HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-19-2015 - 6a
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ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date:May 19, 2015
Action Agenda
Item No.6-a
SUBJECT:
MINUTES
DEPARTMENT:PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N)No
ATTACHMENT(S):INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donna Baker, 245-2130
Draft Minutes
PURPOSE:
To correct and/or approve the minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board as
listed below:
April 7, 2015BOCC Regular Meeting
April 9, 2015BOCC Work Session
BACKGROUND:
In accordance with 153A-42 of the General Statutes, the Governing Board
has the legal duty to approve all minutes that are entered into the official journal of the Board’s
proceedings.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: NONE
RECOMMENDATION(S):
The Manager recommends the Board approve minutes as presented
or as amended.
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Attachment 1
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DRAFTMINUTES
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BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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REGULAR MEETING
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April 7, 2015
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7:00 p.m.
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The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April
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7, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Building in Hillsborough, N.C.
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COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
: Chair McKee and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
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Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Bernadette Pelissier, Renee Price and Penny Rich
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COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
:
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COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT
: John Roberts
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COUNTY STAFF PRESENT
: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Assistant County Manager
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Cheryl Young and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified
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appropriately below)
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.
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1.Additions or Changes to the Agenda
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Chair McKee called the meeting to order at 7:03p.m.He offered congratulations to the
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NCAA Men’s basketball champions, the Duke University Blue Devils.
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He noted the following items at the Commissioners’ places:
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-PowerPoint slides for item 5-a-Proposed Efland Zoning Overlay Districts (Comprehensive
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Plan, Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and Zoning Atlas Amendments)
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PUBLICCHARGE
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Chair McKee dispensed with the reading of the Public Charge.
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2.Public Comments
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a.Matters not on the Printed Agenda
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Roger Leguillow spoke on behalf of food truckand trailer operations in Orange County.
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He said he and his wife are licensed and inspectedwith the Orange County Health Department.
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He said that they operate out of the commissary provided in Orange County, the Piedmont
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Food and Agriculture Program. Heand his wife would like to provide services in the complex
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across from the Home Depoton Highway 86in Hillsborough.He said he was surprised to learn
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that food trucks are not allowed in Orange County. He said he understood the potential traffic
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hazard of food trucks operating on the streets. He did write a letter for modifications to the
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policy for the operation of food trucks in commercial areas. He said operating in commercial
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areas would allow for more control, space for parking, and the ability to be a part of an already
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existing retail landscape. He said food trucks are a popular commodity,and he is grateful for
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the Board’s consideration of his request.
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Chair McKee said the issue will be taken through normal petition procedures ofthe
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Board to determine a possible revision and to determine the geographic jurisdiction under which
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the question falls.
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Commissioner Rich said the Chapel Hill Town Council went through this same situation
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when she was a Council member. She said they worked for about 18 months to address the
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issue toallow food trucks to operate. She said they need to try to achieve the same outcome in
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Orange County.
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b.Matters on the Printed Agenda
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(These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda
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below.)
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3.Announcements and Petitions by Board Members
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Commissioner Jacobs announced he and Commissioner Price will be having a meeting
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on April 13with a group that is planning a possible veteran’s memorial in Orange County. He
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said the group will visit a possible site at the SouthernHuman ServicesCenter.He said in
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preparation for this meeting,both he and Commissioner Price have met independently with
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Roger Waldon regarding this possible location.
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Commissioner Jacobs saidhe had two petitions.The first petitionreferenced a 1980’s
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study conducted by the then Institute of Government.He said the study showed what each
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taxpayer in Orange County received for eachtaxdollarthat was paid, and the conclusion
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showed each tax payer received more than $1 of services per tax dollar paid. He suggested for
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theBoard of County Commissioners (BOCC) commission a study with the School of
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Government (SOG)to look at all of the servicesprovided by Orange County. He further
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suggested that this study not only look at the spending of County tax dollars but also to
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coordinate the study withthe Towns as they are interested in the informational outcome as well.
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He said perhapsthe Towns could also contribute toward this study.He said such a study was
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long overdue and would not be a large undertaking to complete.
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Commissioner Jacobs saidhis second petitionsuggested looking at the Unified
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Development Ordinance (UDO)to determinewhere to place restrictions on airports in Orange
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County.He referenced past tension regarding the building of an airport in rural Orange County.
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He said this may now be a good time to revisit how to restrict the location of airports.
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Commissioner Dorosin petitioned the Board to look at the social justice fund and to
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consider a small grant from this fund to the RogersEubanks Neighborhood Association(RENA)
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for the operation of the Community Center. He said the Community Center has become so
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successful that the volunteers are unable to keep up with the demands of the community.He
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said he hadvisited it recently and there is tremendous community pressure to keepthe center
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open longer hours. He said the building is such a core of the community, ranging from
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afterschool care to adults, and a food bank. He said Orange County paid for the construction of
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the Community Center and its utilitiesbut did not provide any operational funding.He applauds
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RENA for taking on the operation of the center but acknowledgesthat it is stretched thin,and a
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small grant could make a great difference with staffing needs.
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Commissioner Rich asked if RENA applied for an outside agency grant.
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Bonnie Hammersley said she does not know at this point.
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Commissioner Rich stressed the importance of making sure RENA knows they are able
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to apply for this grant every year.
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Commissioner Dorosin said he wassure they would apply for thegrant but hewas
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thinking of making resources available to RENA before the end of the budget year.
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Commissioner Pelissier asked the County Manager to approach Cardinal Innovations
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during the budget year to learn andreportback to the BOCChow they use the $1.3 millionthat
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Orange County gives them each year. She said she understands its use to be discretionary.
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She referenced recent discussions with various stakeholders citing the need for increased
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mental health services, pre and post jail services for families, as well as issues with access to
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treatment for undocumented immigrant children. She stated that knowing the current spending
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practices would be helpful if priorities needed to be adjusted and funds reallocated in the future.
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Commissioner Burroughs said she had no petitions.
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Commissioner Rich said in 2014 the Arts Commission came to the Visitor’s Bureau to
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secure funding for a sculpture. She said the Boardreportedlyapproved the sculpture in 2009
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and it was intended to go in front of the Orange County library. She said that particular
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sculpture has grown in scope and was not placedin front of the library. She said the Board of
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the Visitor’s Bureau agreed to fund half of the original price, which was around $8000. She said
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theBOCCdoes not currently have a policy for funding art and placement in Orange County.
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She said that the Visitor’s Bureau asked her to petition the BOCC to set up a committee to
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address the issue. She said the committee would contain a County Commissioner, likely
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herself,but it does not have to be, LauriePaolicelli, the Director of the Visitor’s Bureau, Steve
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Brantley and an additionalmember from both the Visitor’s Bureau and the Arts Commission.
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Commissioner Rich said she petitioned at the last Assembly of Governments(AOG)
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meeting regarding thepossibility of moving the Visitor’s Bureau into the Inter-Faith Council
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(IFC)shelter once it is vacated by its current tenants. She said it was suggested that Jaime
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Rohe come and speak on how Orange County can appropriately address homelessness. She
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said that she would like to forward the discussion on this issue in order to be adequately
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prepared within anticipated time frames.
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CommissionerPelissier referenced current best practices to serve the homeless
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population and how they are different from what is currently done in the area. She saidat the
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last meeting of the Partnership to End Homelessness they voted to amend their process of
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addressing this issue. She suggested adding the topic to a future work session including a full
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presentation so that the BOCC can be better informed.
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Commissioner Jacobs responded to Commissioner Rich’s first petition. He said after
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the 2001 Bond,the Board of County Commissioners did discuss a policy of allocating a penny
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of every dollar spent on new buildingstowards art. He said the matter was not agreed upon.
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He said art has been installed but thereis no policy. He emphasized the importance of art and
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having a financial commitment to it.
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Commissioner Price said she is pleased with the reception from Chapel Hill regarding
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Orange County’s involvement in the veteran’s memorial.
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Commissioner Price saidshe would like an update regarding the policy of naming
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buildings and spaces after individuals. She referenced the community request to rename the
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Central Orange Senior Center, or a space there within, to honor past Department on Aging
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Director Jerry Passmore.
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Commissioner Price petitioned the Board of County Commissioners to endorse My
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Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge,thus making it a County initiative and allowing an
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account to be established to accept contributions from the community in support of My Brother’s
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Keeper events. She referenced support from other local governmentsand asked the BOCC to
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endorse it so that forward progress can be made regarding upcoming youth events.
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Chair McKee said all petitions would be referred through the standard procedures. He
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said that they would try to address Commissioner Price’spetitionregarding My Brother’s
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Keeper as quickly as possible.
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Commissioner Price suggested the possibility of avote on the petition at an upcoming
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work session.
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Chair McKee said it was standard procedure not to vote at work sessions. He said he
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was confident that established procedures could be followed and the matter may still be voted
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on in a timely fashion.
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Commissioner Jacobs said he would be comfortable adding thisto the work session on
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April 9.He said this has been done in the past when waiting two weeks for a regular meeting
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was undesirable.
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Chair McKee said he would prefer to stay within their currentpolicy.
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Commissioner Rich asked what decision is needed in order to endorse My Brother’s
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Keeper Community Challenge.
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ChairMcKee said that is what would need to be discussed.
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Commissioner Price said when she first brought up the issuein January,she thought
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the Board of County Commissioners’support of the issue was synonymous with endorsement.
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She said she now understands that to be incorrect. She said she understands that if it
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becomes a County initiative then she canmove forward to promote the event and get outside
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funding. She said she is not asking for staff assistance outside of a press release.
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Chair McKee said he would have aresponseon Thursday.
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Commissioner Dorosin cautioned following procedure at the expense of the overall goal.
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He said the BOCC has already voted in favor of the project philosophically and that the project
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is not asking for any funding; therefore it seems unnecessary to wait two weeks to allow this
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project to move forward.
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John Roberts said there is not a problem voting at work sessions other than it goes
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against the Board’s policy.He said this could berectified by making a motion to set the policy
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aside and proceeding with the item at hand.
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4.Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
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a.)Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board Update Presentation
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The Board receiveda brief presentation from Tony DuBois, General Manager of the
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Orange County Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board and Lisa Stuckey, Chair of the ABC
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Board.
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ABC Board Chair Lisa Stuckey thanked the BOCC for allowing herto come and share
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the ABC annual report.
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Tony Duboissaid the Orange County ABC Board is a politicalsubdivision of the State of
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North Carolina. He saidthere is a Board of Directors appointed by the County Commissioners.
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He said that several Commissioners have served as the ABC Board liaison, with Mia Burroughs
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currently serving in that position. He said it is very helpful to have a Commissioner involved as it
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provides insight and guidance and leads to a strong relationship between the ABC Board and
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the County. He said there is another Board appointment at the end of June.
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Tony Dubois expressed thanks to the BOCC for their sincere support of the ABC
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mission: to provideforthe County responsibly by controlling the sale of spirituous liquor,
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returning profits to law enforcement, alcohol education and the County fund while providing
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excellent service in customer friendly, modern and efficient stores. He said all members of the
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ABC Board go through ethics and responsibility training, as required by the state. He said
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ethical standards are taken very seriously. He said the new office and warehouse havebeen
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occupied for the past eighteen months,and the old offices were sold with relative ease which
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was most helpful. He said the old offices had been in use since 1959 and that the new facility is
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working very well. He said that a new ABC store locationis under construction in Chapel Hill,
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and islikely to open in July2015. He saidthis project has been delayed due to poor weather
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and unexpected rock in the soil discovered upon digging.
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Tony Duboisindicated that the Commissioners were in possessionof the annual report
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from the State ABC Commission. He said it shows that Orange County consistently ranks in
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the top ten in revenue within the state. He said the State saw a 4.8 percent rise in revenue while
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Orange County saw a 5.4 percent during the same period. He said the State also saw a 4.1
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percent rise in profitability while Orange County had a 9.1 percent rise.He said this is mostly
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due to the new larger warehouse. He said larger quantities of items can be purchasedwhen on
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sale and stored at the warehouse. He said there has been great focus on maintaining balance
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between control, revenue and service. He said that there are strong partnerships between the
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ABC Board, the police departments and community organizations emphasizing responsible
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service to the community. He said a letter was attached to the annual report that reconfirmed
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commitment to the current financial obligations within the County.He read those obligations:
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Alcohol Law Enforcement Amount
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UNC Police Department $ 2,000
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Hillsborough Police Department $ 6,000
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Carrboro Police Department $ 16,000
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Chapel Hill Police Department $ 20,000
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Orange County Sheriff’s Department $ 86,000
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Total Alcohol Law Enforcement$130,000
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Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Grants
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Orange County EMS $ 750
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Lutheran Services $ 3,000
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Mental Health Orange Co Teen Partnership $ 5,000
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El Centro Hispano $ 10,000
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Carpe Diem $ 12,000
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Orange County Drug Court $ 20,000
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El Futuro $ 22,000
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Orange CountySchools $ 38,500
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Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools$ 45,300
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Total AlcoholEducation and Rehabilitation $156,550
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Tony Dubois indicated that all the amounts are at least double the amount of the
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statutory requirementswithin the State of North Carolina.He indicated that expenses have
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been higher this year due to the building of a new store,in addition to the extra monies that are
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given to law enforcement and the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Grants.He said despite
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these higher expenses, the amount given to the County’s General Fund remains strong and is
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also higher than the state’s statutory requirement.He said future improvements should
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continue to provide funds for the County, local law enforcement and local non-profit
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organizations for years to come. He said an important Board goal this year is the living wage.
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He said it will be included in the wage structure and pay scale.
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Chair McKee said not only doesthe ABC Board’s financial contributions go above state
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requirements but that they continue to increase from year to year.
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Commissioner Rich asked if the living wage was going to be adopted across the state or
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only in certain counties.
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Tony Dubois said the living wage was just adopted as a goal,and specifics are yet to be
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determined.
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Commissioner Rich said she is thrilled to see it being adopted here,andshe
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encouraged theOrange County ABC Board to sharetheir living wage initiative with other ABC
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Boardsthroughout the state.
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Commissioner Dorosin said when heserved as liaison to the ABC Board that he raised
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a question about the $400,000 that has beenreturnedto the general fund for the past several
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years. He said it seemed unclear how this number was chosen.He said he recalled that there
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was no known formula for this amount.He said that theBoard of County Commissioners
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should make a determination as to whether theywant to use a formula; and in addition,that the
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amount contributedback to the county should be increased due to the increase in revenue. He
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said the Statedoes restrict how much money the ABC Board is allowed to keep and any
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remainingfunds must go back to the County or to grant programs. He suggested that they
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request that the revenue fund be increased this year and that theyfindsome type of formula to
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determine the contribution.
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Lisa Stuckey said the ABC Board has the goal this year of determining whether a
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formula to determine contribution can be created. She also indicated that the living wage would
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have a large impact on their budget as it will pushup from the bottom through the various tiers
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of pay that all their employees receive. She said in turn that could then affect the funding
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available to give back to the County. She said as these issues are discussed in the next four to
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six months,therewill be more information available to bring back to the BOCC.
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Commissioner Burroughs said the living wage is the higher priority for them now.
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Lisa Stuckey confirmed that focusing first on the living wage seemed to be the
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appropriate way to proceed.
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Chair McKee said he understood Commissioner Dorosin’s comments asrequesting the
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opening of a dialogue.
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Commissioner Dorosin said hisintent is a dialogue but also to push thingsforward a bit
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more quickly.He stated appreciation for the living wage and acknowledged that should its
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implementation lead to less funds coming back to the County,he would accept that.He said he
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does not want to spend a year working on a formula but would rather act more expeditiously.
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He said he felt four to six months was a reasonable window. He expressed appreciation that
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the ABC Board had made this a priority within its own goals.
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Commissioner Jacobs said he had not served on the ABC Board yet and asked how it is
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determined whichcommunity non-profits are funded. He also asked if there is any way to
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coordinate that with the entities that apply to the County for non-profit funding.
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Lisa Stuckey said there isan open process for grant applications. It is advertised to the
st
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public with grant applications being received by March 1.She said applications are evaluated
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thereafter and the allocations are made during the budget cycle. She indicated this process is
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not coordinated with any County or City funding.
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Commissioner Jacobs said this information about the ABC Board grants could be added to
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the County Outside Agency funding applications,as many people are unaware that they exist.
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Lisa Stuckey said further promotion of their grants was welcomed.
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a.Sexual Assault Awareness Month
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The Board consideredapproving a proclamation recognizing April 2015as Sexual Assault
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Awareness Month in Orange County and authorizingthe Chair to sign.
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Hathaway Pendergrass, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Orange County
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Rape Crisis Center, read the following proclamation:
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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Proclamation
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“Sexual Assault Awareness Month”
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WHEREAS, the Orange County Rape Crisis Center assisted over 600survivors of sexual
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violence, their loved ones, and community professionals during 2014; and
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WHEREAS, the Orange County Rape Crisis Center works with the County’s two school
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systems and other groups to provide students with age-appropriate information about violence
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prevention, reaching over 14,800 youth and adults each year; and
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WHEREAS, the coordination of the Orange County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is
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bringing together members of law enforcement, the medical community, the legal system, and
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other community advocates to improve services for survivors of sexual assault who come
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forward; and
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WHEREAS, 1 in 5 American women have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives
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(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010); and
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WHEREAS, in the United States rape is the most costly crime to its survivors, totaling $127
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billion a year considering factors such as medical cost, lost earnings, pain, suffering, and lost
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quality of life(U.S. Department of Justice, 1996); and
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WHEREAS, in the United States 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of
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sexual or physical violence committedby an intimate partner (Centers for Disease Control and
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Prevention, 2010); and
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WHEREAS, there are more than 15,000 sex offenders registered as living in North Carolina
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(Department of Justice, 2014); and
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WHEREAS, victim-blaming continues to be an enormous problem in instances of rape and
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sexual assault; and
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WHEREAS, the Orange County Rape Crisis Center, a non-profit agency that has served this
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community since 1974, is working to stop sexual violence and its impact through support,
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education, and advocacy;
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners,
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do hereby proclaim the month of April 2015as “SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH”
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and encourage all residents to speak out against sexual violence and to support their local
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community’s efforts to prevent and respond to these appalling crimes.
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TH
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This,the 7day of April 2015.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs,seconded by Commissioner Price for the
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Board to approve the proclamation designating April as “Sexual AssaultAwareness Month” in
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Orange County andtoauthorize the Chair to sign.
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VOTE: UNANIMOUS
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b.Fair Housing Month
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The Board consideredapprovinga proclamation designating April2015 as Fair Housing
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Monthin Orange County and authorizingthe Chair to signthe proclamation.
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Doris Brunson, Human Relations Commission Chair, read the following proclamation:
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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PROCLAMATION
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FAIR HOUSING MONTH
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th
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WHEREAS,April 2015 marks the 47anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the
nd
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32anniversary of the North Carolina Fair Housing Act prohibiting discrimination in housing on
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the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, handicap and familial status; and
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WHEREAS,the Orange County Board of Commissioners enacted the Orange County Civil
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Rights Ordinance on June 6, 1994, which affords to the residents of Orange County the
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protections guaranteed by Title VIII and additionally encompasses the protected classes of
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veteran status and age; and
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WHEREAS,Orange County and the United States Department of Housing and Urban
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Development as well as concerned residents and the housing industry are working to make fair
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housing opportunities possible for everyone by encouraging others to abide by the letter and
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the spirit of fair housing laws; and
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WHEREAS,despite of the protection afforded by the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance
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and Title VIII as amended, illegal housing discrimination still occurs in our nation and in our
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County; and
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WHEREAS,by supporting and promoting fair housing and equal opportunity, we are
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contributing to the health of our County, State and Nation.
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NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County North
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Carolina, do proclaim April 2015 as FAIR HOUSING MONTH and commend this observance to
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all Orange County residents.
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This,the 7day of April 2015.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Price,seconded by Commissioner Pelissier for
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the Board toapprove the proclamationand authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
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VOTE: UNANIMOUS
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Commissioner Price said she is very pleased to see the progress made by the Human
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Relations Commission over the years.
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c.Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
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The Board consideredapproving a proclamation recognizing the week of April 12 through
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18, 2015 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Orange County and authorizingthe
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Chair to sign.
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Dinah Jeffries read the proclamation:
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
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PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK
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April 12-18, 2015
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A PROCLAMATION
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WHEREAS,The Orange County 9-1-1 Center serves the residents, workers and visitors in
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Orange County by answering emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical
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services, and other requests for service and efficiently dispatch the most appropriate assistance
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for those calls; and
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WHEREAS,Our Telecommunicators are the “first” first responders that provide assistance to
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those residents, workers and visitors; and
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WHEREAS, The critical functions performed by our professional Telecommunicators support
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many aspects of government services, including: Town Public Works, Public Transit, Protective
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Services, Animal Services, and other operations; and
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WHEREAS, Our professional Telecommunicators continuously work to improve Orange
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County’s emergency response capabilities through their leadership and participation in training
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programs provided by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and
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the National Emergency Number Association (NENA); and
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WHEREAS,Our professional Telecommunicators serve the public and emergency
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responders in countless ways, often without due recognition by the beneficiaries of their
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services;
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NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, do hereby
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proclaim the week of April 12-18, 2015 as "Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" in Orange
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County, North Carolina in honor and recognition of our Telecommunicators and the vital
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contributions they make to the safety and well-being of our residents, workers, visitors, and
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public safety partners.
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This, the7th day of April 2015.
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Chair McKee acknowledged theinvaluable work of the Public Safety telecommunicators.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Price,seconded by Commissioner Rich forthe
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Board to adopt the Proclamationand authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
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VOTE: UNANIMOUS
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d.Update Report: 2017 Countywide Revaluation of Real Property
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The Board considered discussing the project plan, current market trends and statistics,
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current economic indicators, and potential impacts as they relate to the 2017 countywide
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revaluation.
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Dwane Brinson, Orange County Tax Administrator, gave the Board an update on the
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2017 countywide revaluation of real property. North Carolina state law, G.S. 105-286(a),
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mandates that counties conduct a countywide revaluation at least once every eight years.
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Orange County last conducted a countywide revaluation effective for January 1, 2009 and
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current tax assessments reflect market value as of that appraisal date. Therefore, Orange
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County is required to complete its next revaluation no later than January 1, 2017. This
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memorandum is an effort to explain current market conditions and provide an update of the
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2017 countywide revaluation.
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The Orange County Tax Administrator’s Office conducted property tax revaluations in
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2005 and 2009.Current tax assessments still reflect market value as of January 1, 2009. With
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a four-year revaluation cycle, the next revaluation would have occurred in 2013. However, at its
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May 15, 2012 regular meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)received a
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presentation from the Tax Administrator recommending postponing the 2013 revaluation to
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2015. The BOCC subsequently approved a resolution (Attachment 2) to accept this
9
recommendation and delay the revaluation to 2015. Similarly, at its May 7, 2013 regular
10
meeting, the BOCC received a presentation from the Tax Administrator recommending further
11
postponing the next countywide revaluation until 2017. The BOCC approved a resolution to
12
delay the revaluation to 2017 (Attachment 3).
13
Dwane Brinson referred to his memo in the agenda abstract and reviewed information
14
on the sales analysis and the revaluation process. He said it is planned for all Orange County
15
properties to be evaluated between April 2014 and January 2016. He said thatthis goal may be
16
unmet,but thus far they have been fortunate to find many property owners at home when the
17
evaluations have been conducted,allowingfordiscussion about the property.He said that
18
when each property is visited, an orange postcard isleft for the property owner to completeand
19
mail back in hard copy or complete electronically. He said this postcard solicits information
20
about the home: number of bedrooms, number of baths, square footage, etc. He said property
21
owners have been sending these postcards in to the office,and it allows for current County
22
records to be double checked for accuracy. He said in January 2016 each real property owner
23
in the County will receive the annual listing form as they do every year. He said in addition to
24
that form there willalso be a summary description of the property based on County records. He
25
said this separate insert is an additional attempt to communicate with property owners, solicit
26
feedback or corrections and insure accuracy in the records.
27
He said between January and June 2016, the revaluation process continues with field
28
reviews of the sales used in the models, reviewing grades and depreciations and then the
29
schedule of values process. He said the public hearing in the adoption of the Schedule of
30
Values which was scheduled for July/August 2016, will need to be delayed to begin in
31
September and October2016. He said it is expected that in January 2017, new value change
32
notices will be sent to all property owners in Orange County. He said that January through
33
March of 2017 will allow for informal appeals, followed by the Board of Equalization and Review
34
hearings in April through June 2017.
35
Dwane Brinson reviewed the collaboration process with the community as they move
36
through the revaluation process. He stressed the value of involving the community. He said
37
the methods to involve the community include:
38
39
1.Presentations to Chambers of Commerce, Friends of Downtown Chapel Hill, BOCC,
40
etc.
41
2.Press releases through Orange County Public Affairs
42
3.Sales bank will be posted on the tax office website
43
4.Summary descriptions will be mailed with 2016 tax listing forms
44
5.Revaluation education videos on YouTube
45
6.Frequently asked questions brochure
46
47
He also indicated that they will give clear instruction on how to file an appeal should a property
48
owner need to do so.
49
50
He also reviewed their revaluation goals, listed below:
11
1
2
1. Update 2009 real property tax assessments to reflect market value as of January 1, 2017
3
a. Ensure accuracy of records through field visits, questionnaires, etc.
4
b. Build community support through collaboration and education
5
2. Capture building use data, i.e. commercial, residential, industrial and their subcategories
6
a. Will allow tax office to better assist Economic Development and Chambers of
7
Commerce with studies and analyses
8
3. Review exempt properties in Orange County
9
a. Currently approximately $7 billionof exempt property in Orange County
10
b. Important for Asset Management Services, Risk Management and the State’s
11
annually-required AV-50 report
12
13
Dwane Brinson said when errors are found in the field,they are corrected in the current
14
year,rather than waiting until 2017.
15
Commissioner Pelissier asked the procedure for notifying property owners when an
16
error is found.
17
Dwane Brinson said many errors are being uncovered when the property owner returns
18
the postcard.Additionally,some residents themselves report an error during a field visit to the
19
property.
20
Commissioner Rich asked about the Pictometry Sketch Check.
21
Dwane Brinson said this is newtechnologyabout which he has only seen a
22
presentation. He said it takes the Orange County assessment data and overlays it with the
23
current aerial photos.He said when the assessment data and the aerial photos do not match
24
up,a red outline will appear indicating the discrepancy.He reported that it will not be used for
25
thisrevaluation.He added it is a great resource to allow for a more strategic approach to the
26
revaluation process.
27
Commissioner Dorosin said this revaluation is a critical test on how effectively residents
28
are communicated with regardingthis process. He said the additional information included in
29
the 2016 annual listing mailingshould be clearly indicated on the outside of the envelope or in
30
some other obvious way that conveysthat this tax bill is different. He said this will help prompt
31
people to look at themailing more thoroughly.He encouraged a grassroots effort to get the
32
information out to residents directly at public venues such as community events, churches, arts
33
and cultural gatherings,as opposed to just venues like the Chamber of Commerce.
34
Commissioner Dorosin askedif additional staffing hadbeen approved for this process.
35
Dwane Brinson said yes. He said the BOCCfunded two additionalappraisers in 2013
36
and-these staff had been hired and are working currently.
37
Commissioner Dorosin asked for clarification regarding the sales bank.
38
Dwane Brinsonindicated the sales bank is not new. He said t sales have been posted
39
annually to the website in previous years.He said during revaluationany sales used to develop
40
models will be posted. He added this could include sales over 18to 24months. He said the
41
sales bank will include a great deal of information that property owners can use to look at their
42
own property as well as others withintheir neighborhoods for comparison. He said the goal is
43
transparency and helping the public to be as informed as possible to avoid error. He stated he
44
hadspoken at churches in the past in other locations and found it to be very helpful.
45
Commissioner Price asked how the revaluation will affect those who qualify for the
46
Homestead Exemption tax.
47
Dwane Brinson said there is no reapplication for the Homestead Exemption tax.
48
49
5. Public Hearings
50
12
1
a.Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance(UDO)Text
2
Amendments and Zoning Atlas Amendments to Establish Two New Zoning
3
Overlay Districts in the Efland Area (No Additional Comments Accepted)
4
The Board receivedthe Planning Board recommendation, closedthe public hearing, and
5
considereda decision on Planning Director initiated amendments to the Comprehensive Plan,
6
Unified Development Ordinance, and Zoning Atlas to establish two new zoning overlay districts
7
in the Efland area.
8
The primary purpose of the overlay districts is to provide for a more villageand urban
9
style of development in an area of the county served, or intended to be served, by public water
10
and sewer systems.
11
Chair McKee said two people signed up to speak about this item. He asked John
12
Roberts for clarification as the abstract indicatedfurther comment was not to be accepted.
13
John Roberts said the UDO is written so that no more oral comments are allowed at this
14
stage of the public hearing. He added that the ordinance language indicates that the only
15
reason for the public hearing process is to receive thePlanning Board comments and any
16
written commentssubmitted to the Planning Board.He clarified acceptance of an individual’s
17
comments at this portion of the hearing could lead to the overturning of the entire process.
18
Chair McKee indicated due to these regulations,the two citizens signed up to speak
19
would not be allowed to do so.He indicated the presentation would be made by Perdita Holtz.
20
Perdita Holtzreviewed the following PowerPoint presentation:
21
22
Proposed Efland Zoning Overlay Districts
23
(Comprehensive Plan, UDO, and Zoning Atlas Amendments)
24
25
Zoning Atlas Amendment
26
Map of proposed Zoning Overlay Districts
27
28
Recent History
29
Heard at February 2014 quarterly public hearing
30
Public information meeting held April 7, 2014
31
32
Group of residents contacted staff after meeting and asked to meet to discuss the
33
proposed standards for overlay districts
34
-Staff metwith residents eighttimes from August 2014 through January 2015
35
-Group suggested changes to proposed standards
36
Public information meeting held February 23, 2015
37
38
Resident Group Suggestions
39
Suggestions (attachment 6) can be categorized into three broad categories:
40
-Allow more flexibility in enforcing the standard
41
-Clarify the intent of the standard by modifying the language
42
-Remove some standards
43
Modification to the adopted Access Management Plan
44
-Will be scheduled later this year
45
13
1
Efland-Mebane Small Area PlanImplementation Focus Group and Planning Board
2
Review
3
February 2, 2015 –Implementation Focus Group voted unanimously to recommend
4
approval of the proposed amendments
5
March 4, 2015 –Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the
6
proposed amendments
7
8
Attorney’s Office Direction
9
Received direction in late March to modify some proposed language.
10
Color coded in orange text in the amendment package (Attachment 3)
11
-Does not substantially change the amendments
12
13
Recommendation for Tonight
14
Receive the Planning Board’s recommendation
15
Close the public hearing
16
Deliberate as desired
17
Decide accordingly
18
-Adopt the Statement of Consistencyin Attachment 2
19
-Adopt Ordinance in Attachment 3
20
21
Commissioner Jacobs asked if the intention was to make the language more clear.
22
Perdita Holtz said the feedback received from some of the resident groups
23
recommended clarified language.
24
Commissioner Jacob asked if the language is thought to be clearer than it was or if it
25
was the group’s attempt to make it clearer.
26
Perdita Holtz said she is confident the language can be interpreted in the way it was
27
intended.
28
Commissioner Jacobs asked if the intention will be that of the resident’s group or that of
29
the original committee that met for several yearsto create the original language.
30
Perdita Holtz said some of the Small Area Plan recommendationsare not part of the
31
proposal as they were recommended for exclusion by the group of residents.
32
Commissioner Jacobs clarified he was not discussing the recommendations but rather
33
clarity of language. He said some of the changes in languagemake the document very difficult
34
to read. He gave the example of 6.6.3 c 1 as onethat is very difficult to understand.
35
Perdita Holtz said it was clear to her.
36
Commissioner Price asked for clarification of item e.4 of page 34 regarding a “digital
37
sign not being permitted except as an incidental addition to a permitted sign”.
38
Perdita Holtz said a primary sign cannot be a digital one in the Efland Overlay District.
39
Commissioner Price clarified that a digital sign is permitted as long as it is not a primary
40
one. She asked who determines the classification of a sign.
41
Perdita Holtz saidsuch details are determined during the sign permitting processby
42
staff.
14
1
Commissioner Price said the reason behind the restrictions seemed important to
2
mention. She said if the restrictions are for safety then it should be stated as such followed by
3
a description of the permitted use of digital signs.
4
Perdita Holtz saidthe restrictions were not only for safety reasons but also for
5
community character.
6
Commissioner Dorosin asked about the intention of attachment 6, the Resident Group
7
Input. He asked if it was to simply show where the community agreed or disagreed or rather
8
changes that were made based on the community input.
9
Perdita Holtz said any changes made as a result of the Resident Group Input were
10
indicated in the right hand column of the chart.
11
Commissioner Dorosin said the adopted changes are in the right hand column.
12
Perdita Holtz said the changes in the right hand column are included in attachment 3,
13
recommended for adoption consideration.
14
15
A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier,seconded by Commissioner Rich to
16
closethe public hearing.
17
18
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
19
20
Commissioner Rich askedCommissioner Jacobsto clarify his concerns about the
21
language from the first group being changed by the second group.
22
Commissioner Jacobs said most of the changes proposedseemed acceptable. He said
23
he had concern when the changed language doesnotaffect current residents but rather shows
24
support ofchain franchises orby allowing developersto back away from requirementssuch as
25
providing sidewalks. He stated respect for those who worked on the language but fears that
26
softening the language from “shall” to “may” allows for requirements to be backed away from.
27
He said restricting what is permissible by a franchise store is acceptable in order to maintain the
28
type of environment that a community desires. He said the current conditions for children
29
walking to school are subpar. He said expecting any new business to address that within their
30
property is a reasonable expectation.
31
Commissioner Rich said the question of sidewalks is very important to allow people and
32
children to walk. She said as new pockets of development appear sidewalks are vital to allow
33
for connection and walkability. She agreed that the language should be stronger than “may”.
34
Commissioner Jacobs referenced the Ashwickdevelopment in Efland.He said
35
sidewalks or trails were required to be added within the development. He said the trails were
36
not paved but allowed for people to walk without walking on the road itself.
37
Commissioner Pelissier said she recalled a discussion about sidewalk maintenance and
38
its funding. She recalled that it was determined that theCounty did not want to be responsible
39
for such maintenance. She said pockets of development cannot be connected unless all the
40
other property owners are required to install sidewalks. She recalled the issue of who would
41
pay for such sidewalks being a point of impasse in previous discussion.
42
Chair McKee said no part of the UDOis set in stone,andit can be continually fine-tuned
43
as they go forward.He said he is opposed to sidewalks being required that do not
44
interconnect.He reiterated Commissioner Pelissier’s question of who would pay for the
45
sidewalks and said he is not interested in Orange County doing so.
46
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs,seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to
47
amend the Corporate Franchise Architecture standardsin section 6.6.4.f .1 to restore the
15
1
original language(currently crossed out on the bottom of page 34)and delete the new
2
language line (topof page 35).
3
4
VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays 1 (Chair McKee)
5
6
7
A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier,seconded by Commissioner Price to
8
adopt the Statement of Consistency, contained within Attachment 2, and the Ordinance
9
amending the ComprehensivePlan, UDO, and Zoning Atlas contained within Attachment 3, as
10
recommended by the Planning Board and staff.
11
12
VOTE:UNANIMOUS
13
14
Commissioner Dorosin said he does believe sidewalks are vital,and he is interested in
15
them.
16
Commissioner Rich agreed with Commissioner Dorosin.She said it is shortsighted and
17
a disservice to the community.
18
Commissioner Jacobs agreed with Commissioner Dorosin andCommissioner Rich. He
19
saidin the future people, especially parents, may curse the BOCCfor not addressing the issue
20
of sidewalks. He said that current residents are not being burdenedto make this requirement.
21
He also said there may be legal way to address the problem. He does not feel the only option
22
was for the County to address the problem. He said as there isa motion, and no friendly
23
amendment,they would have to vote no but he recalled in the past that voting no meant the
24
issue could not be considered for a year.
25
Commissioner Price said she seconded the motion and therefore cannot make a friendly
26
amendmentto include the sidewalks. She asked if a friendly amendment could be made by
27
someone else.
28
Chair McKee said anyone can make a friendly amendment except those who made and
29
seconded the motion.
30
Commissioner Burroughs said sidewalks are a valuable asset. She said this is
31
important for future conversation even if it cannot be addressed this evening.
32
Commissioner Pelissier said she is not yet ready to decide about sidewalks without
33
knowing more details.
34
Craig Benedict, Orange County Planning Director,said the sidewalk issue had been
35
discussed for years,and pedestrian connectivity is within the Department of Transportation
36
(DOT) publicright of ways. He said the DOT does not want sidewalks in the right of way. He
37
said that putting sidewalks on private property is an option. He added when sidewalks are on
38
private property,then someone else must maintain them.He saidthe ability to put sidewalks
39
within transition areas in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, under Orange County jurisdiction prior to
40
annexation, hadbeen addressed. He said a municipality, through a multiparty agreement,
41
could take responsibility for the sidewalk maintenance. He said there is not an easy solution.
42
He said there are a lot of ideas. He said discussions with DOT are ongoing as there continue to
43
be urban-like areas in County jurisdiction that are not easily annexable by municipalities. He
44
said a solution that all parties can agree upon has yet to be determined. He agreed with Chair
45
McKee that the UDO is not set in stone and the BOCC can review the issue again along with
46
the DOT counterparts,if so desired.
47
Commissioner Rich saidas more urban like communities get approved,the sidewalk
48
issue will be difficult to resolveif the precedence of “we’re not in the sidewalk business” has
49
been set.
16
1
Craig Benedict said the current option is privately owned pedestrian pathways on private
2
property for which the County and the DOT are not responsible. He said these pathways are
3
mulch paths that allow for safe walking routes for pedestrians, especially children. He said it is
4
unlikely that DOT will approve sidewalks being installed without a specific designate being
5
named for maintenance. He said the financial implication of sidewalks isgreat.
6
Commissioner Jacobspointed out language in 6.6.4.a.8 that discusses “an internal
7
pedestrian circulation system, owned and maintained by the property owner”. He suggested,
8
following approval,a motion be made asking staff to look at the existing language and return
9
with recommendations to whetherprivately maintained pathways is a workable system. He said
10
such an option would not involve DOT.
11
Chair McKee agreed with this course of action.
12
Commissioner Price said there is another county looking into sidewalks as well. She
13
said it is a large issue that warrants a full discussion.
14
Commissioner Dorosin asked if the public would be able to use such a pedestrian
15
circulation system maintained by private owners or if thepathwayswould only be open to those
16
living within the development.
17
Perdita Holtz said it would apply to multi-family and commercial projects. She said that
18
commercial projects are open to the public. She said public use of pathways that are internal to
19
a multi family development would be at the discretion of theproperty owner. She said each
20
issue would be handled on a case by case basis as site plans come in.
21
22
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
23
24
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs,seconded by Commissioner Rich to
25
reinstate the language for both the Efland interstate and Efland Village regarding pedestrian
26
circulation systems and to direct staff to articulate why internal pedestrian circulationsystems
27
cannot be required. He said staff would be asked to return to the BOCC before the end of the
28
calendar year with the opportunity to discuss the analysis and anyrecommendations.
29
30
Chair McKee made a friendly amendment that directs staff not only to analyze why
31
internal pedestrian circulations systems cannot be required but also to present any other
32
alternatives to such a system.
33
CommissionerJacobs accepted the friendly amendment.
34
Commissioner Dorosin asked Commissioner Jacobs if the motionislimited to these
35
internal circulation systems or if there would be broader consideration of working with DOTor
36
the County itself.
37
Commissioner Jacobs said he wantedto focus on the particular issue in front of the
38
BOCC tonight. He said he does not think this particular language involvestheDOT and,if
39
returned to its original format,can address and solve the issue. He added he does see merit in
40
a larger conversation about sidewalks as a whole at another time.
41
42
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
43
44
b.Public Hearing on the Financing of Various Capital Investment Plan Projects and
45
Equipment, and the Refinancing of Two 2006 Installment Financing
46
The Board conducteda public hearing on the issuance of approximately $16,270,000 to
47
finance capital investment projects and equipment for the year; carry out refinancing of
48
approximately $10,200,000 from two 2006 installment financing issuances; and considered
49
approvinga related resolution supporting the County’s application to the Local Government
50
Commission (LGC) for its approval of the financing arrangements.
17
1
Paul Laughtonsaid the first paragraph in their abstract referredto attachment 1that
2
containedpreliminary information given to the Board on November 6, 2014 andincluded
3
information about projects, equipment and vehicles. He pointed out two changes to the
4
numbers included in attachment 2: 1.) an additional $800,000 was added tofinancing for the
5
Information Technologies for the central permitting, 2.) the Eubanks Road Solid Waste
6
Convenience Center(SWCC)has had an additional $450,000 added to its financing based on
7
regulatory and permitting issues, structural changes, and moving of the weight station.
8
He said financing arrangements are being studied closely at this time. He said it had
st
9
been anticipated that final approval could be brought to the BOCC at the April 212015
10
meeting. He said a more realistic time frame is late May 2015. He said approval with the Local
11
Government Commission (LGC) would hopefully happen in early June 2015 and closing around
12
the middle of June 2015.
13
Paul Laughton said apreliminary estimate of maximum debt service applicable to the
14
capital investment projects and equipment financing wouldrequire the highest debt service
15
payment of $1,765,240 falling in FY 2016-17.He said the tax rate equivalent forthe estimated
16
highest debt service payment is approximately 1.08 cents. However, a portion ofthis debt
17
financing is related to projects where the debt service payments will be paid for fromSportsplex
18
and Solid Waste Enterprise funds, as well as a Water and Sewer project to be paidfrom the
19
Article 46 quarter-cent Sales Tax proceeds earmarked for economic development.He said the
20
General Fund portion of this annual debt service is estimated at $1.1 million,or a tax rate
21
equivalent of approximately 0.67 cents.He said based on current resources and the retirement
22
of some existing debt, no adjustment to the tax rate associated with this financing is anticipated
23
to occur during the period noted. He said regarding the refinancing, it is estimated that the
24
County will realize savings of approximately $451,788 over the life of the refinancing term.He
25
said the ultimate savingswill depend on interest rates at the time of closinglater in the spring.
26
Commissioner Jacobs asked thetotalcost of the Eubanks Road convenience center.
27
Paul Laughton said the current estimate is $3.17 million.
28
Commissioner Jacobs said he hadread that the federal government was possibly
29
raising interest rates in June. He asked if interest rates for this refinancing would be secured
30
prior to that point.
31
Paul Laughton said that is hishope. He added that all options are currently being
32
reviewed and weighed. He said that the climate at closing is uncertain at this point as it
33
remains sixty days away.
34
Commissioner Jacobs confirmed that the consideration of rising interest rates was a
35
factor in this refinancing process.
36
Paul Laughton said the goal is to have the process completedby June 30, 2015 and to
37
secure the lowest interest rates possible.
38
Chair McKee confirmed there were no public comments.
39
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs,seconded by Commissioner Rich for the
40
Board to close the public hearing.
41
42
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
43
44
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich,seconded by Commissioner Price to adopt
45
the resolution supporting the application to the LocalGovernment Commission for approval of
46
the financing and refinancing arrangements.
47
48
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
49
50
RES-2015-019
18
1
2
Resolution supporting an application to the Local Government Commission for
3
its approval of a financing agreement for the County
4
5
WHEREAS --
6
7
The Board of Commissioners has previously determined to carry out the acquisition and
8
construction of various public improvements, as identified in the County’s capital improvement
9
plan, and County staff has determined and advised the Board that refinancing all or a portion of
10
two prior installment financings may provide savings to the County.
11
12
The Boarddesires to finance the costs of these projects and to carry out the refinancing
13
by the use of an installment financing, as authorized under Section 160A-20 of the North
14
Carolina General Statutes.
15
16
Under the guidelines of the North Carolina Local Government Commission, the Board
17
must make certain findings of fact to support the County’s application for the LGC’s approval of
18
the County’s proposed financing arrangements.
19
20
by the Board of Commissioners of Orange
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
21
County, North Carolina,
thatthe County makes a preliminary determination to finance
22
approximately $26,470,000 to pay capital costs of various public improvements and to carry out
23
the refinancing. The proposed list of projects and improvements to be financed appears in
24
Exhibit A. The two financings that are to be refinanced are a) a 2006 installment financing
25
contract secured by Carrboro High School and b) a 2006 Certificates of Participation installment
26
financing secured by Gravelly Hill Middle School.
27
28
The Board will determinethe final amount to be financed by a later resolution. The final
29
amount financed may be slightly lower or slightly higher than $26,470,000. Some of the
30
financing proceeds may provide reimbursement to the County for prior expenditures on project
31
costs, some proceeds may be used to pay financing expenses, and some proceeds may be
32
used to provide any appropriate reserves.
33
34
that the Board of Commissioners makes the
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
35
following findings of fact
:
36
37
(a)The proposed projects are necessary andappropriate for the County under all
38
the circumstances. The proposed refinancings are necessary and appropriate for the County
39
under all the circumstances because the refinancings will produce substantial debt service
40
savings.
41
42
(b)The proposed installment financing is preferable to a bond issue for the same
43
purposes.
44
45
The County has no meaningful ability to issue non-voted general obligation bonds for
46
these projects. These projects will not produce sufficient revenues to support a self-liquidating
47
financing. The County has in the past issued substantial amounts of voter-approved bonds, and
48
it is appropriate for the County to balance its capital finance program between bonds and
49
installment financings.
50
19
1
The County expects that in the current interest rate environment for municipal securities
2
there would be no material difference in interest rates between general obligation bonds and
3
installment financings for these projects.
4
5
(c)The estimated sums to fall due under the proposed financing contract are
6
adequate and not excessive for the proposed purposes. The County will closely review
7
proposed financing rates against market rates with guidance from the LGC and its financial
8
adviser. All amounts financed will reflect approvedcontracts, previous actual expenditures or
9
professional estimates.
10
11
(d)As confirmed by the County’s Interim Finance Officer, (i) the County’s debt
12
management procedures and policies are sound and in compliance with law, and (ii) the County
13
is not in default under any of its debt service obligations.
14
15
(e)The County estimates that the maximum tax rate impact of paying General Fund
16
related debt service on the financing will be the equivalent of up to approximately 0.67 cents per
17
$100 of valuation. Based on current resources and the retirement of some existing debt, no
18
actual tax rate increase related to this financing will be necessary.
19
20
(f)The County Attorney is of the opinion that the proposed projects are authorized
21
by law and are for purposes for which public funds of the County may be expended pursuant to
22
the Constitution and laws of North Carolina.
23
24
as follows:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
25
26
(a)The Interim Finance Officer is directed to take all appropriate steps toward the
27
completion of the financing, including (i) completing an application to the LGC for its approval of
28
the proposed financing, and (ii) soliciting one or more proposals from financial institutions to
29
provide the financing. All prior actions of County representatives in this regard areratified.
30
31
(b)This resolution takes effect immediately.
32
33
34
Exhibit A –proposed projects
35
Project descriptionEst. Amount Financed
Vehicle replacements$760,000
In-car camera replacements for Sheriff’s office$520,000
Board of Elections equipment$700,000
Improvements to Cedar Grove Community Center$2,800,000
Southern Orange Campus —planning and improvements$400,000
20
HVAC projects at various County facilities$360,000
Roofing projects at various County facilities$180,000
Information technology (including central permitting software)$1,250,000
Communications systems improvements, including Sheriff’s
$125,000
department and EMS systems
Soccer.com soccer center improvements$125,000
Lands Legacy acquisitions$2,400,000
Sportsplex —pool mezzanine$950,000
Improvements for Eubanks Road solid waste convenience center$1,100,000
Efland water and sewer improvements$4,600,000
Estimated total for new projects$16,270,000
Estimated total for refinancings$10,200,000
Estimated grand total$26,470,000
1
2
3
6.Consent Agenda
4
5
Chair McKee noted the presence of Sheriff Blackwood as one agenda item pertained to
6
his office and he was available for questions.
7
8
Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
9
NONE
10
11
Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
12
13
A motion wasmade by Commissioner Price,seconded byCommissioner Rich to
14
approve the remaining items on the consent agenda.
15
16
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
17
21
1
a.Minutes
2
The Board approvedthe minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board for the following
3
meetings: February 11, 2014, March 3and 23, 2015.
4
b.Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
5
The Board adopteda resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release motor vehicle
6
property tax values for seven (7) taxpayers with a total of seven (7) bills that will result in a
7
reduction of revenuein accordance with NCGS.
8
c.Property Tax Releases/Refunds
9
The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference,to release property tax
10
values for six (6) taxpayers with a total of (12) twelve bills that will result in a reduction of
11
revenue in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381.
12
d.Fiscal Year 2014-15 Budget Amendment #7
13
The Board approvedbudget and capital project ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2014-15
14
for the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation,Health Department,
15
Cooperative Extension, Emergency Services Department Orange Rural Fire Department and
16
Orange Grove Fire Department.
17
e.Application for North Carolina Education Lottery Proceeds for Chapel Hill –Carrboro
18
City Schools (CHCCS) and Contingent Approval of Budget Amendment # 7-A Related
19
to CHCCS Capital Project Ordinances
20
The Board approvedan application to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
21
(NCDPI) to release proceeds from the NC Education Lottery account related to FY 2014-15
22
debt service payments for Chapel Hill –Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS), and approvedBudget
23
Amendment #7-A (amended School Capital Project Ordinances), contingent on the NCDPI’s
24
approval of the application.
25
f.Resolution Authorizing Staff to File Applications with the Federal Transit
26
Administration
27
The Board adopteda resolution, which is incorporated by reference,authorizing the Orange
28
County Transportation Planner and Orange Public Transportation Administrator to file
29
applications with the Federal Transit Administration for Federal financial assistance.
30
g.Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Amendment Outline and Schedule for the May
31
2015 Quarterly Public Hearing
32
The Board approvedprocess components and schedule for a government initiated Zoning Atlas
33
amendment for the May 2015 Quarterly Public Hearing.
34
h.County Sheriff’s Office –Records Retention and Disposition Schedule
35
The Board approvedthe County Sheriff’s Office Records Retention and Disposition Schedule
36
and authorizedthe Chair to sign.
37
i.Access Easement for Jeffrey Fisher –Hollow Rock Access Area
38
The Board authorizedthe County to grant a 30-foot-wide access easement for Jeffrey Fisher to
39
access his landlocked residential property through the Hollow Rock Access Area.
40
j.Replacement Ambulance for Orange County Emergency Services
41
The Board approved the purchase of one (1) ambulance that will replace a 2007 model
42
ambulance manufactured by Wheeled Coach.
43
44
7.Regular Agenda
45
46
a.Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement Amendments –Agricultural Support
47
Enterprises Within the Rural Buffer Land Use Classification
48
The Board consideredCounty-initiated amendments to the Joint Planning Land Use
49
Plan and Agreement to allow for the possibility of locating appropriate Agricultural Support
50
Enterprises within the Rural Buffer land use classification.
22
1
Perdita Holtzsaid in June 2014the BOCC approved a version of these amendments.
2
She said the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill approved slightly different versions. She said
3
all three local governments must approve the same thing. She saidpages twenty eight through
4
32ofattachment 3 of the agenda materialsshow yellow highlighting to notechanges from the
5
version approved by the BOCC in June 2014. She said the differences were fairly minor. The
6
differences wereas follows:
7
8
1) On three occasions the words “low intensity” have been added in front of “agricultural support
9
uses”.
10
2) Changing the words “zoning and subdivision ordinance” to “unified development ordinance”
11
to reflect the current title of Orange County’s Land Use regulations.
12
3) On page thirty two it is stated that a joint public hearing and the approval of all three local
13
governments before the County could materially change its UDO in regards to the agricultural
14
support enterprises within the rural buffer in regards to the regulations that pertain to those.
15
16
Perdita Holtz said amendments to the joint planning documents must be approved
17
before the County can consider adoption of the UDO amendments. She said the abstracts
18
indicated that the Towns made recommendations on the UDO amendments as is within their
19
right to do asjoint planning partners.She said the Towns’ recommendations have been
th
20
incorporated into the UDO amendments that the BOCC is scheduled to consider on May 5,
21
2015. She said the recommendation for tonight is for the BOCC to deliberate as necessary on
22
this proposed amendment to the joint planning documents and to decide accordingly. She said
23
if the BOCC decides to adopt the amendments then the resolution to adopt is inattachment 1.
24
Commissioner Rich referred to page 32seeking affirmation of her understanding that if
25
anything changes in the UDO there must bea public hearingon the specific ordinance.
26
Perdita Holtz said if there are material changesto a portion that applies to the Rural
27
Buffer(RB)and Agricultural Support Enterprises,then a joint public hearing would be needed.
28
She said there are examples of material changes included.
29
Commissioner Rich asked if it would be necessary to start the process over again from
30
the beginning to make changes.
31
Perdita Holtz said the current process is that any amendments to the UDO that affect
32
the RBare sent to the Townsfor review and comment. She said the Towns are seeking more
33
than comment authority. She said the elected officials seek the ability to approve changesnot
34
just town staff.
35
Commissioner Dorosin asked if Perdita Holtz was presenting the information from the
36
Towns or if she also agreed with the Towns’recommendations and that they should be adopted
37
by the BOCC.
38
Perdita Holtz said this is what the Towns want and what they adopted. She said that all
39
three local governments must adopt the same language in order to amend the agreement.
40
Commissioner Dorosin asked his fellow Commissioners for their input.He asked if it is
41
recommended by the Planning Department, given their expertise, that the BOCC should adopt
42
the procedure of holding public hearings. He asked for pros and cons.
43
Perdita Holtz said a concern was raised by a Town of Carrboro Alderman. Theconcern
44
was what happens when Carrboro allows Agricultural Support Enterprises and asks the County
45
to addthings after the fact which, given the current wording, can only be reviewed by staff.
46
Perdita Holtz said there was also concern that standards maybe changed without elected
47
official review.
48
Commissioner Dorosin said that changes cannot be made currently,andhedid not see
49
how this would be possible in the future.
23
1
Perdita Holtz saidcurrently the Joint Planning Agreement says the Rural Bufferisonly
2
for limited uses, primarily residential. She said the use of Low Intensity Agricultural Enterprises
3
in the RBis being added.
4
Commissioner Jacobs said clustering in not currently in the Rural Buffer.
5
Craig Benedict said yes. He said a five acre density can go down to a two acre lot.
6
Commissioner Jacobs said adopting clustering would involve all three jurisdictions.
7
Craig Benedict said yes. He said zoning lot sizes would have to be studied in the
8
different sections of the Rural Buffer sincesome are inthe University Lake area and some are
9
in the Jordan Lake area.
10
Commissioner Jacobs said adopting the language would not affect the standard.
11
Craig Benedict said that this provision was narrower,pertaining to agricultural uses. He
12
said the BOCC asked for more liberal uses in the Rural Buffer,and the Towns had a counter
13
proposal that said if that is to happen there should be some restrictions regarding agriculture.
14
He said it was an offer of compromise.
15
Commissioner Jacobs said he was the Planning Board Chair when theJointPlanning
16
Agreementwas first created. He said originally all three jurisdictions were to approveevery
17
development within the Rural Buffer. He said this proved unrealistic and a compromise was
18
reached that placed trust on the County tofollow the land use planthat was adopted jointly. He
19
said he finds this change in language not ideal but it fulfills a promise made to the property
20
owners in the Rural Bufferto refine the Joint Planning Agreement to allow them to farm and
21
stay on their land if so desired. He said a bit of restriction on the BOCC seems reasonable if
22
the greater goal is achieved. He added he would like to have a discussion about clustering now
23
that all elected officials are aware of the Rural Bufferand the Joint Planning Agreement that
24
perhaps some of the refining can now be done and make it more viable long term to accomplish
25
its goals.
26
Commissioner Rich saidwill this be reviewed annually with other elected officials.
27
Perdita Holtz said it is an annual review andwill probablybean item on the AOG.
28
Commissioner Rich said if a change is requested prior to the AOG then a public hearing
29
would be scheduled.
30
Perdita Holtz saidyes. She said a public hearing would be required in order to make a
31
text change to theUDO only if the change pertained to agricultural support uses in the RB.
32
Commissioner Price said any desired change outside of agricultural support uses would
33
wait until the annual joint public hearing for discussion.
34
Perdita Holtz said there is opportunity for two joint public hearings. She said only one
35
joint public hearing is formally listed but it is understood by all local governments that a public
36
hearing can occur at the joint meeting with the Town of Chapel Hill in March or with the Town of
37
Carrboro in October.
38
39
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs,seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
40
adopt the Resolution contained in Attachment 1 which approves the amendments to the Joint
41
Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement.
42
43
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
44
45
8.Reports
46
47
NONE
48
49
9.County Manager’s Report
50
24
1
Projected April 9, 2015 Budget Work Session Items
2
Community Centers –Level of Service and Operating/Programming Options
3
Space Study Work Group Report
4
Capital Investment Plan Discussion (First Work Session Discussion)
5
6
Projected April 14, 2015 Regular Work Session Items
7
Durham-Orange Light Rail Report
8
Presentation on Alternatives to On-site Septic Systems
9
Implementation of “10% Campaign” within County Government
10
11
10.County Attorney’s Report
12
John Roberts said the Senate hadfiled about 400 bills in the last two weeks. He said
13
the filing is now slowing down and bills will be put into committees. He said a lot of potentially
14
damaging bills have been filedthat could affect Orange County,and he will keep the BOCC
15
updated on ones that affect Orange County.
16
Chair McKee asked John Roberts isolate any potentially damaging bills and keep the
17
BOCC informed as to their progress.
18
19
11.Appointments
20
21
a.Arts Commission –Appointments
22
The Board consideredmaking appointments to the Arts Commission.
23
24
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich,seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
25
appoint the following to the Arts Commission:
26
27
Appointment to a second full term (position #1) At-Large for Ms. Katherine Dickson
28
expiring 03/31/2018.
29
Appointment to a first full term (position #2) At-Large for Mr. Tim Hoke expiring
30
03/31/2018.
31
Appointment to a first full term (position #8) At-Large for Ms. Bronwyn Merritt expiring
32
03/31/2018.
33
Appointment to a first full term (position #12) At-Largefor Mr. Ian Bowater expiring
34
03/31/2018.
35
Appointment to a first full term (position #15) At-Large for Ms. Kim Roberts expiring
36
03/31/2018.
37
38
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
39
40
A motion was made by Commissioner Price to appoint Jilan Li to position # 13 –At
41
Large. No Second.
42
43
MOTION FAILED
44
45
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs,seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to
46
appoint Tony Kaneto position # 13 At-Largeexpiring3/31/2018.
47
48
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
49
25
1
Commissioner Rich said she would like to see attendance at ArtsCommission Board
2
meetings addressed. She said she has been contacted by some members about attendance
3
being low which leads to inconsistency in meetings.
4
Chair McKeeoffered to write a letter to the Board Chair about the topic.
5
Commissioner Rich suggested speaking with Steve Brantley about this attendance.She
6
said that effort is takenin appointing members to the Board as they appear to be interested,
7
and she would like to insure that they are indeed interested in attending meetings and serving.
8
Chair McKee said he could also attend a meeting.
9
10
12.Board Comments
11
Commissioner Price had no comments.
12
Commissioner Rich said the Solid Waste Advisory Group (SWAG)meetings are coming
13
closer to anendas related to the fees for recycling. She said ithas been a real learning
14
experience for her. She said there has been very good discussion,and she feels positive. She
15
said the SWAG will now moveinto phase two wherethere will be more discussion about the
16
interlocal agreement, solid waste issues and the plan for the future. She saidan update will be
17
givenafter the next few meetings have occurred.
18
Chair McKee thanked Commissioners Rich and Jacobs for their efforts.
19
Commissioner Burroughs echoed Chair McKee’sthanks for the efforts regarding
20
SWAG.
21
Commissioner Pelissier noted that this is National Public Health Week.
th
22
Commissioner Dorosin said on Friday, April 10,the Chapel Hill-Carrboro National
23
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has its annual Freedom Fund
24
Banquet at 6:00pm. He said the banquet will occur at the Friday Center on Highway54.He
25
said the keynote speaker is Ted Shaw, the former Executive Director of the NAACP Legal
26
Defense Fund and the current the Executive Director of the University of North Carolina’s
27
Center for Civil Rights.
28
Commissioner Jacobs said he would like an update in the future regarding the adoption
29
of a living wagepolicy.
30
John Roberts said staff is researching this and will bring back information to the Board.
thth
31
Chair McKee said next Wednesday,April 15and Thursday, April 16the Junior
32
Livestock Show and Sale will be held at theOrange Grove Community Center. He said this
33
event is in its eightieth year, involves eight to ten counties and countless children. He highly
34
commended it to thosewho have never attended.
35
36
13.Information Items
37
38
March 17, 2015 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
39
Tax Collector’s Report –Numerical Analysis
40
Tax Collector’s Report –Measure of Enforced Collections
41
Tax Assessor's Report –Releases/Refunds under $100
42
43
14.Closed Session
44
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich,seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to go
45
:
into closed session at 9:50pmfor the purpose below
46
47
“To discuss and take action regarding plans to protect public safety as it relates to existing or
48
potential terrorist activity and to receive briefings by staff members, legal counsel, or law
49
enforcement or emergency service officials concerning actions taken or to be taken to respond
50
to such activity.” [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(9)]
26
1
2
VOTE:UNANIMOUS
3
4
RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
5
6
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich,seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
7
reconvene into regular session at 10:50pm.
8
9
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
10
11
15.Adjournment
12
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich,seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
13
adjourn the meeting at10:50p.m.
14
15
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
16
17
Earl McKee, Chair
18
19
Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board
20
21
1
1
Attachment 2
2
3
DRAFTMINUTES
4
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5
Budget Work Session
6
April 9, 2015
7
7:00 p.m.
8
9
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a work session on Thursday, April
10
9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
11
12
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
: Chair McKee and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
13
Barry Jacobs, Bernadette Pelissier, Renee Price and Penny Rich
14
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
:Mark Dorosin
15
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT
:
16
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT
: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley and Clerk to the Board
17
Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below)
18
19
Chair McKee called the meeting to order at 7:02p.m.
20
21
1.Review and Discussion of the Manager’s Recommended Fiscal Year2015-2020
22
Capital Investment Plan (CIP) –
School Capital Projects
23
Paul Laughton, Orange County Finance Administrative Services, said this was the first
24
opportunity to discuss the CIP in length, with a second work session taking place on May 14,
25
2015.He reviewed the following background information from the abstract:
26
27
Capital Investment Plan –Overview:
The Fiscal Year 2015 to 2020 CIP includes County
28
Projects, School Projects, Proprietary Projects, and Special Revenue Projects. The Proprietary
29
Projects include Water and Sewer, Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, and Sportsplex projects. The
30
Special Revenue Projects include Economic Development and School related projects funded
31
from the Article 46 (1/4 cent) Sales Tax proceeds. The Article 46 Sales Tax was approved by
32
the voters in the November 2011 election, and became effective April 1, 2012.
33
34
Background
:The CIP has been prepared anticipating continued sloweconomic growth of
35
between 1 to 2 percentannually over the next five years. Many of the projects in the CIP will
36
rely on debt financing to fund the projects.Tonight’s work session discussion will be focused
37
on School Capital projects, County Capital projects associated with the Space Study discussion
38
(Agenda item #2), County Capital projects associated with the Community Centers discussion
39
(Agenda item #3), and Park Capital projects.
40
41
School Capital projects –Highlights
42
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools(CHCCS) projectsinclude$750,000 in Preliminary
43
Planning funds in Year 1 (Fiscal Year 2015 to2016) to allow the school system to be “shovel
44
ready” for a project or projects after a successful Bond Referendum; funds would be
45
reimbursed from the approved Bond Referendum funds. Based on the Schools Adequate Public
46
Facilities Ordinance (SAPFO) most recent November15, 2014 projections, the followingnew
47
schools/additions would be needed in Years 6-10: Middle School Number 5to open in Fiscal
48
Year 2023 to 2024 (Note: the addition of 104 new seats in Fiscal Year2014-15 from the
49
construction of the Science wing at Culbreth Middle School delayed the need for additional
50
capacity at the middle school level by three years); Elementary Number 12to open in Fiscal
2
1
Year 2023 to 2024. Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) funds are estimated at a 1.5 percentannual
2
growth rate and the Lottery Proceeds areheld constant throughout the five year CIP period.
3
Orange County Schoolsprojectsinclude$478,000 in Preliminary Planning funds in
4
Year 1 (Fiscal Year 2015 to 2016) to allow the school system to be “shovel ready” for a project
5
or projects after a successful Bond Referendum; funds would be reimbursed from the approved
6
Bond Referendum funds. Based on the SAPFO’s recent November 15, 2014 projections, the
7
following new schools/additions would be needed in Years 6-10: Cedar Ridge High School
8
Classroom Addition to open in Fiscal Year2022to 2023. Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) funds are
9
estimated at a 1.5 percentannual growth rate and the Lottery Proceeds are held constant
10
throughout the five year CIP period.
11
Paul Laughton saidthe SchoolsAdequate Public Facilities Ordinance (SAPFO)
12
numbers remove from the CIP the additions to Carrboro High School in CHCCS and
13
Elementary Number 8in OCS.
14
15
Commissioner Jacobs arrived at 7:08 p.m.
16
17
Paul Laughton said$3.7million has been allocated for PAYG fundsfor both school
18
systems. He said thisinformationcan be found on page 91of the CIP notebook.He said the
19
school projects and amounts are listed here. He said the lottery proceeds are up slightly this
20
year,around $1.35million. He said thisnumber is based on the State of North Carolina
21
estimates for the lottery proceeds. He said that in CHCCS, approximately fifty percent of the
22
Article 46 proceeds will be used fortechnology needs and the remaining would be used for
23
renovations and repairsidentified in the CHCCS assessments.
24
Paul Laughton said OCS useArticle 46 sales money fortheir One-to-One laptop
25
initiative and other technology upgrades.
26
Paul Laughton said the PAYGfundsare put towards a list of projects itemized by the
27
school districts. He said those projects are varied.
28
Commissioner Rich askedwhere she couldfind the Article 46 projects.
29
Paul Laughton said they are listed in the Special Revenue Projects tab. He said this
30
information can be found on pages 61 and 62, whereit lists the uses of the Article 46 sales tax
31
funds for both school systems.He said there will be further discussion on these funds at the
th
32
May 14meeting.
33
Commissioner Pelissier asked why there was notanincrease in the PAYG funds for the
34
2015 to 2016 Fiscal Year.
35
Paul Laughton said based onthereview of all variables, it was determined best to keep
36
the PAYG funds the same for 2015 to 2016. He said for planning purposes the 1.5 percent
37
growth was included for the future.
38
Chair McKee asked if each school system’s spending of lottery funds is specified.
39
Paul Laughton said what funds can be spent on isnot specified by the State and that
40
they can be used for any purpose, except technology. Hesaid these fundscan be used for
41
repairs, renovations and debt service.
42
Commissioner Price said she heard thatlottery funds may not be allowed to be used for
43
debt service.
44
Paul Laughton said the wording statesthat funds cannot be pledgedto debt service but
45
these still can be used for debt service paymentson an annual basis.
46
Commissioner Price said the projects are listed by category(i.e: roofing, windows, etc.)
47
instead of by school. She said this makes it more difficultto determine which schools need the
48
most. She asked ifthere are any schools that will needmajorwork or overhaul.
3
1
Pam Jones, Interim Deputy Superintendent forOCS,saidthere are schools that will
2
need major renovations. The OCS Board of Education is prioritizing the projects. She said the
3
Board of Educationknows, by school, what is needed to be done.
4
Paul Laughtonsaid listing the projects by categories hadbeen a request of the County.
5
He said the goal has been for continuity in lookingbetween both the CHCCS and OCS plans.
6
Paul Laughton said nothing in the CIP addressedthe Facility Assessment Studies from
7
the school systems,since the County hadnot yet received this information.
8
Pam Jones said the OCS Board of Education appropriated an additional $150,000 last
9
year out of their fund balance. She said these monies went specifically against some of the
10
deferred maintenance items thatare included in the assessment. She said this is done
11
proactively due to the enormity of the needs and knowing that any future bond will not be able
12
to address all of them.
13
Chair McKee said he hadheard funding estimates from CHCCS for some time but has
14
not heardthe same from OCS. He asked if the numbers previously mentioned by Paul
15
Laughton were in line with what OCS felt they would need.
16
Pam Jones said their focus has been on the Cedar Ridge additions.She said this is
17
theirbiggest need.
18
Chair McKee asked specifically about the$478,000mentioned by Paul Laughton.
19
Pam Jones said to get the additional capacityat Cedar Ridge High Schoolwill bea $12
20
million project, with $1.2 million neededfor planning. She said the $478,000 will notbe
21
sufficient,but it could help with some preliminary work. She said the planning process will take
22
some work, with likely zoning issues, and the $478,000 would help to move that along so they
23
would be closer to being shovel ready. She said when the Board of Education concludes the
24
process of prioritizing needs, there may be some smaller projects not previously anticipated to
25
which the $478,000 may be applied.
26
Commissioner Priceasked about the process for the Phoenix Academy and the Bridge
27
Program.
28
Paul Laughton said this is on page 100.
29
Bill Mullen, Director for Facilities for CHCCS, said the Phoenix Academy and the Bridge
30
study would hopefully be part of the $750,000 Lincoln Center Analysis.
31
Commissioner Price askedwhen the merger was expected.
32
Bill Mullensaid he did not know.
33
34
2.Space Study Work Group Report Presentation –
with Discussion ofAssociated
35
County Capital Projects
36
37
Jeff Thompsonof Asset Management Servicesintroduced this item and presented the
38
following PowerPoint slides:
39
40
Orange County Space Study Finding and Recommendations
41
42
Background of Space Study
43
44
45
Alan Dorman, Asset Management Services, presented the following PowerPoint slides:
46
Bedcheck
47
48
Facility walkthroughs
49
Spaces categorized
50
Utilization assessed
4
1
Departmental discussions with Department Heads on information
2
3
Space Category
4
Constrained
5
Optimized
6
Opportunity
7
8
Findings County Wide
9
10
Space Categorization by Facility
11
12
13
Brennan Bouma, Sustainability Coordinator,presented the following slides:
14
Trends-moving into OpportunitySpaces
15
Trends are always changing
16
17
Open Office Pro’s and Con’s
18
Pros
19
Flexible, lower cost, collaborative
20
Cons (the cons can be minimized)
21
Privacy concerns, distractions, loss of status
22
23
Jeff Thompson presented the followingPowerPoint slides:
24
25
Highlighted Findings and Recommendations:
26
Overall, space is adequate and optimized
27
Long-term growth at Southern Campus
28
Some quick changes possible; others need more time
29
Significant storage space
30
Needs programming and central management
31
Policy being created
32
Third Party Tenancy policy being formulated
33
Adequate meeting spaces
34
Facilities Use Policy and reservation system updated
35
36
Short Term Initiatives
37
ConstraintsOpportunities
38
39
Central Recreation admin space to Whitted “A” building room 210
40
Health Department admin space to Whitted “B” building 3rd floor
41
Tax Administration admin space toRegister of Deeds Computer Lab
42
Economic Development layout &securityRemodel
43
Emergency Services break areaCentral locker roomto Warehouse
44
45
Human Services Subgroup
46
ConstraintsOpportunities
47
-501/503 Franklin-Hillsborough Commons co-location
48
parking “stress”(Former Dollar Tree Space)
49
job and skills trainingLease vs Own?
50
Visitor’s Center location-Future Southern Campus Programming
5
1
-Proposed conversation with Chapel Hill on
2
collaborating for mutually beneficial
3
outcome
4
5
Commissioner Jacobs said he proposedthe Skills Development Center as a possible
6
branchlibrary site.
7
Commissioner Rich said she understood that the Skills Development Center is planned
8
to be completely re-purposed. She said it is currently being used by some small incubator
9
spaces and other businesses.
10
Jeff Thompson said Terra Dotta is a private company that rents space in the building.
11
He said the Guardian Ad Litem program rents space as well.
12
Commissioner Rich saidcurrent tenants should be kept informed of possible plans for
13
the building.
14
Nancy Coston, Director, Orange County Social Services, said the Skills Development
15
Center has a lot of partners that use the space and they may have immediate questions if any
16
changes are to be made.
17
Commissioner Rich asked if the site hadever previously been considered as a possible
18
library.
19
Commissioner Jacobs saidhe hadproposed it once before.
20
Commissioner Burroughs asked the anticipated valueof the property.
21
Jeff Thompson said the property is currently assessed at $2.7million tax value. He
22
added it has not been appraised for market value.
23
Jeff Thompson said an analysis regarding the buy or lease of the former Dollar Tree
24
property will be reported, hopefully, before the summer break.
25
26
Jeff Thompsonresumed the PowerPoint presentation:
27
28
Southern CampusSubgroup
29
ConstraintsOpportunities
30
--
Senior CenterProgramming SpaceRoom forExpansion
31
--
Inadequate Infrastructure for GrowthProposed CIP Project
32
--
Lack of a defined timeline25 year vested development right
33
5 years for 1st project Long range vision planning
34
--
Other County Departmental NeedsRedundant IT hub, 911 Center
35
Court, Human Services facilities
36
Educational/multi-purpose facilities
37
38
Roger Walden, of Clarion Associates,applauded the County for its foresight in
39
purchasing a piece of land as big as this one. He reviewed that a master plan has been
40
approved by the BOCC and shared with the Town of Chapel Hill to secure a Special Use Permit
41
(SUP), which provides an entitlement for the County to build up to 300,000 square feet of
42
additional floor area over twenty five (25) years. Hesaidin considering the site,and potential
43
projects there, tolook at low hanging fruit first.He said the following topics have been
44
considered closely:
45
1)Phasing: determining the timing of projects;
46
2)Attention to infrastructure: repositioning the entrance road and establishing areas of
47
development and preservation. He gave an example of the Seymour Center. He said this
48
building has some immediate, and fairly simple, renovations that could be made to allow for
49
more space. There are also larger, long term projects.
6
1
Roger Waldenreviewed several slides containing pictures from the Campus Master
2
Plan, included within the PowerPoint presentation. He concluded that there were no
3
recommendations at this time but a further report will be given in the future.
4
5
Ken Redfoot, Architect, continued the PowerPoint presentation with several three
6
dimensional visualizations of how the plan could move forward in a phased approach:
7
8
Phase One:
9
existing site;
10
additional 300,000 sq. ft. available due to SUP;
11
modest 15,000 square foot addition to the Southern Human Services Building;
12
proposal to keep existingroad in tact but re-orient road to provide a second means of
13
access to campus;
14
increased density for parking
15
16
Phase Two:
17
two story 16,500 square foot addition to Seymour Center;
18
introduction of new driveway;
19
possibility of an additional 15,000 square footage being added to the Southern Human
20
Services Center, with additional parking added towards the back
21
22
Phase Three
23
time period of 2022 to 2039
24
still 253,500 squarefeet left to build out
25
26
Roger Walden said a couple of key themeshave emerged during conversations:
27
1)efficient use of county resources
28
2)focus on civic functions
29
3)focus of healthy living for the residents of Orange County.
30
31
Jeff Thompson saidif the expansion and infrastructure are both done in 2016 to 2017,
32
the portion of the infrastructure is about $1.8 million. He said the second phase, from 2019 to
33
2025, is about $880,000.
34
Commissioner Jacobs inquired of thestatus of the courtroom inside theold post office in
35
downtown in Chapel Hill.He said he had heard the Town of Chapel Hill may not want the
36
County to keep the courtroom there.
37
Jeff Thompson said he has also heard that about this possibility but has not heard any
38
official statement.
39
CommissionerJacobs said if the topicresurfaces they need to be on top of this facility.
40
Commissioner Jacobs asked for more information regarding the location of the second
41
access roadand its proximity to the park across the street. He asked if the road may be right in
42
and right out.
43
Roger Walden said it is envisioned as being right in and right out.
44
Ken Redfoot said at one pointduring construction,the second access roadwill be the
45
only point of access. He said it makes sense to dothis road in the first phase.
46
Commissioner Rich asked if there was a problem with flooding at the proposed
47
entrance.
48
Roger Walden said there are some storm waterretention ponds there now,but they are
49
not functioning at capacity. He saidthe storm water ponds will need attention. He added this
50
adjustmentwould be at no additional cost.
7
1
Commissioner Jacobs inquiredabout any landscaping restrictions contained within the
2
SUP.
3
Roger Walden said there are design guidelines that accompany the SUP and
4
specifically outline landscaping for different aspects of the site.
5
Ken Redfoot said the Board hasalsocreated additional landscaping guidelines in the
6
SUP that go beyond thoserequired by the Town of Chapel Hill.
7
Commissioner Jacobs said the Government should lead by example. He said it issmart
8
to do zeroscaping.
9
Roger Walden said this site is a good opportunity for zeroscaping. He said this also ties
10
in with the previously mentioned theme of healthy living.
11
Commissioner Rich asked ifsolar panels are being added to the property.
12
Ken Redfoot said solar panels are very doable. He said some sketches have been
13
done,and it wouldbean exciting opportunity.
14
Commissioner Rich said she would like to see some costs on solar panels for the
15
expanded facilities, where applicable.
16
CommissionerJacobs asked ifsolar generators or panels were going to be used to
17
replace the current fleet of backup generators.
18
Jeff Thompson said that solar regeneration technology is not yet here.
19
20
Jeff Thompson presented the following PowerPoint slide:
21
22
Environment and Agricultural Subgroup
23
ConstraintsOpportunities
24
--
Revere Road facility physicallyRevere Road site optimal for Agriculture
25
“stressed”Center
26
-
Efficient programming and design
27
for new facility on existing site
28
-
Proposed CIP Project
29
--
Lack ofdry and cold storage spaceCedar Grove storage wings
30
for local foods aggregation
31
endeavors
32
33
Jeff Thompson said the Revere Road site is their best option for a County Agriculture
34
Center. He said it is centrally located with good vehicular access. He said inside this building
35
there is a great deal of redundant space and it is not laid out well. He said the CIP Project will
36
address these shortcomings. He said, if approved, the design of this project will begin this year
37
with construction beginning in 2016 to 2017.
38
David Stancil said the main building is 15,000 square feet and there is also 2,000
39
square foot covered storage.
40
Commissioner Jacobs asked if there isany possibility for demonstrationsby either
41
artists or others.
42
Jeff Thompson said yes.
43
Commissioner Price asked ifthe other smaller buildings would remain.
44
Jeff Thompson said the current users of the buildings could be relocated elsewhere,and
45
the buildings, or the land, could be used for other purposes.
46
Chair McKee asked if the redevelopment would be done in two stages.
47
Jeff Thompson said it would be a phased process.
48
Chair McKee said there is also locked storage in this building.
49
Jeff Thompson said the ADA Life Safety project has been insertedin this phase.He
50
said most of this will be completed in the next two months.
8
1
2
3
Jeff Thompson continued the PowerPoint presentation:
4
5
Emergency Services Subgroup
6
ConstraintOpportunities
7
--
In need ofback-up Communications CenterCIP addresses back-up in lower level
8
of West Campus Office Building
9
--
510 Meadowlands not a “hardened”Merit in potentially repurposing
10
facility West Campus Office Building lower
11
level for primary ES facility
12
--
Field sub-station need Proposed CIP Project
13
14
Jeff Thompson said this isrelated to the need for a back-up Emergency Services 911
15
Communications Center. He said the lower level of the West Campus Office Buildingis being
16
proposed as the location for this project.He said this location is designed for such a centeras
17
this. He said this is also being discussed as a permanent center.He said there are current
18
meeting rooms that are located there,but these roomscould be moved elsewhere, such as the
19
lower level of the Link Center.
20
Jim Groves, of Emergency Services,said if the co-locations work out,they would be
21
building on the north side with the Hillsborough Fire Departmentandthe Town of Hillsborough,
22
and the Revere Road Station would be able to move there. He said the other field sub-stations
23
are in the CIPfor the second year with plans to do something in the Waterstone area.
24
Paul Laughton saidthe information about the back-upEmergency Services Centeris on
st
25
page 44. He said the State of North Carolina is requiring a plan bein place by July 1, 2015,
26
and theexpenses wouldbecovered by E-911 funds. He said the sub-stations information were
27
are on page 42.
28
Commissioner Pelissier askedabout the timeline for determining whether the proposed
29
back up at West Campuswould remain a backup or a permanent site.
30
Jim Groves said it is a priority now to have a 911 center backup. He said if the West
31
Campus location is used for a more permanent site,the backup location could be easily
32
transitioned to another site when available.
33
34
Lucinda Munger, LibraryDirector, presented the following slide:
35
36
Library Subgroup
37
ConstraintsOpportunities
38
--
Inadequate branch library space inSouthern Branch Library Site
39
McDougle, Cybrary facilities; notownedSelection process ongoing
40
-
Proposed CIP Project
41
--
Potential constraint for main branchPotential interior renovation of Main
42
in out years because of populationBranch, or other solution
43
-
and circulation growthProposed CIP Project, years 6 to 10
44
45
Lucinda Munger said the Southern Library Project is ongoing. She said the library will
46
be installing a library kiosk, holding about five hundred items, to coincide with the opening of the
47
Cedar Grove Community Center. She said this kiosk will be serviced by the current currier
48
service. She said the main library branch is in the CIP for years six through ten for the following
49
reasons:
9
1
1.Projected population increase of 2,300 new residents within the town limits of
2
Hillsborough.
3
2.A train station to be built on the Collins property, within walking distance of
4
downtown Hillsborough.
5
3.The possibility of another residential areain the downtown area of Hillsborough.
6
4.The library currently has a lot of constrained space.
7
8
Commissioner Price asked if there would bean addition to the library or a
9
reconfiguration of the current space.
10
Lucinda Munger said the best use of their current spaceis being discussed. She said if
11
current space is not sufficient,then the option of building up or out will be considered.
12
Commissioner Jacobs asked if therehavebeen any discussions with Hillsborough about
13
co-locating a library in the Colonial Inn.
14
Lucinda Munger said no.
15
Jeff Thompson said the library kiosk item is listedonpage 24.
16
17
Jeff Thompson presented the following PowerPoint slide:
18
Justice Facilities Subgroup
19
ConstraintsOpportunities
20
--
Inadequate, depreciated detention facilityNew detention facility
21
-
Proposed CIP Project
22
CompleteFiscal Year2018to 2019
23
--
Chapel Hill Court facility Potential site at Southern
24
Campus
25
26
Jeff Thompson said the jail is inadequate,and a new detention facility will be soon be
27
built. He said the Chapel Hill Courts Facility may relocate to the Southern Campus but there is
28
no time frame for this move. He said the new Justice Facility in Hillsborough is adequate, well
29
used and well operated space.
30
SheriffBlackwood said the justice facilities in Chapel Hillcan be absorbed into
31
Hillsborough,but it would not be convenient for residents, operational staff, attorneys, and
32
police officers.He said the thought of moving ittoo far north is onethat he would hope to steer
33
away from.
34
Sheriff Blackwood said the Old Courthouse within the new justice facility, the Mural
35
Courtroom, was built as a sixty-year courthouse. He said it has served, and continues to serve,
36
its purpose very well. He saidthey do have room for expansion atthe new facilityin
37
Hillsborough,but not in Chapel Hill.Sheriff Blackwood said it is important tothink aheadsince
38
construction costs are only going to go up.
39
Commissioner Pelissiersaid the space study did not look at the old jail. She said how
40
would the old jailbe usedwhen the new jail is built.
41
Sheriff Blackwood said a philosophy will have to be determined when building the new
42
jail. He said it is possible to duplicate what currently exists. He said this would be
43
counterproductive. He said he would like to see efficient placeswithin the existing facility
44
tapped into. He would like the new facility to be all inclusive andfor the existing facility to
45
complement it.
46
Sheriff Blackwood said numerous things have been discussed for the old jailbut no
47
decisions have been made. He said the old jail hadbeenbuilt out as much as possible while
48
remaining safe.
10
1
Commissioner Jacobs said the Chapel Hill Court Facility discussion was a Chapel Hill
2
initiative years ago. He said all facilities were reviewed and no alternative plan for the court
3
facility has been put forward.
4
Sheriff Blackwoodsaid hehas not had any conversations with anyonein Chapel Hill
5
about moving the facility orthe Town taking it back from the County.
6
Sheriff Blackwood said thespace study was interesting to be part of,andhe
7
commended everyone that was involved in this process.
8
9
David Stancil continued thePowerPoint presentation:
10
11
Community Centers Subgroup
12
ConstraintsOpportunities
13
--
Current centers (includingCedar Renovation of Efland/Cheeks
14
Grove under construction)built to Community Center
15
different standard and scale
16
--
Community centers may span a Continue developing and defining
17
variety of needs to be addressedcommunity center services and
18
facilities
19
--
Gymnasium spaceSportsplex Field House addressed
20
In CIP; more collaboration with
21
School gymnasium space
22
23
Jeff Thomspon said the CIP items related to Community Centers areembedded in this
24
part of the presentation. He reviewed the following information, as contained in the abstract:
25
26
County Capital projects (associated with the Space Study discussion) –Highlights
27
Southern Orange Campus (Future Planning) (CIP page 21) –Design services of $400,000 were
28
included in Fiscal Year 2014 to 2015, with site development infrastructure work of $3,600,000 in
29
Year 1 (Fiscal Year 2015 to 2016) for campus buildings not associated with the existing
30
Southern Human ServicesCenter (SHSC). Expansion of the existing SHSC is included in a
31
separate CIP project.
32
33
Southern Human Services Center Expansion (CIP page 22) –a full site master plan Special
34
Use Permit (“SUP”) was approved in June 2014, providing the Board adopted guidance
35
regarding expansion and remodeling to accommodate future Human Services and other
36
identified County needs. The facility will be programmed to follow logical and timely
37
development of the master plan and Space Study work group recommendations. This includes
38
$75,000 in Year 1 (Fiscal Year 2015 to 2016) for schematic design services to assist in
39
visioning the expanded space and its potential uses, and $6,475,000 in Year 2 (Fiscal Year
40
2016 to 2017) for the expansion, which includes a Dental Clinic.
41
42
Southern Branch Library (CIP page 23) –funding of $600,000 was approved in Fiscal Year
43
2013 to 2014 for possible land purchase; Design and engineering work of $472,500 is included
44
in Year 1 (Fiscal Year 2015 to 2016), and construction costs of $5,625,000 and $750,000 in
45
equipment and furnishings are included in Year 2 (Fiscal Year 2016 to 2017). Note:
46
construction costs for this project have been reducedfrom the current CIP by approximately
47
$1,400,000, based on a 15,000 square foot facility and 50 dedicated parking spaces.
48
49
Main Branch Library Remodel (CIP page 25) –the need for an upfit and re-design of the Main
50
Branch Library was identified both in the County Space Needs Study and the 2012 Community
11
1
Needs Assessment portion of the Library’s strategic plan. To accommodate current and future
2
users, the library must make better use of the existing space by focusing on maximizing its
3
flexibility and adaptability. This includes a total of $1,200,000 in Years 6-10 for design,
4
construction, and equipment/furnishings.
5
6
Proposed Jail (CIP page 30) –total project costs of approximately $21,600,000, with site
7
related planning costs of $500,000 in Year 1 (Fiscal Year 2015 to 2016),
8
architectural/engineering costs of $500,000 in Year 2 (Fiscal Year 2016to 2017), with the
9
construction of a new 144 bed jail in Year 3 (Fiscal Year 2017 to 2018).
10
Note: construction costs for this project have been reduced from the current CIP by
11
approximately $4,100,000 due to building an initial 144 bed capacity, down from the 216 bed
12
capacityin the current CIP, with expansion potential of up to a 250 bed capacity.
13
14
Environment and Agriculture Center (CIP page 32) –includes $300,000 in Design Services in
15
Year 1 (FY 2015-16), and construction costs of approximately $3,100,000 in Year 2 (FY 2016-
16
17) for a new center at the current Revere Road site. The current Center on the property will be
17
deconstructed to allow for a new parking area. Note: this project has moved up one year from
18
the current CIP.
19
Life Safety –ADA (CIP page 35) –provides $25,000 in current year (FY 2014-15) for the
20
installation of automated access doors at West Campus and the Seymour Senior Center;
21
$35,000 in Year 1 (FY 2015-16) for fire alarm system improvements/replacement/install at the
22
Historic Courthouse and Efland Community Center; $60,000 in Year 2 (FY 2016-17) for elevator
23
improvements at the Historic Courthouse; $55,000 for fire alarm system design and installation
24
at 3 locations in Year 4 (FY 2018-19); and additional fire alarm system design and installation at
25
4 locations ($120,000 in Years 6-10).
26
27
Emergency Services Substations (CIP page 42) -funding for this project will enable the
28
construction of 4 new co-built EMS stations and 2 stand-alone substations in geographical
29
areas across the County that will help reduce response times. Year 2 (FY 2016-17) includes
30
$1.2 million for 2 co-builds, both with the Town of Hillsborough. Year 3 (FY 2017-18) includes a
31
$600,000 co-build with the Town of Chapel Hill. Year 4 (FY 2018-19) includes $2.1 million for
32
one co-build with the Town of Chapel Hill, and one stand-alone substation. An additional
33
standalonesubstation is planned in Years 6-10. Note: the initial two substations in FY 2016-17
34
havebeen pushed back one year from the current CIP.
35
36
9-1-1 Back-up Center (CIP page 44) –includes $369,499 in Year1 (FY 2015-16) to provide a
37
9-1-1 Back-up Communications Center at the West Campus Office Building in Hillsborough.
38
TheNC 9-1-1 Board requires that all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) have a back-up
39
plan,no later than July 1, 2015, in the event of an outage or abandonmentof the primary 9-1-1
40
Center. This project will be funded with 9-1-1 funds.
41
42
3.Community Centers –Mission Statement and Level of Service –
with Discussion
43
ofAssociated County Capital Projects
44
David Stancil said that there will now be three Community Centers. He said this puts
45
forth the need to discuss whata Community Center should be and how to address them
46
equitably. He reviewed the following Power Point slides:
47
48
Tonight’s Purpose
49
Review Current Status of Community Centers
50
Discuss and Consider Possible Mission Statement and
12
1
Objectives
2
Review and Provide Feedback on Potential Levels of
3
Service (LOS)
4
5
Orange County Community Centers
6
Efland Cheeks Community Center (opened 1992)
7
2,600 square feet, part of Efland Cheeks Park
8
Grant programs and community services until mid-late 2000’s
9
Several meetings with community residents re increased access
10
Rogers Road Community Center (2014)
11
4,000 square feet,on Purefoy Road north of Chapel Hill & Carrboro
12
Meetingrooms, kitchen and offices
13
Operated via agreement with Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association
14
Cedar Grove Community Center (coming March 2016)
15
10,000 square feet, adjoining Cedar Grove Park in northern Orange County
16
Gym, meeting rooms, multimedia rooms and more
17
Hybrid recreation and community center
18
19
Draft Mission Statement and Objectives
20
Define and elucidate why we have centers.
21
What is the purpose?
22
What are the community needs?
23
Engage community in advising, planning andprogramming.
24
Board of Advisors
25
Leverage volunteer hours to expandoperations
26
Level of Service Options
27
28
Closing Thoughts
29
An “equitable” level of service for all?
30
Need coordinated and consistent County response, whilerecognizing facility differences
31
Level of service applicable regardlessof provider
32
Serve the community -community involvement critical inplanning, programming and
33
operating
34
Upcoming community meetings in re:Cedar Grove Center
35
36
David Stancil said there is a range of servicesthat can be offered at community centers;
37
from full service (open twelve hours a day, six days a week) to being open only when a specific
38
request of use has been made.
39
Chair McKee said the consensus at Cedar Grove and Efland is for a secured access to
40
the communitycenterversus a locked facility.Hesaidhe encouraged residentsto talk tothe
41
Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association (RENA) as they have been successful.He said it
42
wouldbe critical to have a responsible community organization to act as a key holder in
43
coordination with the County.
44
David Stancil saidthat centers can be open without requiring full time County staff. He
45
added there are differences between the centers and the organizations that may be involved to
46
assist in operations. He saidleveraging volunteers or seasonal staff from the community may
47
be the key. He said the gymnasium at Cedar Grove was a good example of something that
48
may be highly used and require greater oversight than a non-profit can offer.
13
1
Commissioner Rich said the Rogers Road Community Center is unique dueto the pre-
2
existing relationships within the community. She said she would like to know how avolunteer
3
pool is created. She said she sawa vibrant volunteer staff at Seymour Center and wonders
4
how it can be replicated.
5
David Stancil said they have looked at the Seymour Center as a role model and they
6
would like to try and solicit volunteers from the local Efland community groups that are already
7
involved in this process. He said then thosevolunteers could be given training regarding
8
potential issuesspecific to the amenities of Cedar Grove.
9
DavidStancil said another model thatcan befollowed istohave the Countystart offas
10
the coordinatorand then transition to a community group.
11
Commissioner Price said feesneedto bekept at a minimum.
12
Commissioner Price said any organizations risingto the surface should be encouraged
13
to get training from RENA to move in the right direction. She said as the opening of Cedar
14
Grove approaches, she is hearing from community members eager to use thespace.
15
Commissioner Jacobs said when theEfland Community Centeropened, there was a
16
very active community group but therecreation department at that time was not receptive to
17
volunteers. He said he has tried to bring up each year in the CIP discussions about doing
18
something with the Efland Center but access has always been the issue. He said there are
19
responsible community persons that could take access responsibility.He said having a base
20
unit of service would be a very good idea but notes this is difficult asthe communities are very
21
different.
22
Commissioner Jacobs suggested if an advisory group is created that the Board of
23
County Commissioners shouldappoint the members. He asked if theYMCA hadbeen brought
24
into the discussion.
25
David Stancil said only in reference to the summer program they operate. He said there
26
are several non-profit organizations that could be potential partners: YMCA, Boys and Girls
27
Club, etc.
28
Commissioner Jacobs saidthe faith community may also be willing to be involved.
29
David Stancil said the faith community is being involved in the discussion.
30
Commissioner Jacobs asked for clarification regarding the internet café at theCedar
31
Grove Community Center. He said he understood it to be a library and wonders how it relates
32
to the kiosk.
33
Jeff Thompson said the café will have a strongwirelessaccesspoint.He said the
34
intentionofthe internet café is to use the wireless access pointand the kiosk is to provide
35
product.
36
Lucinda Munger said the kiosk will be asheltered,outside product.She said this was
37
doneto deliverlibrary resourcesto the rural areawithout an increase in personnel. She said
38
this is a first step in order to gauge demand for services. She said more programming will be
39
considered in the futureif there is community interest.
40
David Stancil said there is community interest in Efland and Cedar Grove as it relates to
41
more programming. He said it is a balance between the consolidation of services in an
42
efficient, centralized facility and working with the communities. He added that the internet café
43
may have a few computers available for check out and use in the café.
44
Bonnie Hammersley said theoperating budgetis in process. She saidshe and David
45
Stancil have talked about the operating side of the centers. She said a model that would
46
support these community centers equallyis being pursuedand that even RENA needs support.
47
She said volunteer programs should be encouraged at all of the centers. She said her
48
recommended budgetwill have a solution for this issue.
49
Commissioner Price said she would like to see consistency in policies established for
50
the use of community center facilities.
14
1
2
Paul Laughton reviewed the following information from the CIP:
3
4
Cedar Grove Community Center (CIP page 20) -includes $2,822,226 in current year (Fiscal
5
Year 2014 to 2015) for construction and adaptive reuse of the former Northern Human Services
6
Center.
7
8
Cedar Grove Community Center Library Kiosk (CIP page 24) –includes $180,000 in Year 1
9
(Fiscal Year 2015 to 2016) to providepatrons an automated material kiosk at the Cedar Grove
10
Community Center providing 24 hour electronic access for checking in and out materials.
11
12
Historic Rogers Road Neighborhood Community Center (CIP page 37) –during Fiscal Year
13
2012 to 2013, the Board of Commissioners approved the establishment of capital project for the
14
construction of a Historic Rogers Road Neighborhood Community Center with funds of
15
$650,000. For Year 1 (Fiscal Year2015to 2016), $260,000 is budgeted, which includes the
16
County’s 43 percentshare of a Phase II Study, and construction costs of $3,025,000 in Year 2
17
(Fiscal Year2016to 2017) for the County’s 43 percentshare of Orange Water And Sewer
18
Authority’s (OWASA) Sewer Concept plan to provide sewer to 86 parcels identified by the
19
Historic Rogers Road Neighborhood Task Force.
20
21
Efland-Cheeks Community Center Upfit (CIP page 38) –includes approximately $425,000 in
22
Year 5 (Fiscal Year2019to 2020) for an upfit/interior renovation to the current facility, including
23
new equipment and furnishings, as well as area landscaping.
24
25
Commissioner Rich said when the provision of sewer for the Rogers Road area is
26
discussed can the installation of actual sewer infrastructure be included. She said currently the
27
conversation only includes the laying of the infrastructure and not the sewer for the eighty-six
28
historic homes.
29
30
4.To Continue Review and Discussion of the Manager’s Recommended FY 2015-20
31
Capital Investment Plan (CIP) –
Park Capital Projects
32
Paul Laughton and David Stancil reviewed the following park projects:
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County Capital Park projects –Highlights
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a.)Blackwood Farm Park(CIP page 45)
36
Includes $150,000 in Year 2 (Fiscal Year2016to 2017) for final design and construction
37
drawings, with Park construction funds of $1,900,000 in Year 3 (Fiscal Year 2017 to
38
2018), and approximately $1,100,000 in Year 4 (Fiscal Year2018to 2019) for a
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permanent parks operations base. Note: the parks operations base has moved up one
40
year from the current CIP.
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42
Chair McKee asked about the usageof the existing house on the site.
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David Stancil said the hope is to use the house for office space. He added that the
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porch has already received repairs and can be used for events such as re-enactors or
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speakers.
46
Commissioner Jacobs asked if the interviews withthe Blackwood sisters’ are on the
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website.
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David Stancil said a link to the Southern Carolina History Project can be added but has
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not been done thus far. He said it would be a great resource. He said the planned opening of
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the site is in late May. He said the weather has caused delays.
15
1
Commissioner Rich said the Intergovernmental ParksWork Group has beentalking
2
about creating a “walking tour” app for this site.
3
Commissioner Rich asked if the new roadwillbe ready for the soft opening.
4
David Stancil said no,but it would be part of the year three project.
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Commissioner Rich said entering and exiting the location will be tricky.
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David Stancil said there will be some mirrors and signage to help.
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Commissioner Jacobs said when he was on the Visitor’s BureauBoarda possible civil
8
rights audio tour had been discussed. He suggested Commissioner Rich and that the Board
9
may want to look at such a possibility.
10
11
b.)Bingham District Park(Page 46)
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Bingham District Park,on a site to be acquired, is a future park anticipated to have both
13
active and low-impact recreation facilities in Bingham Township, as per the Parks and
14
Recreation Master Plan. Funds for land acquisition would come via the Lands Legacy
15
program. Note:It is possible some combination of sites may be utilized to comprise the
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eventual Bingham Park, but the funding proposed herein reflects a single-site district
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park model. As with previous projects, this future park site would be landbanked for the
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future construction of park facilities,tentatively projected for Year 6.
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20
David Stancil said in 2008 all park projects were directed to be included in the CIP. He
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said the current CIP included everything and errs on the high side. He said the work does not
22
need to be done all at once, it canbe phasedin. He added it may not cost as much as
23
anticipated andgrants are available as well but cannot be assumed until secured. He said
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some items from Years seven and eight have moved up to Years three and four and are now
25
being seen on the horizon.
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Chair McKee added the projects have moved up but can also move back down again.
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c.)Cedar Grove Park, Phase II(Page 47)
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Phase I of Cedar Grove Park opened in 2008 and includes baseball/softball fields, trails,
30
a playground, basketball courts, a Little Free Library and other amenities. Lighting
31
replacement at Field 1, which predates the park, will be needed in 2018, as will
32
renovation of basketball courts, as noted in the P&R Master Plan. The second phase of
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this facility as designed would feature another baseball/softball field, tennis courts,
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picnic shelter and additional parking. Construction of Phase II is slated for year 6.
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Chair McKee said the Community Center being constructed on this property may cause
37
the priority of thispark work to move up.
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Commissioner Jacobs said he agreed. He asked if therelationship with OWASA has
39
changed. He asked if the County may be able to take over recreation at CaneCreek or if it is
40
possible that more land will becomeavailable.
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David Stancil said yes there has been some change. He said the recreation facility at
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Cane Creekis still a possibility and may offset some costsat Bingham Park. He said OWASA
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did a report on sludge and stated intention to pull back but the Board of Directors seems to
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have stopped short of doing so; therefore, some of the potentially interesting properties are still
45
in limbo.
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d.)Conservation Easements(Page 48)
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The Conservation Easement component of the Lands Legacy program was initially
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funded in July 2002, and provides matching funds for State and federal grants to
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acquire conservation easements to conserve prime or threatened farmland, sensitive
16
1
natural areas, or important water quality buffer lands in keeping with Board goals and
2
Lands Legacy priorities.Generally, these lands have conservation values or agricultural
3
operations to be enhanced and protected, and the land stays in private ownership and is
4
not publicly-accessible except upon landowner consent. Over 2,000 acres of prime
5
farmland and natural areas have been conserved todate, with millions of dollars in
6
It is anticipated that additional matching funds of
state/federal grants leveraged.
7
approximately 50 percentwould again be leveraged for these projects, as
8
reflected inthe grant funds above.
This project would provide $250,000 each year for
9
conservation easements, including $125,000 in County funds and an expected match
10
amount of $125,000 from state/federal grants.
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Commissioner Jacobs saidCongress is looking to sell public lands, thus limiting
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conservation easement andpark funding. He said federal funds should be aggressively
14
pursued while they are still available.
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David Stancil said the County is in a position to do so.
th
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Chair McKee said the BOCC approved funding for the Lands Legacyon April 7, 2015,
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andheasked how those funds play intothisitem.
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David Stancil said historically there havebeen separate accounts, due to the inability to
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mix funding streams from the 2001 bond funds. He said it is his understanding that some of the
20
funds approved for the Lands Legacy could be re-tasked to assist with conservation. He said
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keeping a separate conservation account is still preferable.
22
Chair McKee said he thought that if a portion of the Bond Lands Legacy funds was not
23
accessed that it would lapse.
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Paul Laughton said $2.4 million did lapse.
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Chair McKee said because those monies did lapse, he thought the funds approved two
26
nights ago would be kept separate and that it would not be bound by the same restrictions as
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Bond fund money would be.
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Paul Laughton saidon page 51 it shows that the $2.4 million in the Lands Legacy
29
project is kept separately.
30
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e.)Upper Eno Nature Preserve(Page 49)
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The Upper Eno Nature Preserve includes approximately 400 acres of sensitive natural
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heritage lands, wildlife habitat and primeforests along the Eno River and its main
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tributarieswest of Hillsborough. Public access is envisioned at two locations -the Seven
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Mile Creek Natural Area (adjacent to the Moorefields Local Landmark protected lands)
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and McGowan Creek Natural Area (near US 70 West). The Upper Eno Preserve would
37
also include a portion of the future NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) as it runs northeast
38
to Hillsborough and Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area. Initial work using
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existing staff resources occurred in Fiscal Year2012to 2013 to rough out an initial loop
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trail, and continued into Fiscal Year 2013to 2014 to identify parking and signage. The
41
project is anticipated to begin in earnest in Year 1 with completion of the Seven Mile
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Creek Natural Area, as well as wildlife viewing areas and primitive camping. The
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McGowan Creek Natural Area component is envisioned for Year 5 and will require road
44
redesign. Grant funding would bepursued for this project. The Year 6-10 amount
45
includes funding for "waystation" amenities for when MST is completed (funding shown
46
in Year 8).
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48
f.)Soccer.com Soccer Center (Phase II) (CIP page 50)
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This represents an investment in the current facility (formally named Eurosport Soccer
50
Center), with $425,000 included in Year 1 (Fiscal Year2015to 2016) for possible land
17
1
acquisition for future expansion; Design costs of $250,000 in Year 4 (Fiscal Year2018
2
to 2019); and approximately $4.6 million in Year 5 for the construction of new artificial
3
turf fields, tennis courts, parking, restrooms/equipment building, equipment, and
4
stormwater controls. Note: Possible land acquisition has moved up one year from the
5
current CIP.
6
7
Commissioner Burroughssaid what kinds of tournaments occur atthis site.
8
David Stancil said there is information that he can send toher.
9
10
)
g.)Lands Legacy Program (CIP page 51
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The Lands Legacy Program, established in April 2000, is an award-winning,
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comprehensive program to conserve and protect the County's most critical natural and
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cultural resources, including prime and threatened farmland; future parklands; natural
14
areas, wildlife habitat and prime forests; watershed stream buffers; and historic and
15
archaeological sites. Farmland conservation and other natural areas conservation also
16
occurs through the related "Conservation Easements"project. Acquisition of the
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Bingham Township Park site, continued acquisitions for the Upper EnoNature Preserve,
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the Jordan Lake Macrosite natural area and possible expansion of Soccer.com Soccer
19
Center are among several top anticipated priorities for these current and planned funds.
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Currently, $1,513,408 is available in this project for those purposes. The County has
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and will continue to aggressively seek to leverage these funds through grants ($5 million
22
Although planned for continued
to date) and partnership funding.
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funding, prior bond authorization for this amount of $2.4 million lapsed in 2010,
24
so new financing of $400,000 was approved in Fiscal Year2014to 2015, with the
25
remaining$2.0 million also recommended in Fiscal Year 2014 to 2015.
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h.)Millhouse Road Park (CIP page 52)
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This project reflects a possible Town of Chapel Hill/County partnership concept for this
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project. Includes $100,000 in Year 2 (Fiscal Year 2016 to 2017) for design, engineering,
30
and preconstruction costs; and $6,400,000 in Year 3(Fiscal Year2017to 2018) for Park
31
construction, including a soccer field complex, walking trails, and other amenities. This
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joint facility is reflected in both the Town and County’s Parks and Recreation Master
33
Plans.
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David Stancil said he had been in communication with the Chapel Hill Town Manager
36
and the Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Director. He said it is anticipated that the Master
37
Plan for this park will be created inthe fall.He said as this project moves forward, it may
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become a phased project to allow for smaller increments of financial commitment.
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Chair McKee asked ifthe Town and the County’s timing aligned.
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David Stancil said currently the timing does align,but thatmay change due to other
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Parks projects the Town has planned.
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Chair McKee said being on the same page with the Town would be beneficial. He also
43
asked if artificial turf is being considered for this project.
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David Stancil said the expectation is yes. He said this project may be the place to take
45
the plunge of using artificial turf.
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Chair McKee said he has heard only positive feedback regarding the artificial turf
47
installed at Cedar Falls Park,andhefelt that park had served as a good pilot case.
48
Commissioner Jacobs asked ifartificial turfcould be considered for the Soccer.com
49
fields.
50
David Stancil said yes for a couple of thefields.
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1
2
i.)Mountains to Sea Trail (MTST) (Page 53)
3
The NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail, or MST, is a part of the State parks system and would
4
traverse portions of Orange County.This project reflects construction of segments of
5
the Mountains-to-Sea Trail during 2019 and beyond, as lands are acquired and
6
segments connected. A master plan process has been initiated by State Parks, and will
7
continue into summer 2015.A master plan is needed prior to anytrail construction to
8
specifically identify the trail location and develop a plan for implementation and
9
operation.Lands would be acquired (voluntarily) using the Lands Legacy Program
10
Funds. (Note: The Seven Mile Creek Natural Area portion of Upper EnoNature
11
Preserve includes a segment of the MST).
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j.)New Hope Preserve/Hollow Rock Public Access Area(Page 54)
14
The New Hope Preserve, which includes the Hollow Rock Natural Area, will feature
15
hiking trails and environmental education/signage throughout a 72acre site owned by
16
Orange County, Durham County and the Town of Chapel Hill. These costs are for
17
planned site facilities (parking, driveway, trails and bridges, kiosks and other low-impact
18
amenities) that would be built in three phases. Durham County willlikely contribute 50%
19
of the cost of these facilities and amenities (pending an interlocal agreement to this
20
effect). Archaeological survey work is underway (via a $15,000 grant and Orange
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County $10,000 match), and additional grant funding of $200,000 for the first phase of
22
facilities has been awarded (with a local match of $25,000 from Durham and Orange
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allocated in prior years). Phase I facilities (trails) are underway. Phase II facilities would
24
be constructed in Year 2, and Phase III (if Pickett Roadis closed) would be beyond Year
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5. Note: The draft MOU between the local governments will be presented for approval
26
this spring prior to Year 2 construction.
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k.)Northeast District Park(Page 55)
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Northeast District Park is a142 acre site acquired in late 2007 as the future district park
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for northern Orange County. The site was acquired with the potential for appropriate co-
31
located facilities in mind. A Preliminary Concept Plan was prepared by staff that
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identifies the most likely locations for different types of park activities, including a
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potential solid waste convenience center and possible emergency services substation
34
and cellular tower within the park. No park concept plan has been developed, but is
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anticipated for 2015to 2016. The property is currently land-banked and leased to a local
36
farmer for cattle grazing pending future construction. Some small-scale site
37
management duties are projected for Year 1.
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l.)RiverPark, Phase II-(Page 56)
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Phase II of RiverPark, located behind the Courthouse and County East Campus, would
41
include a performance shell for events, benches, and a small exhibit on the
42
Occonneechee tribe. Additional facilities may be needed related to the Town of
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Hillsborough pedestrian improvements along Churton Street.
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m.)Twin Creeks Park,Phase II (Page 57)
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Twin Creeks (Moniese Nomp) Park is located along Old NC 86 north of Carrboro and
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connects to Morris Grove Elementary School (school was part of the overall site). Phase
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I of the park (Jones Creek Greenway) was completed in 2011. Funding for Phase II of
49
this park is projected for Year 6, with design and pre-construction in Year 5. However,
50
an opportunity to construct the main entry road may exist in conjunction with shared
19
1
roadway property owner MI Homes (Ballentine subdivision).To that end, $600,000 for
2
road construction was funded in Fiscal Year2012 to 2013 and is reflected in "Prior
3
Years Funding." However, a road network analysis is planned by the Town of Carrboro
4
that may delay activity on the road project. Participation in theroad construction cost is
5
reflected here, if the County chooses to participate. (If it does not participate, a longer,
6
more costly segment of the road may be required in the future at the time of park
7
construction.) A Phase III of the park would likely exist and be beyond the scope of
8
Year10.
9
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Commissioner Price questioned why this park is taking solong to come on line.
11
David Stancil said the developer of the Ballentine property holds part of the same
12
entrance road as the County. He said the County hasmoney that was previously set aside. He
13
said the Ballentine project has been unable to progress due to a forthcoming study by the Town
14
of Carrboroof the transportation network and the environmental analysis of the entire northern
15
transition area. He said the study has been ongoing for the past eighteen months. He said he
16
is awaiting an update from the Town of Carrboro. He said the project is a flagship facility and is
17
very costly. He said there is potential for a third phase.
18
Commissioner Jacobs said the problem with Twin Creeks is that Carrboro wants the
19
Countyto build atwo to four lane highway on the eastern border.
20
Commissioner Jacobs asked ifthere isspace to put storm debris at Twin Creeks while
21
construction is halted.
22
David Stancil said most of the site is wooded and would need to be cleared. He said
23
there is one small five acre meadow, located on the south eastern corner of the property, which
24
could be a possibility.
25
Chair McKee asked if theTown of Carrboro hadexpressed openness to joint
26
development.
27
David Stancil said the topic hadnot been discussed recently, but in past conversations it
28
was discussed at length and there was no interest. He saidsimilar discussions have taken
29
place with the schools systems.
30
Chair McKee said it may be a good idea to open the discussions again.
31
Commissioner Jacobs said he had spoken to the Mayor, in years past, about the
32
possibility of the County providing the facilities and the Town providing the programming and
33
maintenance. He said thiswas refused. He added that in current informal conversations there
34
appears to be more interest and revisiting the issue may be worthwhile.
35
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n.)Little River Park, Phase II (page 58)
37
Based on the Little River Park master plan (existing Phase I plan completed in 2002;
38
plan for Phase II being drafted by Orange and Durham staffs for future review). Year 1
39
and 2 activities would be focused on infrastructure improvements needed (re-pave the
40
park entry road, expand parking, repave the ADA loop trail, and add a new maintenance
41
shed). In Years 6-7, other improvements including a new playground and new trailsare
42
projected to be needed. Fifty percentof funding to come from Durham County.
43
44
David Stancil said Durham County is not able to fund their portion next year and will
45
needto push this back one year.
46
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o.)Park and Recreation Facility Renovations and Repairs (Page 59)
48
Each year, park and recreation equipment and facilities need renovation, repair,
49
replacement and upgrades. This project provides for a scheduled funding source for
50
these needs. The benefit of this approach, created in 2014, is similar to that for County
20
1
HVAC and roofing projects, and funds needed are allocated from a schedule of needs
2
calculated during the 2030 P&R Master Plan process. This allows a schedule of repairs
3
and renovations, etc. that can be planned for in advance. Each year the master list of
4
scheduled projects is reviewed and prioritized, and projects proposed to be funded from
5
this account.
6
7
Commissioner Jacobs askedwhether the Greene Tract andtrails would ever be added
8
to the CIP.
9
David Stancil said it is still listed as a solid waste asset,but it could be added to the CIP.
10
He said he would needdirection from the Board.
11
Commissioner Jacobs said it is a community asset. He said the request is forsome
12
natural trails that make it accessible.
13
David Stancil said there will be a payback of $700,000to $800,000 to the solid waste
14
fundfor the portion of the Greene Tract that the County owns.
15
Bonnie Hammersley said this is an accounting issue that merits further investigation.
16
Commissioner Jacobs asked for an update on the Collins property little league fields.
17
David Stancil said the managers and staff met with the Town and HYAA to
18
accommodate that site with fields.
19
Commissioner Jacobs requested a memo be sent to bring the Board up to speed.
20
Bonnie Hammersley expressed her willingness to answer or research any questions that
th
21
the Board may have. She said the final hour oftheMay 14meeting will focus solely on the
22
2015 to 2016 items. She said if there are any questions pertaining to those years specifically,
23
she will be sure to have answered by that meeting.
24
25
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich,seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
26
adjourn the meeting at 9:56p.m.
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Earl McKee, Chair
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31
Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board