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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11-17-2015 Approved 12/15/2015 MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING November 17, 2015 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center, in Chapel Hill, N.C. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair McKee and Commissioners Mia Burroughs, Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Bernadette Pelissier, Renee Price and Penny Rich COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) Chair McKee called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Chair McKee asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of the tragic events in Paris, France. Chair McKee noted the following items at the Commissioners' places: - Maps and charts for item 4-a: North Carolina Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) Statewide Master plan, additional information from the State - White sheet - revised abstract for item 7-b: FY 2015-16 Purchase of Vehicles through the Vehicle Replacement Internal Service Fund - PowerPoint slides for item 8-b: Orange County Slogan Selection Campaign - Quarterly Public Hearing packet PUBLIC CHARGE Chair McKee dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda NONE 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 Dorosin petitioned the Board, saying the community is becoming more diverse, and it is imperative to have staff that is bi-lingual in all County offices. He additionally petitioned the County to offer Spanish training to its employees for free, and to have one person in each department that is able to help out. Commissioner Rich said some of the County ordinances do not address building tiny houses, and she petitioned changing these ordinances to accommodate these new types of houses. Commissioner Rich said a gentleman spoke at the last Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting about food trucks. She noted that the County's current food truck ordinance is outdated and petitioned staff to update this ordinance. Commissioner Pelissier said she had no petitions, but supported those that have been made thus far this evening. Commissioner Burroughs said she had no petitions. Commissioner Jacobs said the Board heard a report earlier this fall about the reaction to fireworks by residents and asked if there is any follow up regarding the ability to enforce the noise ordinance. Commissioner Jacobs said there is a need for a guide about "farm uses" from the County Attorney. Chair McKee said Commissioner Jacobs' two items could be directed to the Manager for updates. He referenced the guidance on farm uses, noting a request by a neighborhood on this same item. He echoed the request for greater definition, as well as an overall update. Commissioner Price said she had no petitions but noted that she attended a reconvened group of interested citizens for discussion of Indigenous Peoples Day. She said the Occoneechee Council has approved the draft resolution and she would rather wait until the Town of Hillsborough approved it before sending it to our Board of County Commissioners. Chair McKee said he preferred that Commissioner Price please send it out. Commissioner Price said she would talk with the other author before sending out. Chair McKee had no petitions. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations a. Presentation - N.C. Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) Statewide Master Plan The Board considered receiving the presentation from staff of the N.C. Division of State Parks on the recently completed Statewide Master Plan for the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST), and providing direction and instruction to staff as needed. David Stancil, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) Director, said the MST is part of the State Parks system stretching from the Tennessee Border to the Outer Banks. He said a system master plan has been developed over the past year, being published this summer. He said portions of this trail will go through Orange County. He introduced Smith Raynor. Smith Raynor, Piedmont Regional Trail Specialist with the State, made the following PowerPoint presentation: Mountains to Sea State Trail Master Plan Orange County Board of Commissioners November 17, 2015 North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation History of the Mountains to Sea State Trail • 1973: Trails System Act • 1977: Howard Lee proposed creating a trail connecting the mountains with the coast • 1982: First segment dedicated in CapeHatteras National Seashore • 2000: Authorized as a state trail and an official unit of the state parks system State Trails in North Carolina State trails are units of the state parks system. Unlike traditional state parks, the state trails are constructed and managed by a variety of partners. o Mountains-to-Sea State Trail o French Broad River State Trail o Yadkin River State Trail o Deep River State Trail o Fonta Flora State Trail Mountains to Sea State Trail When complete... • 1000+ miles long • Pass through more than 30 counties • Link numerous small towns, cities, national parks and forests, wildlife refuges and state parks • Extend from Clingman's Dome to Jockey's Ridge State Park "...a trail that would give North Carolina and national visitors a real feel for the sights, sounds and people of the state." --Howard Lee Mountains to Sea State Trail Master Plan Goals: • Promote completion of the MST by engaging stakeholders • Confirm the guiding vision and established corridor for the MST • Gather and consolidate information about each segment • Engage agencies, non-profit organizations and volunteers throughout the planning process • Define and prioritize segments for future planning • Develop tools to support trail partners in planning, constructing, maintaining and promoting the MST Other Planning Efforts Countywide planning: 19 counties along the MST planning corridor have developed plans to support trails and recreation in their communities Regional planning: The State Trails Program facilitated a series of regional plans organized around various Councils of Government • Piedmont Triad COG Plan • High Country Regional Trail Concept Map • Isothermal Planning and Development Commission Trail Plan • Land of Sky COG Regional Trails Plan • Southwestern Commission COG • Western Piedmont COG Final Regional Trail Plan • Croatan Regional Trails Plan Other Planning Efforts State Trail Planning: MST East Conceptual Plan MST Eastern Piedmont Plan MST Western Piedmont Plan MST Johnston County Plan Stone to Pilot Sub-section Master Plan Other Planning Efforts (map) State Trail Partners State Parks: • Trail designation • Planning assistance • Trail signage • Administer RTP grant • Technical assistance • Promotion on state parks website Section Sponsors: • Establish the trail alignment • Acquire land or easements needed for trail • Identify and address constraints in building and maintaining trail • Acquire funds • Coordinate trail construction, management and maintenance of the trail • Apply for trail designation • Promote the trail Benefits of Regional Trails Increased property values Promote healthy living Protect water quality Provide recreational opportunities Provide wildlife corridors and habitats Encourage economic development Contribute to a community's identity Provide alternative transportation opportunities Mountains to Sea Segments Planned segments were prioritized using criteria to gauge readiness for further planning and implementation. Criteria included: • Connectivity • Available public land • Implementation challenges • Demonstrated demand for trail • Potential economic impact • Funding resources • Level of organized support and planning Near Term Priority Segments Cherokee to Balsam Gap 24 miles Northeast Wilkes 25 miles Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway 13 miles Winston-Salem 30 miles Haw River Trail 35 miles Southwest Orange County 19 miles Eno River 26 miles Wayne County 39 miles Near Term Priority Segments (map) Orange County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030 The greatest interest for both programs and facilities was for walking/hiking/biking trails. Recommendations of the master plan included: • Develop a master plan for the Orange County segment of the MST • Build more trails and connect open spaces • Improve access to parks and trails, and incorporate healthy lifestyles design Mountains to Sea State Trail (photo) Thank you State Trails = Partnerships State Trails Program For additional information, please visit: http://ncparks.gov/more-about-us/great-trails-state Carol Tingley, North Carolina State Parks Deputy Director, referred to the Connect NC Bond. She said this is a $2 billion proposal that will go before the voters in March 2016. She said $75 million of these monies will be allocated to the State Parks systems and from that $4 million will go to the Mountains to Sea Trail. She said the bond money would be for land acquisition and to target money for usable sections of the trail. Chair McKee asked if there is a website for further information. She said there is a link on both the Governor's and the State Parks' website. PUBLIC COMMENT: Alan Green said he is representing a group of local Friends of the MST members that collectively authored the letter included in the Commissioners' packets. He said the petition identifies several specific steps needed to make segment 11 of the MST a reality. He said direct action by the Commissioners is necessary. He said the original State master plan did not have segment 11 as short term but as long term. He thanked the Board of County Commissioners for their letter to the State to reevaluate this project and noted Orange County is now near term. He said the County needs to be proactive. He said their petition provides a blueprint and he asked the Board to adopt it from the local Friends of the MST group. Greg Smith read the following letter, which he sent to the Commissioners: 17 November 2015 Presentation to the BOCC Charles Gregory Smith, 6701 Thunder Mountain, Efland NC 27243 Good evening, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners My name is Greg Smith and I am a cosigner of the letter and petition you have received. My wife, Linda, and I have lived in Orange County since 1974 and have been residents of the Thunder Mountain Subdivision in Bingham Township for over three decades. During that time we raised twin daughters who grew up roaming this beautiful property learning about nature and all the intricate ecosystems found within its varied topography. In 1979, we began purchasing several tracts of land adjacent to our Thunder Mountain property. Over the years we have owned approximately 142 acres within the Cane Creek Watershed on the north side of the reservoir. In year 2000 we sold approximately 13.5 acres to Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), and specified that the land could not be used for residential purposes with the goal of keeping that tract as undeveloped buffer land to protect Cane Creek Reservoir. It was on that land that we sighted a bobcat in the early morning mist and listened to the calls of great horned owls in the evening. That beautiful tract, with a stream and large hardwoods, shares a common corner with our land on Thunder Mountain. We support routing the MST through this property, which we used to own and sold to OWASA. I believe the OWASA property on the north side of the reservoir is an ideal route for the MST because it is one of the most beautiful undeveloped tracts left in this area of Orange County. It is rich in flora and fauna, the topography and ecosystems are varied, and the surrounding private parcels are sparsely populated. Further subdivision is limited by watershed restrictions, deed restrictions, and conservation easements. We currently own multiple tracts within the Thunder Mountain subdivision, and to the west of Thunder Mountain. As long time residents, we have grown to love all of these properties but realize that we are only stewards--someone else will own them in the future. As we have in the past, we will continue to try to make sure that the natural beauty and wildlife of these properties are conserved and protected for future generations. In March 2012, we hosted a community meeting at our home so that our neighbors could learn about the MST and a proposal to route it through OWASA property to our south. That meeting was well attended and we received positive feedback from many of our neighbors following presentations by Kate Dixon, Executive Director of the Friends of the Mountains to the Sea Trail, Rich Shaw from Orange County Parks and Recreation and others. In addition, a number of legitimate concerns were raised by some at the meeting, which we evaluated and discussed with many of our neighbors. On September 18, 2012, our neighbor, Martha Keating spoke before the BOCC in support of the MST and provided the Board with a consensus endorsement by ALL of the five owners of Thunder Mountain property whose lots adjoin OWASA property. I am providing a copy of that statement of support, which contained five caveats which I would like to re-read: "Our five households do not oppose the MST and embrace the potential of having public access to beautiful land that we have been fortunate enough to live near for many years. Our support for this proposed section of the MST is contingent upon: • The location of the trail being placed on the agreed upon alternate routes (farthest from the houses) by the residents closest to the MST. • MST being used as a footpath hike-through section (no bicycles, motorized vehicles, horses, etc.); • MST being open from dawn until dusk, with no overnight camping or fires permitted; • The county being able to provide a suitable location for parking at posted access points to divert anyone from parking or accessing the MST from Thunder Mountain; • OWASA's commitment to preserve the scenic beauty of this land such that it is not subjected to timbering; Done properly, we believe this segment of the MST would have no significant adverse impact to the water quality on Cane Creek Reservoir. We believe this is a rare opportunity for the residents of this area of Orange County to work together to be part of a positive legacy for generations to come." I have found that there is strong support within the Thunder Mountain community and nearby for a segment of the MST to pass through the OWASA property on the north side of the reservoir but all of our neighbors want to make sure that the private roads serving our neighborhoods are not used as public access and parking areas for the trail. I believe these caveats of support are reasonable and can be accomplished as the county and OWASA move forward on this legacy for future generations. Thank you for the opportunity to come before you tonight to share my thoughts and support for the Mountains to Sea Trail. Charles Gregory Smith Scott Zimmerman said he is here in support of the MST trail. He said he is here to get this trail on the ground in Orange County. He urged the Board of County Commissioners to approve this portion of the trail in Orange County as surrounding counties are doing. He contacted OWASA and this communication is in the email packet. He said he understands that OWASA is ready to act when the County is ready to act. He asked again for the Board of County Commissioners to support and build this segment of the trail. Howard Lee said he is here in support of the MST, and if one gets connected to this trail one will never let it go. He said he is pleased and proud that this trail has lasted the test of time. He said this trail would be an asset to North Carolina. He said he has walked segments of the trail, and it is both beautiful and satisfying. He said he knows the Board of County Commissioners has always supported the preservation of the environment and the promotion of parks and trails. He said this would be one of the greatest investments Orange County could make. Glen Greenstreet said he wants to reiterate to the BOCC that the citizens of Orange County are still very much in support of the MST. He encouraged the BOCC to move forward with the pieces of trail that can be built immediately and to seek partnership with the volunteer citizens of the County. Bonnie Hauser said she would like to thank the Thunder Mountain community for their support. Commissioner Price said there is currently $500,000 in 2019 in the Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for this park. She asked if there would be any impact in moving some funds up to be used at an earlier time. David Stancil said that is part of the CIP discussion and the funds, mentioned by Commissioner Price, are designated for construction. He said this item has not been off the radar and funding needs to be reassessed considering options such as volunteer construction. He said such options could be explored and an updated report brought back to the Board at a later date. Commissioner Pelissier said to those that submitted the petitions that the item will be sent to agenda review process to review and to respond. Commissioner Pelissier said her property is part of the proposed trail and she wants the MST in her backyard. She thanked the citizens who came to speak this evening. Commissioner Burroughs referred to the State bond and asked if it is likely that local money would need to be leveraged in order to receive the State money. Carol Tingley said previous bond monies were used to purchase adjacent properties to the trail to allow it to be furthered by local entities. She said she anticipates a similar scenario with the upcoming bond funds, noting that options that provide the most bang for their buck are optimal. Commissioner Burroughs asked if there are currently barriers with OWASA. David Stancil said there are several things: OWASA is supportive of the MST idea but is unwilling to be a contributor financially to the project. He said there are certain segments of the MST that are considered low hanging fruit and other areas that are challenges. He said North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) had been instructed to allow the MTS to be in the right of ways of certain roads. Commissioner Burroughs said the Parks and Recreation Council (PARC) sent a letter to the Board, which notes a reordering of priorities, which may place the MST in front of the Millhouse Road Park. David Stancil said DEAPR has been in touch with the Town of Chapel Hill and there may be the flexibility to realign some projects and schedules; but they need to talk with the Manager about this, who the stakeholders are, etc. Commissioner Dorosin asked if David Stancil could help the BOCC itemize what needs to be done in list form. He said he saw the list as follows: - Draw the lines on a map- Identification - Secure easements for access-acquisition (OWASA, private land owners, DOT, etc) - Money to purchase easements - Work with partners to allow use of their properties David Stancil noted that the segment east of Hillsborough has been mostly secured. He said the portion of the trail in question is really from Occoneechee Mountain south towards the Orange-Alamance County line. Commissioner Dorosin said the next step is to build the trail. He asked to see the slide from the PowerPoint presentation regarding the responsibilities for maintaining the trail. David Stancil said the main steps are identification, acquisition or permission, construction, and maintenance. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the State takes care of signage. Carol Tingley said the State will provide signs. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the $500,000 currently in the CIP is limited to one of the main steps identified by David Stancil. David Stancil said these funds are currently listed for construction but there is time each year to change and adjust the CIP. Commissioner Dorosin asked if Lands Legacy money could be used. David Stancil said yes, and it is anticipated that it would be. Commissioner Jacobs noted that citizens came to speak in support of this item tonight, when in the past people had spoken against it. He is glad to see this change in perspective. Commissioner Jacobs said he hears the public saying that waiting until 2019 to start this project is too long. He asked if David Stancil could clarify the intent for staff to return with a proposal to get started in the next fiscal year. David Stancil said yes, adding that the idea is to take stock of this project and to bring back a proposal to the Board of County Commissioners at a later date. Commissioner Jacobs said he hopes staff would consider which segments would be done first in order to address citizens' concerns. Commissioner Pelissier asked the State if there were a lot of people that gave easements or land so that purchasing could be avoided. Carol Tingley said Alamance County is a good example as it has been successful at receiving donations, purchasing easements, and leveraging the State bond monies. She said Alamance also secured local grants and sponsorships. Chair McKee referred to partnerships and sponsors and strongly encouraged approaching businesses and other resources in order to leverage the money the County has. Chair McKee asked if the process can proceed in 2016 is there a general timeline for completion of the MST segment from Hillsborough to OWASA lands. David Stancil said he does not know and that estimate would be part of the proposal brought back by staff. He said he has a better sense of the length of the planning process, which he thinks would take 3-6 months. He said there seems to be an impetus in the south and the north of the County and it is the middle area that would be the biggest challenge. Chair McKee asked if a timeline could be developed going forward. David Stancil said yes, we can certainly do that. 5. Public Hearings NONE 6. Consent Agenda • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda None • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda. VOTE: UNAIMOUS • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board for the October 13, 2015 BOCC Work Session; the October 15, 2015 BOCC — JPA Meeting; the October 15, 2015 BOCC Joint Meeting with Town of Carrboro; and the October 20, 2015 BOCC Regular Meeting. b. Fiscal Year 2015-16 Budget Amendment#3 The Board approved budget, grant, and capital project ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2015-16 for Social Services; Health Department; Cooperative Extension; Animal Services; Department on Aging; Economic Development; Library Services; Technical Amendment; Orange Rural Fire Department; and Orange County Schools Capital Project Ordinances. 7. Regular Agenda a. New Interlocal Agreement between Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill to Continue Funding the "Launch Chapel Hill" Small Business Incubator The Board considered approving a new Interlocal Agreement between the County and Town of Chapel Hill that extends the County's Article 46 funding support for entrepreneurial development to continue supporting the existing "Launch Chapel Hill" innovation center located at 321 West Rosemary Street in Chapel Hill, and authorizing the Manager to sign. Steve Brantley, Orange County Economic Development Department Director, said this item proposes a new local agreement between Orange County and Chapel Hill for the LAUNCH incubator. He reviewed the attachments in the Commissioners' agenda packet. Steve Brantley reviewed the history of the interlocal agreement. BACKGROUND: Steve Brantley said as part of the Board of County Commissioners' strategic planning in 2011 to utilize Article 46 funding to support key economic development priorities, the importance of growing and retaining entrepreneurial start-up talent in Orange County was included. The Board sought to reverse the historic trend where promising, growth-oriented start-up companies originating out of the University of North Carolina would eventually relocate to adjacent counties over time. The County contracted with the department head of UNC Chapel Hill's Department of City & Regional Planning (Dr. Emil Malizia) in 2011 & 2012, who conducted a regional real estate assessment of average lease costs, ideal space needs and working environments that start-up companies seek throughout their developmental life span. A key recommendation from the consultant report highlighted a severe shortage of competitively priced incubator facilities here in the County, and suggested the development of an innovation center to better retain entrepreneurial talent coming from the University and local community. In March 2012, available property located at 321 West Rosemary Street in Chapel Hill was identified as a potential incubator location, and the Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County began working collaboratively to support further development of an innovation center at this site. On April 3, 2012, the Board of County Commissioners received a summary of the potential economic development project during closed session. Following this report, the Board agreed to continue moving forward on this opportunity. In July 2012, Orange County prepared a draft Interlocal Agreement outlining the commitments of both parties. The final version of the Interlocal Agreement was signed by the County and Town in late 2012, establishing an initial 3 1/2 year term where both local governments would provide a 50/50 co-share of the lease cost for the facility. The County's cost, paid by Article 46 funds, was $10,000 per quarter, or $140,000 total. "Launch Chapel Hill" eventually took form at 321 West Rosemary Street by accepting the initial group of student tenants, and officially opening on May 1, 2013. In addition, UNC Chapel Hill's close mentoring support expanded into becoming a financial backer, and a conduit to attract private venture capital support for Launch. On November 4, 2015 the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was recognized among the top five best performing university business accelerators in North America, based on a 2015 benchmark study by UBI Global, a thought leader in performance analysis of business incubators around the world. A memorandum (see attachment 1) from Launch Program Manager Dina Rousset outlines the incubator's recent success stories, a list of current entrepreneur companies, and a brief survey of private funding raised by many of these start-up firms. This summary describes how Launch "brings in a cohort or class of 6- 10 companies every six months (January& July). Bringing companies in as cohorts allows us to most effectively and efficiently serve their needs. We have traditionally received 3 applications per available space at Launch. Selection is made by a selection committee made up of the Entrepreneurs in Residence, Launch graduates, and university and town representatives. The number of companies we are able to accept is based on the size of the teams and the number of seats we have available. As each new class or cohort comes into the program we look to identify both those that are not performing and those that are growing and have secured funding to move out into space in the community." With the original 2012 Interlocal Agreement expiring on December 31, 2015, the small business incubator is now seeking a continuation of support from the County and Town. The proposal is to sign a 2-year lease (January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017) to fund "Launch" at the current location, and allow the option for a third year (January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018). This allows some flexibility if UNC, also a financial supporter of Launch, is able to bring together a larger combined space within two years. This proposal outlines a new 3-year economic development relationship where the County and Town continue backing the existing "Launch Chapel Hill" innovation center located at 321 West Rosemary Street in Chapel Hill. The County's total financial commitment to be paid from Article 46's entrepreneurial development category is $120,000 over the next 3 years. The draft Interlocal Agreement (see attachment 2) was prepared by the County Attorney and is similar to the small business incubator's original 2012 Interlocal Agreement. The new document has also been reviewed by the Town's Attorney and will be presented to the Chapel Hill Town Council for review on November 17, 2015. Steve Brantley said the proposed new Interlocal Agreement requires Orange County to contribute $10,000 per quarter for three years, or, a total of$120,000 from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2018. This is the same level of funding support, per quarter, as approved in the current Interlocal Agreement with Chapel Hill. County funding is provided by Article 46 proceeds and not from the General Fund. PUBLIC COMMENT: Meg McGuirk is the Executive Director of the Downtown Partnership, which is the fiscal agent for Launch, as well as the holder of the sublease of the property. She urged the Board to continue to support this project financially and spiritually. She said in the three years since its inception, 49 start-ups have come through Launch. She said this commitment to start-ups has put the County on the global map for small businesses and their growth. Dina Rousset thanked the Board of County Commissioners for its continued support of Launch, of which she is the Director. She said this project has brought together Orange County, the Town of Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina (UNC), and a private donor; and as a result, this area is becoming known for start-ups. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the number of start-ups remaining in Orange County is known. Dina Rousset said this information is surveyed at the end of the calendar year, noting that at the end of 2014 about 75 percent remained locally. Commissioner Jacobs asked if staff would help in the survey process, to gather why 25 percent of businesses are leaving. Dina Rousset said they would welcome that assistance going forward. She said one of the main issues is affordability. She said the Economic Development Department is helping in this area. Commissioner Rich expressed her thanks for the hard work and for the staff being so positive with Launch. She said it shows how partnerships can work. Commissioner Pelissier said given the interest with the living wage issue, she would like to see Launch encouraging the start-ups to pay a living wage. Commissioner Burroughs said when there is updated data to please share it with the Board. Chair McKee asked if Launch is becoming space constrained. Dina Rousset said space has been an issue for some time. She said there are currently 18 companies that share many spaces and a larger space will continue to be sought. Chair McKee asked if larger facilities would allow for larger and more start-ups to begin. Dina Rousset said yes. A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Price to approve a new Interlocal Agreement between the County and Town of Chapel Hill that extends the County's Article 46 funding support for entrepreneurial development to continue supporting the existing "Launch Chapel Hill" innovation center located at 321 West Rosemary Street in Chapel Hill, and authorize the Manager to sign. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. FY 2015-16 Purchase of Vehicles through the Vehicle Replacement Internal Service Fund The Board considered approving the final list of County vehicles to be purchased through the Internal Service Fund in FY 2015-16, and approving a Reimbursement Resolution that allows the County to advance funds for the initial purchase and then reimbursing itself from a planned December 2015 financing package. Gary Donaldson, Orange County Chief Financial Officer, said there is a revised abstract and three attachments: • Project list • Sheriff's justification listing • Reimbursement Gary Donaldson reviewed the following information: The BOCC initially established the Vehicle Replacement Internal Service Fund during FY 2012-13 for County vehicle purchases. The Internal Service Fund is an accounting device used to accumulate and allocate costs internally among the functions of the County. County department vehicle purchases occur through this Fund instead of through departments' General Fund operating budgets. The Internal Service Fund centralizes all vehicle purchases, which will improve the ability to monitor vehicle acquisition and associated costs. In June 2015, staff presented to the BOCC a list of vehicles recommended for purchase for FY 2015-16 and committed to bringing back a final list for Board consideration and approval this fall. The list coincides with and outlines the vehicles funding amounts approved as part of the FY 2015-16 Budget Ordinance. The total amount of the vehicles to be purchased is $793,209. The only change from the recommended list provided to the BOCC in June 2015 and this final list is a reduction of two (2) Dodge Chargers and the addition of two (2) Harley Davidson Police Package motorcycles (See Attachment 2). These motorcycles will be used for traffic enforcement, but also used for a wide variety of other functions, including but not limited to: • a highly visible presence while patrolling rural neighborhoods, • traffic control for special events, speed enforcement in problem areas, • collaborative efforts with neighboring enforcement agencies, • special events at area schools, • County functions where traditional patrol vehicles are less effective, and • to promote highway safety and education programs for high school students. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The financial impact of the purchase of twenty-two (22) replacement vehicles is $794,000. Twenty-one (21) vehicles will be purchased with installment financing, while one (1) of the motorcycle units of$22,000 will be purchased with available drug forfeiture funds. The installment financing will be part of a preliminary financing package to be presented to the BOCC in December 2015. The attached Reimbursement Resolution (Attachment 3) allows the County to advance funds for the initial purchase, and then reimburse itself from the financing proceeds. This is necessary in order to receive 2015 State contract pricing, which expires on December 8, 2015. Gary Donaldson said the County is seeking to take advantage of State financing which expires on December 8, 2015, and staff will be coming back with a lengthier list of projects for financing. Commissioner Rich clarified that the only change is the numbers going from 791 to 793. Gary Donaldson said a new vehicle is being added to the list. A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier for the Board to approve the final list of County vehicles to be purchased through the Internal Service fund for FY 2015-16 and approve the reimbursement resolution. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Amendment to Orange County Property Naming Policy The Board considered discussing amending the Orange County Property Naming Policy and adopting the policy as amended. Bonnie Hammersley read the information below from the abstract: On September 1, 2015 Commissioner Barry Jacobs petitioned that the Orange County Property Naming Policy be amended. Specifically, Commissioner Jacobs requested that the amendment to the policy include: • The addition of language to the policy will provide the BOCC the ability to consider and adopt naming a "room" within a County property. This language has been included in the attached amended policy. Attachment 1 • The addition of language to the policy will provide the BOCC the ability to consider and adopt naming a County property for a person that secures funding for the construction/development of a building or facility. She said this language has been included in the attached amended policy, Attachment 1. Commissioner Price said she had also petitioned the Board about a naming policy change. Bonnie Hammersley said she understood Commissioner Price's petition was not about amending the policy and recalled the Chair-Vice Chair having responded to the petition some time ago. Commissioner Price said her petition was based on a response from citizens about the Senior Center and sought to name a room after someone that is still living. Bonnie Hammersley said that petition would require an amendment as well and the Board could discuss it this evening, if needed. Commissioner Price said she would like to make the request that the Board have this discussion this evening. Commissioner Jacobs said what the manager is proposing covers Commissioner Price's petition as the amendment reflects the issue of room naming and the issue of naming if funds are secured. Commissioner Jacobs said Bonnie Hammersley incorporated both petitions in this proposed amendment. Commissioner Dorosin said he does not think the proposed amendment incorporates both petitions. He said a facility cannot be named after someone except for the two exceptions of funds having been donated or the leasing of a property that is already named. He said if someone was still living and had not donated funds, the building could not be named after them. John Roberts said that is the correct reading. He referred to 2.1.7 that noted the Board of County Commissioners could make exceptions to the policy at any later date or add language now. Commissioner Price said she read the proposed amendment the same way as Commissioner Dorosin and it seems 2.1.2 contradicts 2.1.5. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the Board can make exceptions at any time, why amend it in the first place. Commissioner Jacobs said it is good to have specificity. He suggested taking a portion of the 2.1.2 and put it as an exception under 2.1.5. He said he assumed they were doing both for living people and those who secure funds. He said creating a 2.1.5 a, and b, and c should cover all points. Commissioner Price said that is agreeable. Chair McKee said to move 2.1.2, leaving out to include buildings, and make it under 2.1.5. Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a reason that facilities cannot be named after living persons. Commissioner Burroughs said sometimes the advantage of the naming a facility after a deceased person is that their life is complete and known. She noted the example of a school sports field being named after a living coach, who was later found to be a pedophile. Commissioner Jacobs said naming facilities after living people can become political, whereas those who are deceased are more of a matter of community consensus to honor someone. He said this was to avoid the difficulties of honoring a living person who may not be the most deserving. Chair McKee said the Board still has the ability to make exceptions. Commissioner Dorosin said he appreciated the points Commissioner Burroughs and Commissioner Jacobs made. He said he personally believes in honoring people who are still living. PUBLIC COMMENT: Good evening. I am Beverly Blythe, and tonight I come before you with a resolution that deals with the renaming of County buildings. The Friends of the Senior Center for Central Orange Board had extended an invitation to the BOCC to attend our meeting last September, and Chair Earl McKee and the County Manager were gracious enough to attend. At that time we indicated we had a resolution in support of renaming the Central Senior Center, and you asked us to wait and present it at the same time the changes came before the Board on this policy. Each of you has been given a copy, and I have extras if someone in the audience would like a copy. (Beverly Blythe read the resolution, which is incorporated by reference, and is located in the permanent record of the meeting in the Clerk's office.) We had discussed naming the rooms and there was strong opposition to doing that. We try to make it easy for our participants to locate the various classes, and this would only make it more difficult for our older population. I have given you a summary of the 3.5 pages of accomplishments for Jerry Passmore, and would challenge anyone to come up with a more impressive record. Jerry is still helping our center by planning our cruises, which are always sold out, and is one of our fundraising events for the Center. Our Las Vegas night event, which Jerry is responsible for planning, is also one of our most successful fundraising events. He also does the TV program "In Praise of Age" as a volunteer. Not only did he devote 35 years, he is still devoting his time and talents to our center. I ask you again to please consider renaming the Central Orange Senior Center the Jerry M. Passmore Center, while he is still alive, and give him the honor he deserves. I am simply asking that you do the right thing. Thank you. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Price for the Board to adopt the Orange County Property Naming Policy as amended tonight, and refer Ms. Blythe's petition to agenda review. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. Reports a. Update on Living Wage Policies The Board considered receiving an update on Orange County's living wage policies and various living wage activities across the state, discussing potential initiatives related to the living wage based on information from staff and the County Attorney, and providing direction to staff on next steps regarding potential County living wage policy initiatives. Travis Myren said this is a coordinated effort between him and John Roberts. He noted there is a summary memo in the Commissioners' packet, as well as the abstract. BACKGROUND: The Board of County Commissioners has for some time maintained its support for the living wage. This has included the implementation of a living wage policy for all County employees, as well as potential development of living wage policies that would be applicable to those doing business with the County. Staff has provided a memorandum as Attachment 1 that provides an overview of the County's current living wage policies as well as activities related to the living wage across the state. The Board also previously asked staff, and specifically the County Attorney, for information regarding a potential policy requiring contractors doing business with Orange County to pay their employees a living wage. The County Attorney notes that in 2013, the North Carolina General Assembly limited the authority of counties and cities by amending §153A-449, which authorizes contracting with private contractors, to include a new sentence, "A county may not require a private contractor under this section to abide by any restriction that the county could not impose on all employers in the county, such as paying minimum wage or providing paid sick leave to its employees, as a condition of bidding on a contract." (Emphasis added) Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation: ORANGE COUNTY Living Wage Policy Update Presentation to the Board of Orange County Commissioners November 17, 2015 Living Wage Policy Update • Summary Memo o Legal analysis provided by County Attorney • County Roles in Living Wage Policy o County as an Employer o County as a Purchaser of Goods and Services o County as a Community Leader • Policy Considerations and Next Steps County as an Employer • Living Wage Policy for Employees o Adopted as part of the Budget o Calculated at 7.5% above the Federal Poverty Rate for a family of four • Consistent with other surrounding local governments • Formula would have resulted in a wage rate of$12.53 • Existing rate is higher - $12.76 per hour— maintained until formula exceeds existing rate o Applies to all regular, part time, and temporary employees o Impacted 124 temporary employees County as Purchaser of Goods and Services • Legal Restrictions o Policies cannot apply to private companies as a condition of bidding on a contract— cannot apply to goods or services which are competitively bid o Current law does not require competitive bidding on certain purchases: • Construction contracts under $30,000 • Approximately 60 per year - $15,000 to $20,000 cost impact • Supplies and Apparatus under $30,000 • Examples include office supplies, computer equipment, some vehicles • Policy application challenging • Service contracts in any amount County as Purchaser of Goods and Services • Service Contracts o Solicitation process • Services cannot be solicited through a bid process • Limited to Request for Qualifications • Vendor qualifications paramount— architects, engineers, other professional consulting services • No comparative price information during initial solicitation o Cost Impact • No existing comprehensive analysis of service contractors • Social Services cost estimated to be $260,000 to provide existing levels of service County as Community Leader • Living Wage Certification Programs o Just Economics of Western Carolina • Voluntary certification program • Calculated using Fair Market Rents o Durham Living Wage Project • Voluntary certification program • Calculated using Federal Poverty Level o Orange County Living Wage • Voluntary certification program • Orange County enrolled as one of the first living wage employers • Calculated using Fair Market Rent = $12.75 per hour Policy Considerations and Next Steps • Review Calculation Methodology o Federal Poverty Rate • Criticized for outdated metrics; insensitive to local economy • Frequently used; adjusts for family size o Housing Costs/Fair Market Rent • Family size not considered • Viewed as more locally sensitive • Service Contracts - Policy Development o More comprehensive review of cost implications o Create profile of service providers to guide policy development • Scope of application — non-profits? • Exemptions — small firms? • Report back prior to budget development Commissioner Dorosin asked if the estimated $260,000 increase from Department of Social Services (DSS) is for contractors. He asked if it is fair to assume that the $260,000 increase is related to contractors being paid less than a living wage. Travis Myren said this cost increase is primarily driven by DSS in home aide contracts. Commissioner Jacobs said he has objected over the years for not paying sufficient wages to in home health care workers. He said the County is taking advantage of the fact that others are not paying a living wage to get a service that the County needs. Chair McKee asked if the Fair Market calculation is the more viable option given the disparities between the cost of living in different areas. Travis Myren said the Fair Market calculation is considered more realistic at the local level. Commissioner Rich asked if the County can require recipients of a County contract for less than $30,000 to pay their employees a living wage. John Roberts said this is true for certain contracts, but for service contracts it can be higher. He said there are no bidding requirements on service contracts. He said the only problem of making a living wage requirement on larger contracts is there is no bidding process, and thus the lowest cost for the service cannot be obtained. Commissioner Rich said there is a lot of money spent on larger projects yet the County cannot tell these contractors to pay a living wage; but this requirement can be made for smaller contractors. John Roberts said the jail is being built with a Construction Manager at Risk (CMR), which is a request for qualifications process rather than a bid procedure. Commissioner Rich said it seems that all cannot be given a fair living wage because of the State. John Roberts said in 2013, the City of Asheville had a living wage policy that applied to contracts under $30,000, which they intended to expand to all contracts. He said the State implemented the restrictions at this time. Commissioner Pelissier asked Travis Myren if he could provide more analysis and the implications for the non-profits. She said many non-profit agencies provide invaluable services. She asked if it is possible to know how many non-profits pay a living wage. Travis Myren said most of the living wage policies address those that are working on a County contract. Commissioner Pelissier said this could create issues for a non-profit. Commissioner Burroughs asked if Commissioner Pelissier is referring to non-profits being given grants or contracted funds. Commissioner Pelissier said she was referred to the Outside Agency Process. Travis Myren said some living wage policies apply to grants but the Board could choose to change this. Commissioner Burroughs said non-profits should be paying a living wage and the policy should be extended to them as well. Commissioner Jacobs expressed thanks for the clear and in depth analysis. He said he had given John Roberts a 1998 BOCC document which shows Orange County has been a leader in this area for a long time. Commissioner Jacobs said the key component of any Master Aging Plan is aging in place, and that requires in home healthcare. He said these providers may not be the most educated people but they provide an invaluable service. He said if living wage policies are applied to non-profits it will only be for the funds that are connected to the County, not the non- profit's entire budget. Commissioner Dorosin urged the Board to pursue this policy. He said the two metrics come out one cent a part. He said service contracts should be included in the policy. He said the question about non-profits needs to be more nuanced and giving grants is different from contracts. He asked if it is known how the Board's colleagues, such as the ABC Commission, OWASA, and the Sportsplex, are handling this issue. He asked if staff could follow up and get status reports. Commissioner Dorosin said the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) has a $2 million surplus and is the one elected body that is not paying a living wage. He said the County should be working encouraging CHCCS to pursue paying a living wage. Commissioner Rich said OWASA was certified as a living wage employer. Commissioner Rich said she does not think monies to pay a living wage should come from a reserve fund. Commissioner Dorosin said all public employees should receive medical benefits, retirement, etc. Chair McKee said it should be noted that even with the living wage one does not have much more than subsistence income. He said considering the cost of living in Orange County, a $12.76 per hour wage allows one to just get by. He said is very supportive of this but has extreme reservations about carving out exemptions. Commissioner Price said as the Board proceeds with this issue it would be good to see what the living wage would need to be if the cost of living allowance (COLA) goes up. She said perhaps incremental analysis would be useful. Travis Myren said staff could prepare a historic analysis of how fair rental markets have increased over time and at what rate they may be expected to increase in the future. Travis Myren said the federal poverty rate calculation would have produced an hourly rate of$12.53. He said the County was already at an hourly rate of$12.76 and chose to remain there. Commissioner Rich said this issue is discussed every year during the budget process and suggested taking that information and working it into the analysis. Commissioner Jacobs asked if Travis Myren could track Orange County's living wage in his historical analysis. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mark Marcoplos said he agreed with Chair McKee that the living wage is a subsistence wage and when one's income drops down below the living wage, one must start using social services. He said it is important to consider all the elements of the equation. b. Update on the Campaign for a New "Welcome" to Orange County Interstate Sign The Board considered receiving an update on the campaign for a new "Welcome to Orange County" interstate sign, providing any comments or questions to staff and acknowledging that staff will move forward with the campaign. Laurie Paolicelli, Orange County Community Relations and Tourism Department Director, said this sign project is really a symbol of how the County sees itself and how the County wants travelers and residents to see Orange County. She reviewed the following information: BACKGROUND: Orange County has an opportunity to change the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) "Welcome to Orange County" Interstate sign, currently located on Interstate 40 at mile marker 269 heading west. The sign is damaged and is currently slated for replacement. The current sign welcomes interstate travelers with the message "Orange County: You'll Be a Fan for Life". Community Relations will launch a local contest asking residents to vote for which slogan should be used on the new replacement sign. Orange County, together with a media partner, will offer six (6) signs that the community can vote on, rather than an "open slogan naming". Providing six (6) slogans for the public is a format that is based on past programs of NCDOT that became contentious as a result of the anonymous curtain of the internet (see Attachment 1). NCDOT initiated a contest asking for public input to name the 1-40/440 rebuild project in Raleigh that began in 2015. NCDOT found that the general public that became interested had a sense of humor. What started out in a serious vein quickly took a distinct twist when the unexpected quirky responses started pouring in (see Attachment 2). Orange County Community Relations suggests working with media partner, Chapelboro & WCHL, to have the public vote for their favorite slogan via various forms of media including Chapelboro and WCHL Radio. To provide a wider reach, the department will also utilize social media and WHUP Radio Hillsborough. Using radio and social media as the point of collection is the most efficient and cost effective way to engage residents AND gain valuable feedback over an 8-week period. The goal is to use the talents and creativity of Orange County residents, encourage community engagement and develop a new slogan. The format will be set-up so that people can "Like" specific slogans and suggest others. After the contest ends, the BOCC will review the entries according to a list of criteria drawn up beforehand - and determine the winning slogan. Laurie Paolicelli made the following PowerPoint presentation: Orange County Slogan Selection Campaign 5 objectives 1. Community engagement 2. Pride of ownership 3. Media exposure 4. Re-brand 5. New sign Two Options: 1. Open Ended Contest • Invite ALL Submissions • OR 2. Offer FIVE signs to vote on NCDOT CONTEXT TO NAME 1-40/440 Rebuild What started out in a serious vein quickly took a twist when the responses started pouring in. The five finalists were: Carmuda Triangle Crawleigh South-Wake Remake Southern Discomfort Wake-Over The new name became Crawleigh with almost a 50% vote. NC-DOT apparently prefers the name FORTIFY 1-40. The entries that received an honorable mention: 1. Lane-Sanity 2. Fortyfication 3. 1-40; Duke-0 4. Tar Hell 5. 40 Shades of Congestion 6. Lanes of Pain 7. Shouldhavebuiltalightrailinstead 8. Lordylordygetmeoffforty 9. Numb Buns 10. Constructipation —Waiting for traffic to get moving again 11.Y'all Crawl Suggestions for Orange County Signage (5 slides): Welcome to Orange County. Where the past is always present. Welcome to Orange County, North Carolina. Founded in 1752 in the heart of North Carolina. Welcome to Orange County, North Carolina. Around the corner. Ahead of the Curve. Welcome to Orange County. You'll be a fan for life! Welcome to Orange County, North Carolina. Opportunity grows here. Welcome to Orange County, North Carolina. Progress is our heritage. Welcome to Orange County. Deep Roots. Still Growing. Welcome to Orange County. Laid Back. Forward Thinking. Welcome to Orange County. Our history inspires innovation. Three Choices 1. Offer suggested signs and have citizens vote. 2. Open ended submission of ideas. 3. Give them 3 suggestions and ask them for their ideas. Proposed Timeframe Seven Weeks— November 22, 2015— January 9, 2016 1. Article about need and desire for a new sign and slogan (sample next page) 2. Weekly updates about progress and prize winners 3. Digital ads asking for feedback (sample next page) Proposed Plan in Newsletters to Chapelboro Insiders Digital ads and mentions on: • Two issues of "Top 10 News Stories" • Two issues of "Top 10 Things to Do" Proposed Plan on WCHL Seven Weeks— November 22, 2015— January 9, 2016 1. On-Air Interviews (2) with Commissioners and Aaron Keck or Ron Stutts to discuss slogan selection 2. Thirty second commercials during The Morning Show with Ron Stutts and The Afternoon News with Aaron Keck Total of 2/day for 7 weeks = 70 spots Proposed Plan on Facebook Seven Weeks— November 29, 2015— January 9, 2016 1. Posts that include images of all the slogans being considered 2. Facilitation and encouragement to participate (using Chapelboro, newsletters, radio and FB boosts) 3. Selection and notification of prize winners 4. Compilation of results Prizes To encourage participation, we will give: 1. At least one prize each week (restaurant gift card, movie tickets, etc.) 2. A big prize at the end (fun weekend stay-cation) During the week, winners will be drawn randomly from all who have given slogan feedback. Promotion Summary for November 22 — January 9 1. Chapelboro articles and ads 2. Newsletter ads and mentions 3. WCHL spots and interviews 4. Facebook polling and feedback 5. Optional survey on Chapelboro Laurie Paolicelli said the media plan will not reach the far northern parts of the County, but this need will be addressed by an additional sponsorship with Womack, Beven Enterprise and Usable Orange. Laurie Paolicelli said that the final signage decision would lie with the Board of County Commissioners. Chair McKee asked if the radio station in Hillsborough had been contacted. Laurie Paolicelli said yes, and it is eager to participate. Commissioner Dorosin said it is very gratifying that the public is excited about this. He advocated an open call for ideas from the public and to not offer any suggestions. He said if a new slogan is secured, it could be used broadly on items such as t-shirts, mugs, etc. Commissioner Price said she likes the idea of an open call, but also favors giving the community a few ideas as a starting point or a prompt. Commissioner Dorosin asked if only a slogan is needed. Laurie Paolicelli said yes, only the slogan is being sought at this time. Commissioner Jacobs agreed with Commissioner Dorosin and said if ideas are going to be offered, he suggested using slogans from other counties. He said he believes the community will take this on as a welcomed challenge. Commissioner Burroughs said she would definitely want a viable winnowing process earlier rather than later, and the Board of County Commissioners would have the final decision. Chair McKee agreed with opening up the process to the public knowing that the BOCC will make the final decision. Laurie Paolicelli said the process would start shortly and would conclude in January. 9. County Manager's Report NONE 10. County Attorney's Report John Roberts referred to the fireworks questions and said staff has met to determine how to best respond to this issue. He said the issue would go into the newly proposed fire protection ordinance from Emergency Services. He said the ordinance is not developed enough yet because the volunteer fire departments have not had a chance to comment yet. John Roberts said fireworks are exempt from the noise ordinance, but asked if the Board would like to see it come back as an amendment. He said it could be added to the first meeting in December. Commissioner Jacobs said the concerns about fireworks elevated the conversation about the noise ordinance and whether the noise ordinance is adequate. He said a citizen called him today and expressed concern that the noise ordinance was not being enforced. He said the Sheriff's deputy reports that the noise measuring equipment in use is from 1982. John Roberts said the noise ordinance is rarely enforced and has large numbers of exemptions. John Roberts said he could bring this back as a work session. Commissioner Rich said she would prefer it to come back as a discussion topic as she is not sure she agrees with the ordinance. Chair McKee said to bring the topic as a work session item. He said he finds fireworks a difficult thing to enforce as they are set off and then concluded. John Roberts said the fire protection ordinance would address large displays of fireworks versus setting off a few fireworks in the back yard. 11. Appointments a. Advisory Board on Aging —Appointments The Board considered making appointments to the Advisory Board on Aging. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to appoint the following to the Advisory Board on Aging: Appointment of Marshall Daniel to a partial term (Position #1) At-Large position expiring 06/30/2017. Appointment of Yvonne Mendenhall to a partial term (Position #3) At-Large position expiring 06/30/2017. NOTE: There was a request from the Advisory Board on Aging to move Dr. Donna Prather from (Position #1) At-Large to (Position #5) Carrboro City Limits replacing Heather Altman whose term has expired. The term for Dr. Donna Prather for(Position #5) expires 06/30/2018. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee —Appointments The Board considered making appointments to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to appoint the following to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee: Appointment of Glenda Floyd to a one year training term (Position #10) At-Large position for 11/17/2016. Appointment of Jerry Ann Gregory to a partial term (Position #12) At-Large position expiring 03/31/2017. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Orange County Parks and Recreation Council —Appointment The Board considered making an appointment to the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council. A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to appoint the following to the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council: Appointment of Michael Dempsey to a first full term (Position #11) Eno Township position expiring 12/31/2018. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 12. Board Comments Commissioner Price said she, and other Commissioners, attended the Justice United Assembly. She said it was an encouraging assembly. Commissioner Price said there is the ribbon cutting for the Stickworks sculpture this weekend at the Riverwalk. Commissioner Jacobs said the Durham-Chapel Hill-Orange MPO approved the alternative draft environmental impact statement last week. He said at that meeting, he reported the concerns of some in Orange County and his colleagues. Commissioner Jacobs said he has a response to Craig Benedict's memo regarding the use of economic development funds being spent on sewer projects that are annexed by other jurisdictions. He said he would put his response in writing. Commissioner Burroughs said she had no comments. Commissioner Pelissier said she had no comments. Commissioner Rich said she had no comments. Commissioner Dorosin said he had no comments. Chair McKee thanked Commissioner Jacobs for noting the issue that not all are in favor of the light rail. 13. Information Items • November 5, 2015 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List • BOCC Chair Letter Regarding Petitions from November 5, 2015 Regular Meeting • Memo Regarding Men's Heath Pilot 14. Closed Session A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to go into closed session at 9:43 p.m. for the purpose of: "To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee;" NCGS § 143-318.11(a)(6). VOTE: UNANIMOUS RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to reconvene into regular session at 10:10 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 15. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Earl McKee, Chair Donna Baker Clerk to the Board