry out special proje s as assigned by th Board of Commissioners.
6. Serve as an advisory bo to the Admi 'strative Staff of the Orange
Public Transit (OPT) Syste The role of assistance may include but
are not limited to being:
a. A forum to discuss relevai
b. An advocate in promoting
c. Sounding board on
monitoring;
�s related to public transportation;
r expanded transit services;
\ operations, goal setting and
d. As a guardian of assenger rights \Coun eneral public and
special targeted pulations; and
e. When directe by the BOCC, re NCDOT grants,
contracts, a studies that affect or future service
levels of p lic transportation in Ora
SECTION III: MEMBERSH
AImembers
Carolina General Statute 153A -76 grants boards o county sioners the authority to establish advisory boards a d to members to and remove members from those advisory boa s. g on this authority the Orange County Board of Commissione establishes certain general conditions to which applicants and
of advisory boards should conform.
B. Composition
1. The OUT Board is composed of thirteen (13) voting members.
2. The OUT Board does not have alternate members.
3. Members shall represent demographic, geographic, cultural and
professional characteristics, as follows:
a. Seven members, one from each township:
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02/10/2015 Attachment 2
b. Six at -large members, with expertise or specific interests in
many of the following areas as possible:
• Bicycle transportation
• Pedestrian access and safety
• Public Transit
• Environmental issues
• Economic Development
• Planning
• Public Health
SINTION IV.MEETINGS
Staffing
Orange County staff may serve a support function to the OUT oard
upon the approval of the Orange County Manager.
B. Agendas
1. Item or agendas shall be approved by the OUT Board hair and
Orange'G,ounty staff
C. Date, Time, and Loc on of Regular Mee/nt
1. Regular meeting of the OUT Be held as needed to
address items that r uire Board ant with its Charge and
Duties identified herein. M eetings e third Wednesday of
the month. The start time nd locaeting shall be included
on the agenda and shall typi ally at the Orange County
West Campus Office Building c
Hillsborough. The OUT Boar
have the authority to chan the
meeting to meet any spec I circum
included on the distribu d agenda.
SECTION V. ORIENTATION
ed at 131 West Margaret Lane,
ir, in consultation with staff, shall
%time and location of a regular
s, provided the information is
A. Attendance
1. Each mem r shall attend an orientation presente\advisory nning
and Insp tions department to familiarize the advisobers
with th operation of County government, the Plannintions
dep ment rules and the operating procedures of thard.
2. E h voting member will be encouraged to complete the orient "on
ithin six weeks of his or her appointment.
02/10/2015 Attachment 2
SECTION VAX-LAWS
A. By -Laws
1. Any Bylaws adopthfzj the OUT Boa re void and no further bylaws
shall be adopted. Proce be governed solely by this policy
document and the Gener dviso oard Policy Document.
2. Should the OUT oard determine m ations to policies and
procedures necessary, the OUT Board may ion the Board of
Cou ommissioners for such modifications.
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RES- 2015 -014 Attachment 3
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION ADOPTING AMENDED ORANGE UNIFIED TRANSPORTATION
BOARD (OUTBOARD) POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WHEREAS, on November 8, 2012 the Orange County Board of County Commissioners
approved a specific Policies and Procedures document for the OUTBoard, with the
intent to give guidance in the performance of its duties, establishing its membership,
charge and goals; and
WHEREAS, proposed amendments to the OUTBoard Policies and Procedures
document would incorporate public health as an expertise or area of special interest,
and further broaden at -large membership opportunities of the Board; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A -76 grants to boards of county
commissioners the broad authority to organize county government, including the
authority to "create, change, abolish, and consolidate offices, positions, departments,
boards, commissions, and agencies of the county government, may impose ex officio
the duties of more than one office on a single officer, may change the composition and
manner of selection of boards, commissions, and agencies, and may generally organize
and reorganize the county government.... ";
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners, pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 153A -22, adopts the
amendment to Section III.B. of the Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard)
Policies and Procedures; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, in determining whether there is a conflict between or
among a governing ordinance and the terms of the amended Orange Unified
Transportation Board (OUTBoard) Policies and Procedures document, staff may consult
with the County attorney, who shall take into consideration the intent of the Board of
County Commissioners, in assisting staff to resolve the conflict.
Adopted this 3rd day of March, 2015. Attest:
Earl McKee, Chair
Orange County Board of County Commissioners Clerk to the Board of County
Commissioners