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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-05-2015 APPROVED 6/16/2015 MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING May 5, 2015 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Building in Hillsborough, N.C. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair McKee and Commissioners Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Bernadette Pelissier, Renee Price and Penny Rich COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Mia Burroughs COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Assistant County Manager Cheryl Young and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Chair McKee called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. He noted the following items at the Commissioners' places: - PowerPoint slides for item 5a - Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendments for Agricultural Support Enterprises within the Rural Buffer Land Use Classification (No Additional Comments Accepted) - PowerPoint slides for item 7b - Orange County Solar Development Initiatives Update PUBLIC CHARGE Chair McKee dispensed with the reading of the Public Charge. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Jennie Stroud said she is from the Rogers Road community in Chapel Hill, and her community is still in desperate need of sewer infrastructure. She said the neighborhood is having major issues with sewage coming up through the ground. She said the odor is awful and it is becoming a health issue, and the mosquitoes are also very bad. She said the community seeks to maintain their properties, their investments and their affordable housing. Chair McKee said the BOCC agreed with the urgency of the issue. He asked Bonnie Hammersley to have staff give a detailed timeline for the sewer project to the Board and Ms. Stroud. Commissioner Price arrived at 7:08pm. Commissioner Dorosin asked the County Manager if there is some form of mosquito control that Orange County can access for this area. Chair McKee echoed this request. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) 3. Announcements and Petitions by Board Members Commissioner Jacobs asked what types of pesticides and herbicides are used by the County on County properties. Commissioner Jacobs said the State Economic Development Partnership Director is coming to speak to the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce, and he asked Steve Brantley for an update regarding the current relationship between the BOCC and the State Economic Development Partnership. Commissioner Jacobs said he had read a letter from the agenda review team, in reference to his petition at the last Board meeting, about discussing the issue of the petitions process at an upcoming work session. He said the letter advised there to be a discussion between the Chair and the Board members. He suggested that such a discussion should take place in a public forum, and asked if the topic could be included in a regular meeting or a work session. Chair McKee said the request would be reviewed again during agenda review. Commissioner Jacobs asked if this discussion could take place before the Board takes their summer break. Chair McKee said yes. Commissioner Rich said she supported Commissioner Jacobs' request. She said a more lengthy discussion, including the input of all commissioners, would be very helpful. Commissioner Price said an email was received regarding an applicant to the Chapel Hill Planning Board, and she would like more information. Chair McKee said more details have come to light since this email was received, and he would formulate a response to bring everyone up to date. Commissioner Price said the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) distributes a State magazine, and the Orange County Economic Development team was recognized for their Orange County Expo at University Mall. Commissioner Pelissier said the Board of Health uses dashboards for performance indicators. She asked if there could be a presentation at a future work session about dashboards. She said she feels dashboards may be a useful tool for multiple County departments, but would like everyone to be educated about them prior to making any decisions. Commissioner Dorosin requested that staff review all County-owned property, to see if there is any property that could be used for affordable housing. Commissioner Rich requested information regarding the need for a dialogue with Chapel Hill and Carrboro regarding the Greene Tract property. She said the Greene Tract property would be a perfect place for affordable housing. Commissioner Rich said the Board of Elections demonstrated their new voting machines this afternoon from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. She said most people are working during these hours, and she suggested having an evening presentation, so that more members of the public can attend. Chair McKee said the request will be passed along to the Board of Elections. Commissioner Pelissier suggested having the Greene Tract conversation at the next Assembly of Governments (AOG) meeting in November. She said she has heard interest from a variety of elected officials throughout the County. Commissioner Jacobs said he raised the issue about trails, on the County owned portion of the Greene Tract, during the Capital Investment Plan (CIP) discussion. He said the trails discussion did not require the presence of other local governments to move forward. Chair McKee said the Greene Tract has been a recurrent topic of discussion the entire time he has served on the BOCC. He said it may be time to move the conversation forward. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations a. Historic Preservation Month in Orange County The Board considered approving a proclamation proclaiming May 2015 as Historic Preservation Month in Orange County, authorizing the Chair to sign, and extending an invitation to the public to support the preservation of the County's irreplaceable historic and archaeological resources. Peter Sandbeck, Cultural Resources Coordinator for the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR), introduced Historic Preservation Commission Chair Todd Dickinson, who read the proclamation: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH IN ORANGE COUNTY PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Orange County can be proud of its long history of recognizing and protecting its rich historic and archaeological resources through the dedicated efforts of individuals, non- profit groups, municipal and county governments; and WHEREAS, Orange County partners with the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, Preservation Chapel Hill, and other non-profit groups and local governments to preserve these important, and often irreplaceable, resources; and WHEREAS, Orange County has demonstrated its commitment to historic preservation by using the restored Alexander Dickson House in Hillsborough as a visitor center, repairing and restoring historic farmsteads at future county park sites, preserving the historic Old County Courthouse, and designating important properties with historic and architectural significance as local landmarks; and WHEREAS, Orange County recently renovated the former auditorium in the Whitted Center for use as a permanent meeting room for the Board of County Commissioners and is presently renovating the Cedar Grove School for new use as a community center, thereby ensuring the preservation of these historic school buildings for enjoyment and use by all residents; and WHEREAS, Orange County government works actively to protect its own archaeological and cultural resources during County-funded construction projects through a "Cultural and Archaeological Policy" that serves as a model for other counties in North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the Orange County Historic Preservation Commission has obtained grant funding for a project to permanently document the County's historic resources by producing a book depicting its historic houses and farmsteads, in partnership with the Town of Hillsborough and the State Historic Preservation Office; and WHEREAS, historic preservation is an effective tool for fostering local pride and maintaining community and rural character while enhancing livability; and WHEREAS, historic preservation is relevant for all residents of Orange County, both urban and rural, of all ages, all walks of life and all ethnic and cultural backgrounds; NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 2015 as Historic Preservation Month and call upon the people of Orange County to join their fellow residents in recognizing and participating in this special observance. THIS, THE 5th DAY OF MAY, 2015. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Price for the Board to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation designating May as Historic Preservation Month in Orange County and recommended the Board to extend an invitation to the public to support the preservation of the County's irreplaceable historic and archaeological resources. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Older Americans Month Proclamation The Board considered approving a proclamation joining Federal and State governments in designating the month of May 2015 as Older Americans Month, and a time to honor older adults for their contributions to society and to Orange County, and authorizing the Chair to sign the proclamation. Janice Tyler, Director of the Orange County Department on Aging, introduced Mary Kay Kraft and Norma White, both who are Project Engage Leaders. Mary Kay Kraft read the proclamation: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Proclamation Older Americans Month — May 2015 Theme - "Get Into the Act" WHEREAS, Orange County includes over 23,000 persons aged 60 and older; and WHEREAS, Orange County includes a thriving community of older adults who deserve recognition for their contribution and sacrifices to ensure a better life for future generations; and WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners is committed to helping all individuals live longer, healthier lives in the communities of their choice for as long as possible; and WHEREAS, we recognize the value of community engagement and service in helping older adults remain healthy and active while giving back to others; and WHEREAS, our community can provide opportunities to enrich the lives of individuals of all ages by: • Promoting and engaging in activity, wellness, and social inclusion. • Emphasizing home and community-based services that support independent living. • Ensuring community members of all ages benefit from the contributions and experience of older adults. NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 2015 to be Older Americans Month and urge all residents to take time this month to celebrate older adults and the people who serve and support them as powerful and vital individuals who greatly contribute to the community. THIS, THE 5th DAY OF MAY, 2015. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Price for the Board to approve the proclamation, designating May as Older Americans Month, and to authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 5. Public Hearings a. Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendments for Agricultural Support Enterprises within the Rural Buffer Land Use Classification (No Additional Comments Accepted) The Board considered: 1. Receiving the Planning Board's recommendation; 2. Closing the public hearing; 3. Deliberating as necessary on the proposed amendments; and 4. Deciding accordingly and/or adopting the Statement of Consistency and the Ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan and UDO as recommended by the Planning Board and staff to implement a program commonly referred to as "Agricultural Support Enterprises" within the Rural Buffer land use classification. Perdita Holtz made the following PowerPoint presentation: Agricultural Support Enterprises with the Rural Buffer Land Use Classification Recent History • Heard at February 2014 quarterly public hearing • Joint Planning public hearing in March 2014 for necessary amendments to the joint planning documents -Adopted by the three local governments in April 2015 • Implementing regulations to the County's Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance are under consideration tonight Changes from Version Presented at Public Hearing • Shown in green text in Attachment 3 • Incorporate recommendations made by the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill ■ Remove four additional uses from consideration as an ASE-CZ in the rural buffer -Agricultural Processing Facility -Microbrewery with Major Events -Winery with Major Events -Assembly Facility, Greater than 300 Occupants • Provide opportunity for Agricultural Preservation Board to comment on ASE projects in the rural buffer • Encourage Reuse of Existing Farm Buildings in the rural buffer by potentially reducing required setback areas • Clarify that Veterinary Clinics and Veterinary Hospitals are intended primarily for large animal facilities Planning Board Recommendation • May 7, 2014 — unanimously recommended approval of the amendments as originally proposed • April 1, 2015 — reviewed changes made in response to Towns' recommendation. -Voted 7-1 to recommend approval of the amendments Recommendation for Tonight • Receive the Planning Board's recommendation • Close the public hearing • Deliberate as desired • Decide accordingly -Adopt the Statement of Consistency in Attachment 2 -Adopt Ordinance in Attachment 3 Commissioner Jacobs said he had never seen staff characterize a Planning Board member's time of service in an abstract, to qualify their vote. Perdita Holtz said staff wanted to show that the Planning Board had voted unanimously in 2014, but not so in 2015. She said the member that voted no was not a member of the Board in 2014. Commissioner Jacobs said he thought it was inappropriate to put that information in an abstract, because it singled a person out. Commissioner Price asked how a major event at a winery or micro brewery is defined, as compared to a minor event. Perdita Holtz said the two primary qualifiers of major versus minor events are the frequency of events, and the number of people in attendance at the events. Commissioner Price asked if the number of people attending must be under 300. Perdita Holtz said she believed it is under 150 people. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs thanked Perdita Holtz, and the planning staff, for working with the BOCC through this long process. He said some philosophical differences with the Towns were resolved. Commissioner Rich asked if Perdita Holtz could remind the Board of the content of the one year check-in. Perdita Holtz said one recommendation is to have an annual report on any activities within the Rural Buffer pertaining to Agricultural Support Enterprises. She said the update will likely be a written or verbal report at the annual AOG Meeting. Commissioner Rich asked if there is any expected action to be taken after the report comes in. Perdita Holtz said, at this time, it is only a report but if needed, future dialogue could occur. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the Board to adopt the Statement of Consistency, contained within Attachment 2, and the Ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan and UDO contained within Attachment 3, as recommended by the Planning Board and staff. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Housing and Community Development Consolidated Plan — FY 2015-2020 The Board considered: 1. Receiving comments from the public regarding the FY 2015- 2016 Annual Action Plan for the HOME Program in Orange County; 2) Closing the public hearing; and 3) Adopting the resolution approving the FY 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan. Audrey Spencer-Horsley, Director of the Department of Housing, Human Rights and Community Development, said there will probably not be many public comments due to the amount of outreach their departments and other organizations did ahead of time. The plan's primary focus is to determine the housing needs in Orange County and to develop goals from that. She reviewed some of the highlights of the findings from the needs assessment from the Consolidated Plan: • Affordable housing for older adults • Affordable rental housing PUBLIC COMMENT: Minister Robert Campbell said he lives in the Rogers — Eubanks neighborhood. He said the Orange County Community Development Plan, as related to housing, does not assist those who live in manufactured homes, and his application was denied. He said his home is still under the guidelines of zoning and policies, but the stipulations do vary. He said if the BOCC desires to maintain affordable homes, owners of manufactured housing are left out of the loop, though they are on minimum incomes. He said it was hurtful that it took the people who visited him only ten minutes to tell him his application was denied, though on his original application a year ago he noted he lived in a mobile home. Chair McKee asked the Housing Director to address Minister Campbell. Audrey Spencer-Horsely said the rehab funding received through the State is not an eligibility process. The State has to go out to look at a property to see if a house can be brought up to a certain standard, with the understanding that only a certain dollar amount can be spent on bringing the property up to that standard. She said the applications are addressed in the order in which they are received, which is likely why it took a year for Minister Campbell's application to be reviewed. She added many times applications are received, but there is not enough time or staff to follow up on all applications. Chair McKee said he would be interested in how the process addresses a manufactured home that is brought in on a chassis, versus one that is set up on the site. Audrey Spencer-Horsely said she would do further research. She said it is her understanding that manufactured housing is not eligible for the rehabilitation funding. She said there is no other source of funding for rehabilitation. Chair McKee asked for a definitive statement on state regulation to be gathered, for future reference. Commissioner Dorosin said there has been a real disconnect between the issue raised by Minister Campbell and the State. He said the Board believes this is a priority and he said if this State funding does not address rehabilitation for manufactured housing, then Orange County should create funding locally. Commissioner Dorosin asked if there are numbers available regarding the members of elderly population that are considered low-income. He said the report in the packet states that housing for the elderly should be a priority, but it does not break down how many are considered low-income. Audrey Spencer-Horsely said the report does include tables that provide this information. Commissioner Jacobs said he supported Commissioner Dorosin, and he suggested that the Manufactured Housing Association would likely be one of the County's most aggressive allies and should be brought into the conversation regarding affordable housing. Commissioner Rich asked if there is a definition of a manufactured home, and if it varies between government entities. Audrey Spencer-Horsely said she knows there is a definition that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses, and she will research if the State uses a different one. Chair McKee said there continues to be a stigma associated with mobile homes and manufactured housing. He said this stigma is unnecessary and should be eradicated. He said as a young adult he lived in a mobile home for fourteen years, as it was what he could afford. He said the new emphasis on tiny houses is very much like the mobile home in which he used to live. Commissioner Rich said she agreed and she felt that public sentiment is moving away from the stigma. John Roberts said North Carolina has a definition of a mobile home and he read it: "Manufactured home -A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight feet or more in width or is 40 feet or more in length, or when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical systems contained therein." A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier for the Board to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF THE FY 2015-2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR THE CONSORTIUM ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA BE IT RESOLVED, by the Orange County Board of Commissioners, that the Commissioners authorize the County Manager to submit the FY 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan for housing and community development programs to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Orange County Consortium including all understandings, assurances, and certifications required therein. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Manager is hereby designated as the authorized representative of the County to act in connection with the submission of the FY 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan and the annual updates to provide such additional information as may be required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This, the 5th day of May, 2015. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the Board to adopt the resolution approving the FY 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Consolidated Plan Annual Action Plan/HOME Program The Board considered: 1. Receiving comments from the public regarding the FY 2015- 2016 Annual Action Plan for the HOME Program in Orange County; 2) Closing the public hearing; 3) Adopting a Resolution approving the FY 2015-2016 Consolidated Housing Plan Annual Action Plan; and approving the proposed HOME Program Activities for 2015 - 2016; and 4) Authorizing the Manager to implement the HOME Program as approved by the BOCC including the ability to execute agreements with partnering non-profit organizations after consultation with the County Attorney. Audrey Spencer-Horsley said the recommendations were made by the HOME Consortium Committee and she reviewed the funding. She said this is the first time the submission would be done entirely electronically. She said previously the submission had been done jointly with the Town of Chapel Hill. She said this year HUD requested separate plans, and the County appealed. She said HUD allowed a consolidated 5-year regional plan from the County and the Town together; but moving forward there will be separate actions plans, submitted both by the Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County. Commissioner Rich asked if Habitat for Humanity knows how much initial funding there is. Audrey Spencer-Horsley said the funding is usually based on what an organization received the prior year. She said there is no limit on what an organization can request, but they may not receive that amount. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the funds allocated to Empowerment are different than those previously decided upon. Audrey Spencer-Horsly she believed the allocations are based on the Committee's recommendations. She said some contingencies have been followed up on, per the request of the Committee. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the Board to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ORANGE COUNTY FY 2015-2016 HOME PROGRAM DESIGN BE IT RESOLVED, by the Orange County Board of Commissioners as a member of the Orange County HOME Consortium approves the submission of the FY 2015-2016 Consolidate Plan Annual Action Plan HOME Program activities. Homeownership Assistance Funds would be allocated to Orange County Habitat for Humanity to provide deferred payment zero interest second mortgages for eleven (11) homes throughout Orange County. Homes will be sold to households earning between 30 percent and 65 percent of the area median income. (Requested amount: $270,000) $100,455 New Construction Funds would be allocated to the Downtown Housing Improvement Corporation, Inc. (DHIC) to support the new construction of 80 apartment homes for households at less than 60% AMI on Legion Road in Chapel Hill. Greenfield Place will have a mix of one, two and three bedroom units along with a community building and other amenities. (Requested amount: $300,000) $154,500 Acquisition Funds would be allocated to EmPOWERment, Inc., for the acquisition of a single family property for lease to households earning 80% or less AMI. (Requested amount: $60,000) $30,000 Housing Rehabilitation Funds would be allocated to EmPOWERment, Inc., for rehabilitation of a single family property for lease to veteran households earning 80% or less AMI. (Requested amount: $46,500) $46,500 Tenant Based Rental Assistance Funds would be provided to Housing for New Hope to support homeless outreach and increase housing support that assist the homeless of Orange County acquire permanent housing. (Requested amount: $50,000) $50,000 Program Administration $ 31,183 TOTAL FY 2015-2016 HOME PROGRAM FUNDS $412,638 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Manager is hereby designated as the authorized representative of the County to act in connection with the submission of this plan and to provide such additional information as may be required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development This, the 5th day of May, 2015. A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the Board to Adopt the Resolution approving the FY 2015-2016 Consolidated Housing Plan Annual Action Plan; and approving the proposed HOME Program Activities for 2015 —2016. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier authorizing the Manager to implement the HOME Program as approved by the BOCC including the ability to execute agreements with partnering non-profit organizations after consultation with the County Attorney. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. Consent Agenda • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda NONE • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Price to approve the remaining items on the consent agenda. VOTE: UNANIMOUS • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes from March 26, 2015, Assembly of Governments Meeting; and March 26, 2015, Joint Meeting with the Town of Chapel Hill, as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds The Board approved a resolution to release motor vehicle property tax values for twelve (12) taxpayers with a total of twelve (12) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue in accordance with NCGS. c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds The Board approved and adopted a resolution to release property tax values for three (3) taxpayers with a total of three (3) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381. d. Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Amendment Outlines and Schedules for Four(4) Proposed Text Amendments The Board approved process components and schedules for four (4) government initiated Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendments and direct the staff to proceed accordingly. e. Amendment and Extension to Existing Interlocal Agreement with the Town of Hillsborough for Plan Review, Inspection, Building Official and Related Services The Board approved the Interlocal Agreement between Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough to provide enforcement of the North Carolina Building Codes including plan review, building official and related services pertaining to the North Carolina State Building Codes and authorize execution of the Agreement. f. Request for Road Additions to the State Maintained Secondary Road System (Eno Ridge Subdivision) The Board approved to: 1. Forward the Petition for Addition to the State Maintained System to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for New Salou Drive, Trumpet Court, Vine Court, Bee Balm Court, Onslow Court, High Ridge Drive and Climbing Aster Court in Eno Ridge Subdivision; and 2. Recommend the North Carolina Department of Transportation accept the roads for maintenance as State Secondary Roads. g. Request for Road Additions to the State Maintained Secondary Road System (Ashwick Subdivision) The Board approved to: 1. Forward the Petition for Addition to the State Maintained System to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for Ashwick Drive, Glenwick Lane, Norwich Court, Farnswick Place, Chadwick Lane, and Benwich Lane in Ashwick Subdivision; and 2. Recommend the North Carolina Department of Transportation accept the roads for maintenance as State Secondary Roads. 7. Regular Agenda a. Designation of the White Cross School as an Orange County Local Historic Landmark The Board considered adopting an ordinance to designate the White Cross School as an Orange County Local Historic Landmark and authorizing the Chair to sign, and also thanking the owners, Jay and Danielle Sunde, for their ongoing efforts to preserve this important historic rural school building. Peter Sandbeck reviewed PowerPoint slides that contained photographs of the property. Peter Sandbeck said the first White Cross School was burned in 1932. He said the current building stands on Highway 54 West in Central White Cross. He said, at the point of its construction, the building was called a consolidated school. He said its construction was part of an ambitious plan by the Board of Education to replace one and two room schools with new brick schools featuring modern amenities. He said the Preservation Commission has determined that the White Cross School possesses special historical and architectural significance. The State Historic Preservation Office has reviewed the Preservation Committee's conclusions, as required by ordinance and State law. Peter Sandbeck said the current owners are renovating the building. He said it is currently used as a very active and successful preschool. He showed a slide of the parcel being proposed for designation; saying it has been reviewed with Tax Administration. He said there is a larger 2.69 acre parcel, but the landmark will be only just around the historic school building. Peter Sandbeck said the County has three other historic Consolidated Schools that have been preserved: St. Mary's School, The Murphy School, and the Cedar Grove School. He said all three schools are in use and it is wonderful to see preservation for the generations to come. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the parcel was going to be sub-divided into two parcels. Peter Sandbeck said the State does not require the parcel to be sub-divided for the landmark process. He added the State does require the Tax Administration to be consulted, in order to determine an acreage value for the portion of parcel. Chair McKee asked if the reduction on the tax roll only applies to the landmarked portion of the property. Peter Sandbeck said yes. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Price for the Board to adopt and authorize the Chair to sign the attached ordinance to designate the White Cross School as an Orange County Local Historic Landmark, and also thank the owners, Jay and Danielle Sunde, for their ongoing efforts to preserve this important historic rural school building. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Orange County Solar Development Initiatives Update The Board considered a recommendation to: 1. Receive an update and provide feedback on the County's discussions to further educate and develop solar energy initiatives (rooftop photovoltaic, ground-mounted solar arrays, solar power storage technology, etc.) within Orange County in alignment with the 2015 "Solarize" Campaigns organized by NextClimate (Orange County, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough); 2. Endorse the development of a pilot solar photovoltaic system within County facilities, beginning with the Rogers Road Community Center; and 3. Include the proposed pilot within the 2015 Orange County "Solarize" campaigns. Brennan Bouma is the Orange County Sustainability Coordinator, and he introduced Rob Pinder, from NextClimate.org. Brennan Bouma made the following PowerPoint presentation: County Solar Initiatives & Collaboration with "Solarize Orange County" Solar Initiatives -Action Items • Receive information • Permission to continue to develop pilot solar photovoltaic system • Permission to include pilot in 2015 Solarize Orange County Campaign Solar Initiatives - Background • History of interest • Difficult economics • Recent innovations -New tools for initial assessments -Financing Research • Energy Storage — Tesla Powerwall • Ground-mounted Solar Arrays — Research report from UNC School of Government — Meeting with County residents — Upcoming research report from UNC • Roof-mounted Solar Arrays Solar Initiatives - Guiding Principles • Roof integrity — New or recently replaced — Adequate structural capacity • Southern exposure or flat • Avoid shade (present and future) • Start small but visible • Incentivize investment Initial Assessment & Rogers Road Community Solar Proposed • Approached by interested group • In parallel with this analysis, a team of interested residents and solar experts approached Orange County about the feasibility of installing solar panels on the Rogers Road Community Center for the benefit of the Rogers-Eubanks community. David Caldwell, RENA Ty Fenton, UnitedSolarinitiative.org, nonprofit bringing solar projects to low-income communities around the world Rob Pinder, NextClimate.org, nonprofit helping community solar projects in Orange County Laura Wenzel, private citizen in neighboring community Ed Witkin, Owner of Carrboro Solar Works, LL. Also works with UnitedSolarinitiative.org Brennan Bouma said he had been working closely with this group to assess the feasibility and benefits of this project as a potential pilot solar project for Orange County. He said the Rogers Road Community Center (RRCC) seemed to fit the County's list of characteristics, and staff worked with the RRCC team to conduct an initial solar energy assessment on this building. He said staff has employed the "PVWatts" calculator from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to assist in modeling, sizing, and prioritizing solar photovoltaic infrastructure investments (http://Pvwatts.nrel.govlpvwatts.php). Rob Pender, of www.NextClimate.org, said the intent of the "Solarize" campaigns is to lower the cost of rooftop photovoltaic systems through pulling together interested households and commercial users into a group-purchasing deal. NextClimate, a local 501 c (3) non-profit, organizes the four Solarize campaigns that are active in Orange County (Orange County, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro). Rob Pender said in 2014, NextClimate brought together two solar installation companies (Yes! Solar Solutions and Southern Energy Management), and two financing organizations (Admiral's Bank and Self Help Credit Union) with the mission to bring affordable solar power to the people of Orange County, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough. He said their efforts resulted in new solar installations on 90 homes and small businesses across Orange County in 2014. He said in 2015, NextClimate is expanding its reach to create Solarize Research Triangle, bringing solar investment and benefits to RTP workplaces. Rogers Road Community Solar • Invest in a project that will benefit the whole community • Build community pride with a highly visible, future-oriented project • Create an educational resource on clean energy • Use clean energy, reducing air pollution from coal • Expose youth to career possibilities in "green"jobs Potential Solar Projects • Solar farm in bioretention field • Solar panels on individual homes • Solar electricity at community center All projects depend on available financing options Solarize Orange County • Residential focus • Group discounts • Free solar assessment • Vetted solar installers and financing • McDougal Middle School partnership - educational 1 kW community solar photovoltaic array Brennan Bouma said the system at the RRCC would be around 24 kilowatts. He said it would cover between 80 and 100 percent of the projected electricity use of the building. He said it would have an initial cost of$90,000 to $100,000. He said once the analysis showed that a PV system was feasible on Rogers Road Community Center, the team shifted focus towards how it might be paid for, and how the Community might be able to benefit from such a system. Solar Economics • No Investor — 24 kilowatts — 100% of energy — $96,000 initial cost — $2,700 annual savings — Return on investment: 35 years • Investor — 24 kilowatts — 100% of energy — 96,000 initial cost — $60,000 to $96,000 tax benefits — $1,350 annual sales — Transfer to County — Return on Investment: 0 to 7 years Social Benefits • Education • Environmental Sustainability • Renewable Energy • Community engagement and equity • Collaboration • Economic development Solar Initiatives -Action Items • Receive information • Permission to continue to develop pilot solar photovoltaic system • Permission to include pilot in 2015 Solarize Orange County Campaign Next Steps • Pursue investors • Develop agreement • Install pilot system • Manage • Assess and repeat elsewhere If the Board agreed with the Manager's recommendation, staff would move forward with the solar pilot project as a part of the 2015 Orange County "Solarize" campaigns, pursue both solar investors and development partners through the appropriate statutory procurement processes, and provide ongoing progress reports to the Board. Staff projects that the initial pilot project will be completed and operational no later than December of 2015, and that this could be the first of many facility photovoltaic solar systems providing renewable energy in lieu of less sustainable energy sources. Commissioner Price asked if the Tesla Powerwall will be a part of this process. Brennan Bouma said the Tesla Powerwall just came out last week, and the presentation is just a broad update. Commissioner Price asked if the size of the Powerwall is known. Brennan Bouma said the PowerPoint shows a picture of two of the cells, side by side. He said up to nine cells can be stacked, side by side. He said it is about 7 inches thick by 2 to 3 feet tall, and is meant to hang on the wall. Commissioner Jacobs said in the CIP, FY2017-2018 has a generator for the Rogers Road Community Center for $50,000. He said there is a total of$400,000 in the CIP for generators, over the years. He said it seems unwise to keep investing in generators when they will soon hopefully be obsolete. Commissioner Jacobs said by the time FY 2017-2018 arrives, he would like to incorporate solar batteries instead of a generator. He said he would also like for staff to look at alternative options within the realm of solar energy for the funds intended for generators. Commissioner Rich asked if there could be clarification about how the panels would go on the roof of the RRCC, and where the battery would be placed inside the building. Brennan Bouma said, in regards to Commissioner Jacobs' comment, he would like to consult the expert team regarding the possibility of solar battery back-ups in the future. He said energy storage has been discussed and the costs of it are falling dramatically. Brennan Bouma said the project could move forward in two ways: 1. Energy generated by the sun can be sold directly to the Utility Company. He said the current rate for that energy is about 4 cents per kilowatt hour. 2. Net metering, where a separate meter is on the solar panels that keeps a tally throughout the year and displaces the costs seen on energy bills. Brennan Bouma said the second option is what is mostly being considered in Orange County. He said this is about 8 to 10 cents per kilowatt hour. Rob Pender said the number of$96,000 is a ball park number for a net metering system. He said batteries are not included in that budget number, but the system is set up for batteries to be added at a later time, when their cost decreases. Jeff Thompson, Director of Orange County Asset Management Services, said at the RRCC there is a utility room that is accessed from outside and that is where the wall mounted batteries could be mounted. He said the pricing of the cost effective batteries being marketed by Tesla is currently unknown. He said if this battery technology is real, then this would be a solution for power for emergency situations. Commissioner Pelissier asked if there are any plans to use solar energy at the Cedar Grove Community Center, given that it is in the process of being renovated. Jeff Thompson said yes. He said the RRCC would be the pilot project; and if the model works, then it would be put into the Cedar Grove plan as well. He said it would be ideal to implement this by the end of the year, prior to the end of the tax credit. Chair McKee asked if there are any interested investors at this time. Rob Pender said yes, there are interested investors, but no decisions would be made without input from the BOCC. A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Price for the Board to endorse the development of a pilot solar photovoltaic system within County facilities, beginning with the Rogers Road Community Center; and include this proposed pilot within the 2015 Orange County "Solarize" campaigns. Commissioner Rich said she is excited about involving all of the Rogers Road Community in this project, including the young children. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Proposed Veterans Memorial Site on the Southern Campus The Board considered: 1. Approving in principle the siting of a future Veterans Memorial upon the Southern Campus in accordance with the recently approved Campus Master Plan, with development contingent upon the approval of the Memorial according to the design guidelines and other requirements stipulated within the approved Special Use Permit issued by the Town of Chapel Hill; 2. Authorizing the Manager and staff to participate in the ongoing project planning process; and 3. Reserving the right of final construction approval contingent upon Board approval of: 1) ownership, 2) design; 3) budget and certification of adequate development and construction funds raised; and 4) the approval of an ongoing operations and maintenance agreement for the Memorial. Jeff Thompson said this item regarded a potential site of a Veteran's Memorial at the Southern Human Services Center. He said this is part of the developable area of their Special Use Permit (SUP) from Chapel Hill. He said an endorsement of this first step, from the BOCC, will allow this committee to raise funds for this effort. Jeff Thompson said the future steps for the BOCC approval would be the memorial ownership structure, certification of adequate funds raised, the design and construction contracting approval, and an operating agreement for ongoing maintenance. He said this effort has been underway for many years. Jim Merritt, Veterans Memorial Committee Chairman, read the following letter to the Board from the Committee and he introduced two other members from his board. April 29, 2015 The Honorable Earl McKee Chairman, Orange County Board of Commissioners 5200 Kiger Road Rougemont, NC 27572 Dear Commissioner McKee: On November 22, 2010, Colonel Fred Black, U.S. Army (Retired) and a Vietnam Veteran, then serving as the Veterans Memorial Committee Chairman, petitioned the Town Council to approve the siting of a proposed Veterans Memorial at Chapel Hill at the Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery. This request was approved and the Veterans Memorial Committee began the design phase. A preliminary concept design was developed and brought before the Town Council and approved in April 2013. This memorial is for all veterans and includes veterans in neighboring communities. We are now formulating the plan for project funding where we will solicit funds needed for memorial construction. Concurrent with our efforts, veterans, students, and families of veterans of Orange County have also asked the question, "Why don't we have a County Veterans Memorial?" That challenge has created an opportunity for the veterans of Chapel Hill to join with County veterans to build a noble memorial for the Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County within Chapel Hill. We have shared our memorial's concept with Orange County veterans and it has been well received. This County Memorial may be a good and appropriate fit for the Orange County Southern Human Services complex on Homestead Rd. Space for a memorial on the "homestead" site area may be available. The Veterans Committee has looked at this alternate site and, if available, would provide a premiere location for a Veterans Memorial at Chapel Hill. It is well- suited for a memorial on the upper hillside. There is ample parking, public transportation, and the center is frequently visited by both Chapel Hill and County citizens. I share this information with you now, as we have been asked to consider combining efforts. The county will soon be asked about a memorial and an appropriate site. We think that Homestead Road site in Chapel Hill would be well-served to be the home for a veterans' memorial for the veterans of Orange County. Most respectfully, JIM MERRITT BRUCE RUNBERG Veterans Memorial Committee Chairman Co-Chairman Commissioner Price asked if the members of the Veterans Memorial Committee would stand and be recognized. Commissioner Price said there are also some Committee members from the Northern and Central parts of the County that have joined in this effort. She thanked them for their service in general, and specifically for their work on this Memorial. Commissioner Price asked if the approval process can be done in conjunction with the Town of Chapel Hill. Commissioner Jacobs recognized Mr. York who had helped bring this Memorial to fruition. He said a design was created by David Swanson, in conjunction with the group working on a Chapel Hill Cemetery version of the Veterans' Memorial. He said this design may well still work for the Southern Human Services Center site. He said students from Stanford Middle School presented five different proposed Memorial designs to the Veterans Memorial Committee. He said these designs were not incompatible with the design of David Swanson. He said he hoped their presentations could be incorporated with that original design. He said it was wonderful to see the students so engaged in honoring Veterans. Commissioner Jacobs said both he and Commissioner Price were honored to work with such a group as this. He said he hopes the proposed site will be more visible, more flexible, larger, and able to accommodate more visitors. Commissioner Jacobs said in reference to the Southern Human Services Center site, the road will go right by this Memorial as people visit the Southern Human Services Center. He said this is a great opportunity to embrace the honoring of local Veterans in a way that is integral to the daily business of Orange County Government. Commissioner Rich said she was on the Chapel Hill Town Council when Mr. Merritt first brought this proposal forward. She said she was concerned about the placement of the site in reference to the future road, but Commissioner Jacobs assured her of the design. Commissioner Rich asked if there is a timeframe for this project. Jeff Thompson said there is at least a two to three year timeframe for raising funds. Commissioner Price said as soon as the BOCC endorses this project, the process to raise funds can begin. Commissioner Price said the design will be flexible and would be able to go almost anywhere. Commissioner Rich said this is a great addition to the Southern Human Services Center site, as the re-development process of this site moves forward. A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs for the Board to: 1) Approve in principle the siting of a future Veterans Memorial upon the Southern Campus in accordance with the recently approved Campus Master Plan, with development contingent upon the approval of the Memorial according to the design guidelines and other requirements stipulated within the approved Special Use Permit issued by the Town of Chapel Hill; 2) Authorize the Manager and staff to participate in the ongoing project planning process; and 3) Reserve the right of final construction approval contingent upon Board approval of: 1) ownership, 2) design; 3) budget and certification of adequate development and construction funds raised; and 4) approve of an ongoing operations and maintenance agreement for the Memorial. Bruce Runberg, Co—Chair of the Veterans Memorial Committee, thanked Commissioner Price and Commissioner Jacobs for their involvement. He said the Committee is very pleased with the proposed site. He said in regards to the raising of funds, if this proposal is endorsed tonight, the campaign will begin tomorrow. Commissioner Jacobs acknowledged the County Manager as being the person who originally suggested the Southern Human Services Center as the potential site for this memorial. Chair McKee said the Stanford Middle School students originally wanted to make their presentation to the Board of Commissioners, and he had encouraged them to make their presentations to the Veterans' Memorial Committee directly. Chair McKee asked if the Chapel Hill Town Council is being closely communicated with, as they have already approved the site in the cemetery. He said the project should be a unified one between the two entities. A motion was made by Commissioner Price to add a friendly amendment to ensure that Orange County works jointly with Chapel Hill. Commissioner Rich said she thought this was already part of the motion. Jeff Thompson said the guidelines in the SUP are limited; simply following a set of guidelines that are published. He said the ownership, the operations agreement, and the design of the Memorial would be under the approval of the Board. He said, with the friendly amendment, Chapel Hill would have the ability to approve alongside the Board. Commissioner Price said she would like to have some of the approvals done jointly with the Town of Chapel Hill, as the Town has already put in so much effort. She said the abstract seemed to read that the Memorial is an Orange County project, and she wanted to see it as a joint effort with the Town of Chapel Hill. Bruce Runberg said the Veterans' Memorial Committee also sent a letter to the Chapel Hill Mayor and the Chapel Hill Town Council; and that the Committee would coordinate with Orange County and with the Town of Chapel Hill through this process. He said he does not anticipate any problems. Commissioner Jacobs said under recommendation # 2, they could add the statement "to continue coordination with the Town of Chapel Hill." Both Commissioners Price and Jacobs agreed to the friendly amendment. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. Reports NONE 9. County Manager's Report Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the item below: Projected May 12, 2015 Regular Work Session Items • Presentation by Partnership to End Homelessness • Potential Revisions to the Existing Public Hearing Process • Private Road and Access Standards • Educational Facility Impact Fees and Age-Restricted Housing 10. County Attorney's Report NONE 11. Appointments NONE 12. Board Comments Commissioner Rich said yesterday she, Commissioner Pelissier and Commissioner Jacobs visited the new Chatham County Detention Center. She said it was a very informative visit. She encouraged others to visit it before Orange County designs their own jail. Commissioner Rich said she and Commissioner Pelissier took the Earth Day Bus Tour of the new Triangle Transit bus route. She said there was also the ribbon cutting for the new charging stations on Earth Night too. She said Earth Night was a lot of fun. Commissioner Dorosin had no comments. Commissioner Pelissier said the three Commissioners toured the jail while it was not operational, but would like to tour it again, once it is operational. Commissioner Pelissier said she will miss next week's work session as she is going to New York City with the Family Success Alliance. She said they will attend two and half days of presentations at the Harlem Children's Zone. Commissioner Price had no comments. Commissioner Jacobs had no comments. Chair McKee said he attended and enjoyed the Moorefields event. He said he hopes the efforts prove to help update and revitalize the house and grounds, which are already lovely. 13. Information Items • April 21, 2015 BOCC Regular Meeting Follow-up Actions List • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections • Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under $100 • BOCC Chair Letter Regarding Petitions from April 21, 2015 Regular Meeting 14. Closed Session NONE 15. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Rich to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Earl McKee, Chair Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board