HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-01-2016 - 6-a - Minutes ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 1, 2016
Action Agenda
Item No. 6-a
SUBJECT: MINUTES
DEPARTMENT: BOCC
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donna Baker, 245-2130
Draft Minutes
PURPOSE: To correct and/or approve the minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board as
listed below:
February 2, 2016 BOCC Regular Meeting
February 9, 2016 BOCC Work Session
BACKGROUND: In accordance with 153A-42 of the General Statutes, the Governing Board
has the legal duty to approve all minutes that are entered into the official journal of the Board's
proceedings.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: NONE
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve minutes as
presented or as amended.
1
1 Attachment 1
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 REGULAR MEETING
6 February 2, 2016
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 2,
10 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Building, in Hillsborough, N.C.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair McKee and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
13 Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Bernadette Pelissier, Renee Price and Penny Rich
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
17 Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified
18 appropriately below)
19
20 Chair McKee called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
21
22 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
23 Chair McKee noted the following item at the Commissioners' places:
24 - Monthly memorandum from the Planning Department
25
26 PUBLIC CHARGE
27
28 Chair McKee dispensed with the reading of the Public Charge.
29
30 2. Public Comments
31
32 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
33 Sheryl Zimmerman spoke about an ongoing property tax issue that she and her
34 husband, Philip Sloan, are facing. She provided a hand out of her comments as well as
35 several documents pertaining to her comments. All of referenced documents are in the
36 meeting's permanent record at the office of the Clerk to the Board of County
37 Commissioners (BOCC). She reviewed these documents and thanked the Board for its
38 consideration.
39 Chair McKee thanked Sheryl Zimmerman and said the case would be discussed
40 in a closed session at a later date.
41
42 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
43 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda
44 below.)
45
46 3. Petitions by Board Members
47 Commissioner Rich had no petitions.
48 Commissioner Pelissier had no petitions.
49 Commissioner Dorosin said he attended a fantastic advocacy training this past
50 weekend, and reviewed some of the resolutions that were presented that may be for
2
1 consideration by local governments in reference to per pupil funding and some resolutions
2 related to increased accountability for Charter schools. He said he will bring forth draft
3 resolutions in the coming weeks.
4 Commissioner Rich suggested Commissioner Dorosin share these resolutions with the
5 Legislative Issues Work Group (LIWG).
6 Commissioner Price said the Human Relations Commission (HRC) had a forum this
7 past weekend. She said it was mentioned that the County is making great strides in
8 accessibility but noted the need for increased assistance for people with sight or hearing
9 impairments.
10 Commissioner Jacobs said he had a petition related to Commissioner Price's
11 comments. He said he also attended the HRC forum, as well as an additional meeting at the
12 library regarding community design and awareness related to disabilities. He said when he
13 attended the HRC forum he observed that the video screens are hard to see. He said the
14 forum included discussions about getting around the community, noting the lack of sidewalks
15 near certain County buildings. He applauded the current review of all County buildings but
16 asked if this could be expanded to a comprehensive study of all accessibility issues for County
17 facilities and documents.
18 Commissioner Jacobs noted that Arts grants are being given away tonight and said
19 there was a press release regarding a survey about the value of the arts as an economic
20 engine. He suggested that such a survey is insufficient and he referred to an article about
21 Raleigh adoption of a plan called Creative Life: the Raleigh Arts Plan. He said this plan
22 identified eight broad goals, which he reviewed, and is a guide for how Raleigh can invest in the
23 arts. He said he would like to see Orange County have a strategic plan for promoting the arts
24 through the County, as well as partnering with the municipalities.
25 Chair McKee said the second petition, pertaining to the arts, would be referred to the
26 Chair/Vice Chair committee. He asked the County Manager to incorporate the first petition
27 regarding accessibility into the buildings review that has already begun.
28 Commissioner Burroughs had no petitions.
29 Chair McKee had no petitions.
30
31 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
32
33 a. Orange County Arts Grant Recipients
34 The Board acknowledged local artists and arts organizations receiving Fall 2015 Orange
35 County Arts Grants with the presentation of checks by the Board Chair.
36 Martha Shannon, staff support for the Orange County Arts Commission, reviewed the
37 recipients for fall 2015.
38
39 Fall, 2015 Arts Grant Recipients: Attendees:
40
41 ArtsCenter- Jesse Hollars
42 Central/New Hope/Efland-Cheeks Elementary Schools Coalition — Myron Wilson
43 Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School Foundation - Lynn Lehmann
44 Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership (fiscal agent) - Sarah Wolfe
45 Ephesus Elementary School PTA- Kristen Stewart
46 Expedition School - Bessie Mbadugha &
47 Angie Archbold
48 Gravelly Hill Middle School - Eric Yarbrough
49 Hillsborough Arts Council - Micki Saad
3
1 Historical Foundation of Hillsborough and Orange County- Candace Midgett,
2 Whitney Watson,
3 Gabriel Delgadillo,
4 Jamiyah Brigman,
5 Isbah Neit, Neftaly,
6 Eli Morales, Jessica
7 Tinka Jordy - NOT AVAILABLE
8 Michael Roy Layne from Legacyworks Michael Roy Layne
9 attending from
10 Legacyworks
11 McDougle Elementary School PTA- Siobhan Colgan
12 North Carolina Symphony Society, Inc. - Lisa Ransom
13 One Song Productions - Anna LeDuc
14 Peoples Channel - Carson Riedel
15 Phillips Middle School PTSA- Alyse Levine &
16 Cristina Smith
17 Triangle Weavers - Ruth Ann Ross, Lori
18 Rhodes, Janice Kohl
19 Susie Wilde - NOT AVAILABLE
20 Women's Voices Chorus, Inc. - Shelley Hedtke
21
22 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
23 acknowledge the local recipients of the Arts Grants.
24
25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
26
27 b. Cedar Grove Community Center Update
28 The Board received a progress report on the Cedar Grove Community Center project.
29 Jeff Thompson, Asset Management Services Director, said he is here tonight with David
30 Stancil, Department of Agriculture, Environment, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) Director, and
31 David Caldwell, Orange County Community Center Coordinator. He said the purpose of the
32 presentation is to update the Board on this project, introduce David Caldwell, and provide an
33 update on community center outreach and program development.
34 Jeff Thompson said the Cedar Grove Community Center is a 30,000 square foot center
35 featuring several flexible, multipurpose rooms, an Internet café, a quite room, art and heritage
36 display areas, a multimedia room, and exercise areas and is 90% complete. He said the
37 construction is currently focused on interior finishes. He said the exterior landscaping and
38 parking areas are complete and the library kiosk and the bus shelter will be installed in the
39 coming weeks. He said a ribbon cutting will take place in the spring. He introduced David
40 Caldwell.
41 David Caldwell said he is glad to be here. He said he is looking forward to being the
42 Community Center Coordinator for the community centers in Orange County. He said it is a
43 pleasure to work at Orange County.
44 Chair McKee said the Cedar Grove community is excited to have David Caldwell serving
45 in this new position and to be working with him going forward.
46 Commissioner Rich said David Caldwell was a recipient of the citizen of the year award
47 at the MLK Banquet for his community work.
48 Commissioner Dorosin welcomed David Caldwell and noted the County's fortune at
49 having him serve in this position.
4
1 Commissioner Price said the community wanted to attend tonight but there was a
2 conflict. She asked if Jeff Thompson could keep the community members in the loop.
3 David Caldwell said the Rogers Road Community Center was a team effort.
4 David Stancil said everyone is working hard to get the Cedar Grove Community Center
5 up and running.
6 Commissioner Jacobs asked if Jeff Thompson could review the timetable for
7 completion.
8 Jeff Thompson said the certificate of occupancy is expected in April, with a few weeks of
9 soft operations, prior to the ribbon cutting in the summer. He said the kiosk is scheduled to
10 arrive in March and the concrete pad is already in place.
11 Commissioner Rich asked if there will be training for community members on how to use
12 the library kiosk.
13 Jeff Thompson said library services staff will be doing training in coordination with the
14 community center.
15 Commissioner Price asked if the draft timetable could be sent to the Board of County
16 Commissioners and community members.
17 Jeff Thompson said yes.
18
19 c. Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board Update Presentation
20 The Board received a brief presentation from Tony DuBois, General Manager of the
21 Orange County Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board, and provided any questions or
22 comments to Mr. DuBois.
23 Lisa Stuckey, ABC Board Chair, said they are here to give the BOCC an annual update
24 and is joined by Tony Dubois and Ron McCoy, ABC Finance Director.
25 Tony Dubois said the ABC Board is a political subdivision of the State, an independent
26 government agency. He said there is a Board of Directors, and there will be an appointment for
27 the Board Chair this summer. He said the mission of the ABC Board is to serve the County
28 responsibly, not selling to anyone under the age of 21; return profits to law enforcement,
29 alcohol education, and the County general fund; and provide excellent customer service in
30 modern, well kept stores. He said all ABC Board members go through ethics training to insure
31 the highest ethical standards and transparency. He said activities of the last year include the
32 opening of their new administrative offices and the new store in Chapel Hill. He said this store
33 has one of the highest local North Carolina sections in the state.
34 Tony Dubois reviewed the following information:
35 In the fiscal year starting July 1, 2015, a distribution of $400,000 was promised to the
36 Orange County General fund. Distributions are made the last month of each quarter
37 (September, December, March and June) in the amount of $100,000. The board also set aside
38 $ 48,333 to contribute to the Board Retiree Health Care Plan. The board funded local Alcohol
39 Law Enforcement agencies $135,000. The board also increased the amount available for
40 community Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation grants for schools and local community
41 organizations to $173,125. The distributions from the board for fiscal year 2015-16 total
42 $734,883. We also set aside $50,000 to initiate the living wage in 2016 and the board is
43 currently considering how to implement this in a fair manner. Starting the living wage will affect
44 the board's profitability and ability to increase payments to the general fund in the future.
45
46 Alcohol Law Enforcement Amount
47 Hillsborough Police Department $ 7,000
48 Carrboro Police Department $ 16,000
49 Chapel Hill Police Department $ 25,000
50 Orange County Sheriff's Department $ 87,000
5
1 Total Alcohol Law Enforcement $135,000
2
3 Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Grants
4 Mental Health Orange Co Teen Partnership $ 5,000
5 El Centro Hispano $ 10,000
6 Carpe Diem $ 13,125
7 El Futuro $ 18,000
8 Orange County Drug Court $ 25,000
9 Orange County Health Department $ 30,000
10 Orange County Schools $ 32,000
11 Chapel Hill-Carrboro city Schools $ 40,000
12 Total Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation $173,125
13
14 Ron McCoy said the ABC Board has the mission to return the profits made back into the
15 Orange County community. He said this mission is taken seriously and is successfully met. He
16 said the FY 2015 sales were $17.9 million. He said 1.3 million bottles were sold in Orange
17 County with the average sale price of a bottle at $13.80. He said $7.10 per bottle was the cost
18 of the product with $3.30 remitted to the state and local tax authorities, $2.30 went to
19 operational costs, $.38 was retained by the ABC Board for working capital and $.72 was
20 distributed directly back into the County. He said in FY 2015, the total amount distributed by
21 the ABC Board was $737,315. He said $50,765 was paid directly to the County for alcohol
22 rehabilitation services; $156,550 was distributed to schools and community organizations for
23 alcohol education; $130,000 was distributed to local law enforcement agencies; and $400,000
24 was distributed to the Orange County general fund.
25 Lisa Stuckey said the ABC Board did a careful wage and salary study and adopted the
26 living wage last month. She said entry level, part-time pay was increased to $12.76 per hour,
27 full-time pay was increased to $14.00 per hour, and everyone in the organization received a pay
28 increase. She said the pay increases most greatly benefited those at the bottom of the pay
29 scale. She said this is a substantial change, increasing the payroll by about $118,000 but the
30 ABC Board is very excited to be moving in this direction.
31 Lisa Stuckey referred to the North Carolina ABC annual report, noting the "Talk It Up"
32 campaign to reduce underage drinking, which the Orange County ABC Board is happy to
33 support. She said additionally this year, the Board has partnered with the University of North
34 Carolina (UNC), the Town of Chapel Hill, and the Orange County Health Department to fund a
35 position, under the town gown auspices, that will coordinate community and campus efforts to
36 curb high-risk drinking.
37 Lisa Stuckey said she will be rotating off the ABC Board and she thanked the
38 Commissioners for the opportunity to serve.
39 Commissioner Price expressed congratulations to Lisa Stuckey for her six years of
40 service.
41 Commissioner Jacobs asked if a pay study was completed.
42 Lisa Stuckey said yes. She added that the ABC Board does not determine the price of
43 the bottles that are sold or purchased and therefore it was important to insure that increased
44 wages were fiscally viable.
45 Commissioner Jacobs asked if salary compression was reviewed.
46 Lisa Stuckey said yes, and noted that it will be reviewed further. She said merit raises
47 were not sacrificed in order to achieve the overall wage increases.
48 Commissioner Jacobs said the ABC Board has made admirable positive steps to treat
49 its employees appropriately.
6
1 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the BOCC could be updated when, and if, the legislature
2 speaks about the ABC control system, in order to offer support.
3 Lisa Stuckey said the legislature has banned powdered alcohol which she deemed a
4 wise decision.
5 Commissioner Rich expressed thanks for the wage study and the implementation of the
6 living wage. She urged the ABC Board to get in touch with the Living Wage Project of Orange
7 County in order to be certified as a certified as living wage employer.
8 Commissioner Pelissier echoed Commissioner Rich's comments. She asked if the
9 sales for this year could be compared to those of the previous year.
10 Ron McCoy said the sales were up by about a half million dollars this year. He said
11 there has not been a large increase in the number of bottles sold but rather the bottles being
12 purchased are at a higher price point.
13 Commissioner Burroughs said serving as the liaison this past year has shown her how
14 invested the ABC Board is in the organization, and the living wage issue in particular. She
15 thanked the ABC Board for the work being done.
16 Commissioner Rich asked if the local product selections are selling well.
17 Tony Dubois said it has been well received by everyone and there are local liquors from
18 all over the state.
19 Commissioner Price referred to the allocations of funding and asked if there has been
20 an increase in the needs for education and rehab programs.
21 Lisa Stuckey said there is a grant process on the website and about 8-10 requests per
22 year are received. She said the process is similar to the way Orange County funds outside
23 agencies.
24 Commissioner Price asked if underage drinking is an increasing problem.
25 Lisa Stuckey said there has been an increase in monetary requests each year. She
26 said a lot of underage drinkers end up in the emergency room, which is designed to maintain
27 privacy; and this is why she is especially excited about the town gown collaborative, as it will
28 address treatment needs in a new way.
29 Chair McKee acknowledged the professionalism of the ABC Board.
30 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there are any other quasi-county entities over which the
31 BOCC has some indirect control, with reference to promoting the living wage issue.
32 Bonnie Hammersley said one of the guidelines for the 2016-2017 budget is to identify
33 those entities, and department directors are contacting vendors to determine this information.
34 Commissioner Dorosin said the County should promote the living way to all the quasi-
35 governmental agencies, like Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), the ABC Board, the
36 schools, etc.
37 Commissioner Jacobs said he agreed. He offered the Community Home Trust (CHT)
38 as an example recipient of County funding but is unsure whether CHT pays a living wage. He
39 suggested the BOCC consider even broader application than just the living wage, such as
40 accessibility, noting that those receiving County funds should need to follow certain standards.
41
42 5. Public Hearings
43
44 a. Local Economic Development Public Hearing for Appropriation of Funds for
45 Infrastructure
46 The Board conducted a Public Hearing on the appropriation of Economic Development
47 funds the Article 46 apportionment for Economic Development in accordance with recently
48 modified state law, SL 2015-277, and closed the Public Hearing.
49 Steve Brantley, Orange County Economic Development Director, reviewed the following
50 information:
7
1 BACKGROUND: A recent (summer 2015) state law change now requires additional specificity
2 when expending funds for Economic Development. In consultation with the County Attorney's
3 office, this change requires a more elaborate explanation of the use/purpose and justification of
4 public benefit related to Economic Development monies. This information would be noticed to
5 the public via a newspaper advertisement for input. The information required complements prior
6 adopted Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and budget approvals from a past and current year
7 budget. The attached advertisement meets those requirements. The project is the Efland
8 Mebane Phase II Extension, which was approved by the Board in June 2015. The
9 advertisement explains the project and a map is attached to show the area. The monies have
10 been budgeted in prior and current year CIP budgets in the amount of approximately $4.97
11 million funded from Article 46 funds.
12 Steve Brantley said one of the land tracks is a 79-acre site, which is referred to as the
13 Simpson Efland Heirs site. He said this property was the first choice site for Morinaga, but was
14 ultimately rejected, as it did not have water and sewer. He said there is currently a new
15 prospect showing strong interest in this property. He said adding utilities to this land would
16 greatly help economic development efforts.
17 Craig Benedict, Orange County Planning Director, reviewed several maps pertaining to
18 the project's sewer line easements, a routing location, and how it impacts the several adjacent,
19 passer-by residential lots. He said property lines were followed whenever possible. He said
20 there are 13 easements, primarily in the Efland area. He noted that an area has been
21 purchased for a sewer lift station. He said this project provides backbone for the infrastructure
22 for this Economic Development zone.
23 Commissioner Jacobs referred to the forced main on Route Ten and asked if it can be
24 tapped into.
25 Craig Benedict said the forced main would not be tapped into. He said any properties
26 west of Gravely Hill Middle School can tie into an existing sewer line, and those to the east
27 would have to have a private lift station.
28 Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is a grand opening date yet for Morinaga.
29 Steve Brantley said a date in April or May is preferable for Morinaga but are flexible to
30 accommodate the BOCC.
31 Commissioner Jacobs asked if Chair McKee would write a letter to Morinaga,
32 acknowledging its accomplishment of being confectionary vendor of the year 2015.
33 Chair McKee said he would do so.
34 Commissioner Price asked if properties to the south would be affected.
35 Craig Benedict said these properties are not within the water and sewer boundary
36 agreement.
37 Commissioner Rich asked if the number of water and sewer agreements held by
38 Orange County is known.
39 Craig Benedict said there is one with the City of Mebane, which was updated in 2009;
40 one with the City of Durham, for the Eno Economic Development zone; and an agreement with
41 the City of Hillsborough is in process.
42
43 PUBLIC COMMENT
44 None.
45
46 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Price for
47 the Board to close the Public Hearing.
48
49 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
50
8
1 b. Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment—Sexually Oriented Businesses
2 - Closure of Public Hearing and Action (No Additional Comments Accepted)
3 The Board considered receiving the Planning Board recommendation, closing the public
4 hearing, and making a decision on text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance
5 (UDO) initiated by the Planning Director to adopt regulations governing the development of
6 sexually oriented businesses.
7 Michael Harvey, Orange County Planning Supervisor, said this item is a continuation of
8 the public hearing, and noted the abstract contained the UDO outline form in attachment one;
9 excerpts from the Quarterly Public Hearing (QPH) and the Planning Board; a Planning Board
10 statement of consistency; and a proposed text amendment.
11 Michael Harvey said current zoning regulations do not establish locational criteria for
12 sexually oriented businesses and are actually prohibited. He said this prohibition is inconsistent
13 with state law which states this as a land use that can be regulated but not prohibited. He said
14 the proposed text amendment seeks to establish locational criteria and allowable general use
15 zoning districts.
16 Michael Harvey said the recommendation is to allow sexually oriented businesses in the
17 industrial medium and heavy intensity districts, specifically I-2 and 1-3. He said the setback
18 standards are designed to protect identified secondary sensitive uses such as schools, libraries,
19 single family residences, and daycares from the impacts that can occur from sexually oriented
20 businesses being located in a given area. He referred to several studies that support the need
21 for these setbacks.
22 Michael Harvey referred to page 7 of attachment 1, noting an inconsistency brought
23 forward. He said it was initially stated that there are no properties in the County zoned 1-2 or I-
24 3, but this is not accurate, and appropriate properties have since been located.
25 Commissioner Price said there seems to be inconsistency on page 48 and asked if
26 adult cabarets are allowed.
27 Michael Harvey said yes.
28 Commissioner Price said if they are allowed then page 45 is inconsistent, as it states
29 that the sale and consumption of alcohol is banned on the premises of an adult cabaret.
30 Michael Harvey said it is not inconsistent and the County chose to voluntarily
31 recommend a prohibition on the consumption of alcohol.
32 Commissioner Price clarified that alcohol is going to be banned in a bar.
33 Michael Harvey said no, that alcohol would be banned in an adult cabaret which is the
34 County's right by state law.
35 Michael Harvey said Commissioner Dorosin brought up this same concern during the
36 QPH, and he gave Commissioner Dorosin the same answer that there does not have to be a
37 regulation banning the consumption of alcohol, but it is the recommendation.
38 Commissioner Price referred to page 49, which addresses adult motels. She said this
39 seems absurd.
40 Michael Harvey said there are provisions in state laws that are not sane and the goal
41 here is to provide a definitional framework for what could constitute an adult motel versus trying
42 to reclassify motels throughout the County.
43 Commissioner Price said her only remaining concern is the issue of alcohol.
44 Michael Harvey said the provision was put there because the state law allows it but its
45 elimination from this ordinance text amendment does not impact the enforceability of the text as
46 a whole.
47 Commissioner Dorosin referred to page 26, noting it says there are no properties zoned
48 1-2 and 1-3, and he asked if that is incorrect.
49 Michael Harvey said yes, and there are zoned properties in Orange County that can
50 allow for these establishments.
9
1 Commissioner Dorosin said he appreciated the work on this issue and the regulations
2 that will be imposed, given that sexually oriented businesses have many negatives and dangers
3 related to them; but he does not believe that banning the sale of alcohol relates to the these
4 inherent dangers, such as sexual trafficking. He said the risks of alcohol are the same whether
5 at a sexually oriented business or at a bar.
6
7 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to
8 strike the portion of the draft ordinance that bans the sale and consumption of alcohol in
9 sexually oriented businesses.
10 Michael Harvey said there must first be a motion to approve the statement of consistency,
11 followed by a motion to approve the ordinance text amendment, revised as follows, eliminating
12 the provision contained in Section 5.6.15 (B) (1) prohibiting sexually oriented businesses from
13 selling, or being located within a structure allowing for the consumption of, alcohol.
14
15 Commissioner Dorosin said this process does not make sense to him.
16 John Roberts said the Court's ruling on statement of consistency is unclear, but he does
17 not have any concerns with what Michael Harvey is suggesting. He said it would also be
18 acceptable to adopt the statement of consistency after eliminating a portion of the ordinance.
19 Commissioner Dorosin withdrew the motion.
20
21 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to
22 close the public hearing and adopt the Statement of Consistency, contained within Attachment
23 5.
24
25 VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Chair McKee, Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner Pelissier, Commissioner
26 Price, and Commissioner Burroughs); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioner Rich)
27 MOTION PASSES
28
29 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to
30 strike from the Ordinance section 5.6.15b1, regarding the prohibition of the sale of alcoholic
31 beverages.
32
33 Commissioner Burroughs asked those in opposition to the vote to explain why.
34 Chair McKee said he is not going to vote in opposition to this motion now, but he has
35 question about the entire issue.
36 John Roberts said Orange County cannot ban alcohol in its entirety, and if an application
37 came forward with this type of use, the BOCC would have to consider it. He said this is needed
38 in the event that something like this comes forward. He said in March, he will bring a general
39 police power ordinance to the Board, and there will be more opportunity to discuss the
40 operational aspects of sexually oriented businesses, as opposed to the land use aspects.
41
42 VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Chair McKee, Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioiner Pelissier, Commissioner
43 Price, and Commissioner Burroughs); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioner Rich)
44
45 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to
46 approve the entire attachment 6, as amended.
47
48 VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Chair McKee, Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioiner Pelissier, Commissioner
49 Price, and Commissioner Burroughs); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioner Rich)
50
10
1 c. Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment— Display of Vehicles at Motor
2 Vehicle Sales/Rental Land Uses - Closure of Public Hearing and Action (No
3 Additional Comments Accepted)
4 The Board considered receiving the Planning Board recommendation, closing the public
5 hearing, and making a decision on text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance
6 (UDO) initiated by the Planning Director to adopt regulations regarding the display of vehicles at
7 motor vehicle sales/rental businesses.
8 Michael Harvey said this is the last UDO text amendment public hearing, the purpose
9 of which is just to receive a recommendation.
10 Michael Harvey said the intent of this amendment is to establish uniform, global
11 regulation, providing a specific limit on the number of automobiles that can be displayed for
12 either rental or sale at businesses. He said an applicant proposed an original amount of 12
13 vehicles and noted this limit only impacted development of automotive sales, motor vehicle
14 sales or rental businesses within the neighborhood commercial zoning district.
15 Michael Harvey said staff has seen a dramatic increase in the development of
16 automotive sales and did not find it reasonable to limit the number of displayed vehicles in only
17 one zoning district. He said staff recommends establishing a universal standard providing limit
18 for such businesses in non-urbanizing, but legally located, portions of the County, such as the
19 rural neighborhood nodes, and providing regulations in the urban areas where a higher degree
20 of development is expected.
21 Michael Harvey said the standard was raised to 32 cars per acre, and also added
22 language to not include cars being prepared or refurbished for sale as part of the 32. He added
23 that such cars would have to be in an identified storage area.
24 Michael Harvey said in the urbanized areas, the limit is 45 cars per acre. He said these
25 recommendations are in accordance with the open space and impervious surface limit
26 requirements in each district.
27
28 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
29 close the hearing.
30
31 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
32
33 Commissioner Jacobs asked if any automotive vendors have provided feedback.
34 Michael Harvey said yes, and that the 32 car standard seems acceptable.
35 Commissioner Jacobs asked if a passed ordinance is promulgated to existing auto
36 dealers in Orange County.
37 Michael Harvey said staff does outreach, but vendors typically become most aware
38 when seeking expansion.
39 Michael Harvey said the County does not take a heavy hand in the area of enforcement,
40 but rather work with vendors through the proper channels to make necessary changes.
41
42 A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
43 to adopt the Statement of Consistency, contained within Attachment 5.
44
45 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
46
47 A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
48 adopt the Ordinance amending the UDO contained within Attachment 6 as recommended by
49 the Planning Board and staff.
50
11
1 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
2
3
4 6. Consent Agenda
5 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
6 None
7
8 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
9
10 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Price to
11 approve the remaining items on the consent agenda.
12
13 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
14
15 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
16 a. Minutes
17 The Board approved the minutes for the December 7, 2015 BOCC Regular Meeting as
18 submitted by the Clerk to the Board.
19 b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
20 The Board accepted the report reflecting the motor vehicle property tax releases/refunds
21 requested in accordance with the NCGS, and adopting the resolution to release motor vehicle
22 property tax value for one (1) taxpayer with a total of one (1) bill that will result in a reduction of
23 revenue.
24 c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
25 The Board adopted the resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property tax
26 value for one (1) taxpayer with a total of one (1) bill that will result in a reduction of revenue in
27 accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381.
28 d. Applications for Property Tax Exemption/Exclusion
29 The Board approved the resolution, which is incorporated by reference, for five (5) untimely
30 applications for exemption/exclusion from ad valorem taxation for five (5) bills for the 2015 tax
31 year.
32 e. Advertisement of Tax Liens on Real Property
33 The Board accepted the report reflecting the amount of unpaid taxes for the current year that
34 are liens on real property as required by North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 105-369,
35 approving a request that March 23, 2016 be set by the Board as the date for the tax lien
36 advertisement, and authorized the Chair to sign the Order setting the lien sale advertisement
37 date for March 23, 2016.
38 f. Orange County Arts Commission DCP Renewal with NC Arts Council
39 The Board authorized the Orange County Arts Commission (OCAC) and staff to apply by the
40 March 1, 2016 deadline for annual Designated County Partner (DCP) renewal with the NC Arts
41 Council in order to receive state Grassroots Program funds for Orange County.
42 g. Resolution Endorsing Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Grant Agreement
43 with the NCDOT
44 The Board approved the resolution, which is incorporated by reference, of project agreement
45 between Orange County and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and
46 authorized the County Manager to sign the agreement.
47 h. Request for a 1.0 FTE Time Limited Position to Assist in the New Land Management
48 Central Permitting Software Implementation Program (LMCP)
49 The Board created a new 1.0 FTE (full time equivalent) time limited position in the Health
50 Department and to transfer an existing 0.5 FTE position from Health to Planning and
12
1 Inspections, thereby these positons to backfill the duties of existing staff who will be involved in
2 implementing the new Land Management Central Permitting (LMCP) Software.
3 i. Changes in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule for 2016
4 The Board made changes to the Board of Commissioners' regular meeting calendar for 2016,
5 changing the designations of the May 12th and May 26th BOCC meetings and to change the
6 location of the May 19th meeting: May 12th — Budget Public Hearing at Whitted Building,
7 Hillsborough, NC (this was originally scheduled as a Budget Work Session); May 19th- Budget
8 Public Hearing at Southern Human Services Center, Chapel Hill (this was originally scheduled
9 to be at the Whitted Building); May 26th- Budget Work Session — CIP (this was originally
10 scheduled as a Budget Public Hearing).
11
12 7. Regular Agenda
13
14 a. Rogers Road Sewer Project Easements
15 The Board considered: 1. Authorizing County Staff to accept and acquire the private
16 easements required to construct and maintain the Rogers Road Sewer Project by negotiation,
17 purchase or condemnation, if necessary; 2. Authorizing the payment of negotiated easement
18 value to individual property owners, within the project budget; 3. Authorizing the County
19 Attorney's office to proceed with legal acquisition of utility easements with court filing, as
20 necessary; and 4. Authorizing staff to bring back a budget amendment within the parameters
21 outlined above to cover the cost of acquiring easements for this project.
22 Travis Myren reviewed the following information:
23 The County has been working with the Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill, and with the
24 Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) to design and construct a sewer collection
25 system to serve the Rogers Road neighborhood. The County is leading the effort to obtain the
26 private easements needed for construction and future maintenance of the sewer collection
27 system. At this point in the design process, the alignment of the sewer system has been
28 tentatively established and the design firm is in the process of creating easement plats for each
29 property noted in Attachment 1. The proposed sewer line is approximately 18,500 linear feet.
30 In anticipation of this easement acquisition effort, County Staff set up an information
31 meeting for community members, which was held on December 8, 2015. The meeting was
32 held to explain to the community the purpose of an easement, and the practical implications of
33 having an easement on their property. This was also a time to answer questions about the
34 easement acquisition process, the construction process, and the project in general.
35 Following receipt of the easement plats from the design consultant (AECOM), County
36 staff will develop easement deeds for each property. There are approximately 80 properties
37 where permanent and temporary easements may be placed: 73 parcels inside the Historic
38 Rogers Road Area (HRRA) and 7 parcels outside the HRRA.
39 Staff will then contact each property owner from whom an easement is needed by letter
40 to let them know why the County needs the easement, where the easement will be located on
41 their property, how much the County is offering for the easement and the value of the
42 infrastructure being installed on their property. The easement deed and a copy of the plat will
43 be included in the letter, along with instructions on how to complete the document and who to
44 contact with any questions.
45
46 FINANCIAL IMPACT: County staff will offer a standard monetary amount for each easement,
47 based on a partial per square foot tax value of each property, since easements are minor
48 percentage interest and not a fee simple purchase. Approximately $212,000 is herein being
49 requested for the project budget to cover these costs. In the event of condemnation, the
13
1 County will be required to deposit an amount equal to the easement value with the Court upon
2 filing of the condemnation complaint. A cost sharing agreement with Carrboro and Chapel Hill
3 will assist in these costs.
4 Chair McKee asked if Bonnie Hammersley could summarize conversations that took
5 place with the Town of Chapel Hill and representative from the Jackson Center.
6 Bonnie Hammersley said all entities are involved and have been supportive. She said
7 there is a staff team with representatives from all stakeholders.
8 Chair McKee said Mr. Vaughn said the discussions with the community are going well.
9
10 PUBLIC COMMENT:
11 Reverend Robert Campbell said he is one on staff at the Community Center and is
12 Chair of Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association (RENA). He expressed the community's
13 pleasure with everything that is going on, and he thanked the BOCC for all the hard work and
14 the progress that is being made in the Rogers Road Community.
15 Commissioner Price asked if the easement costs are based on the value of the land.
16 Travis Myren said yes.
17 Commissioner Price asked if the calculations will be made before the revaluation.
18 Travis Myren said yes, the assessed value will be taken as it stands this year.
19 Commissioner Rich asked what would happen if an easement is not voluntarily agreed
20 to.
21 John Roberts said there would be an attempted negotiation, but if someone refuses to
22 grant an easement, the County would give proper notification and place a deposit with the Clerk
23 of Court, immediately granting the County the easement at that time. He said any litigation
24 thereafter would be about the value.
25 Commissioner Rich asked if such scenarios would slow down the overall process.
26 John Roberts said any property owners who may not be willing will be known
27 substantially ahead of time.
28 Commissioner Rich asked if Reverend Campbell could help the County make this
29 progress go smoothly.
30 Reverend Campbell said the process in place now is handling these questions ahead of
31 time. He said the majority of the community is satisfied and ready to proceed, with perhaps one
32 or two that may be hesitant about the equity within the space that is going to be used. He feels
33 these concerns will be resolved.
34 Commissioner Rich said the overarching theme is that the process should continue to
35 move forward on these easements.
36 John Roberts said there were a number of condemnation actions filed in the Mebane-
37 Efland area, but noted that all were resolved prior to going to trial.
38
39 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
40 for the Board to:
41 1. Authorize the payment of negotiated easement value to individual property owners, within the
42 project budget;
43 2. Authorize the County Attorney's office to proceed with legal acquisition of utility easements
44 with court filing, as necessary; and
45 3. Authorize staff to bring back a budget amendment within the parameters outlined above to
46 cover the cost of acquiring easements for this project.
47
48 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
49
50 8. Reports
14
1 None
2
3 9. County Manager's Report
4 Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the upcoming agenda items for the work session on
5 February 9, 2016 at Southern Human Services Center.
6 Bonnie Hammersley said the update on the Southern Branch Library is an information
7 item she wanted to bring to the Board's attention.
8
9 10. County Attorney's Report
10 None
11 11. Appointments
12 None
13
14 12. Board Comments
15 Commissioner Burroughs had no comments.
16 Commissioner Jacobs said at the last Burlington-Graham Metropolitan Planning
17 Organization (MPO) meeting, several vehicles were approved for the Orange County
18 transportation system, as well as expediting bike lanes and sidewalks for Buckhorn Road.
19 Commissioner Price had no comments.
20 Commissioner Dorosin said there was a schools collaboration meeting today, which was
21 effective and positive.
22 Commissioner Pelissier had no comments.
23 Commissioner Rich asked if minutes from the schools collaboration meeting could be
24 distributed to the Board.
25 Commissioner Rich said there is some incorrect information about the Southern Library
26 that is going through the blogs.
27 Commissioner Rich said the Board has a notice from the Orange County Visitor's
28 Bureau about Airbnbs. She stressed the need for the County and its partners to collect
29 appropriate taxes from Airbnbs.
30 Commissioner Price said the Orange County Schools (OCS) had an information session
31 for County Commissioner candidates, where OCS gave an excellent report on all that is
32 happening in the district. She said it would be helpful for the BOCC to hear a similar
33 presentation.
34 Chair McKee said it is campaign season and encouraged all to pay attention to local
35 politics.
36
37 13. Information Items
38
39 • January 21, 2016 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
40 • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
41 • Tax Assessor's Report — Releases/Refunds under $100
42 • Update on Southern Branch Library Due Diligence and Siting Process
43 • 2015 State of Airbnb in North Carolina and Orange County
44 • Parks and Recreation Council Memo - Disc Golf Course
45 • BOCC Chair Letter Regarding Petitions from January 21, 2016 Regular Meeting
46
47 14. Closed Session
48 None
49
50 15. Adjournment
15
1
2 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
3 adjourn the meeting at 9:04 p.m.
4
5 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
6
7 Earl McKee, Chair
8
9
10 Donna Baker,
11 Clerk to the Board
1
1 Attachment 2
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 Work Session
6 February 9, 2016
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9
10 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in a work session on Tuesday, February 9,
11 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
12
13 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair McKee and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
14 Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Bernadette Pelissier, Renee Price and Penny Rich
15 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
16 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
17 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy Manager Travis
18 Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified
19 appropriately below)
20
21 Chair McKee called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. He noted the following items at
22 the Commissioners' places:
23 - Letter: update from Orange County Department of Aging
24 - Hardcopy of agenda for BOCC assignments
25
26 1. Board of County Commissioners' (BOCC) External Advisory Board Appointees
27
28 BACKGROUND: The Board suggested in 2014 to invite County-appointed advisory board
29 representatives to external boards to a work session, in order to give these appointees an
30 opportunity to provide updates/concerns on issues they think should be brought to the Board's
31 attention related to their advisory board service. It is in everyone's best interest to improve
32 communication with these Orange County representatives, and to better coordinate their work
33 for the betterment of the County. These appointees have been solicited to submit updates,
34 concerns, and suggestions if they wish. The appointees have also been invited to address the
35 Board at the meeting, all in order to provide a better line of communication between the Board
36 and its appointees to external advisory boards.
37
38 The external appointees that attended this meeting:
39 • Carrboro Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee: Anahid Vrana
40 Anahid Vrana said this Committee is concerned about the area of Old Highway 86,
41 around the Calvander area. She said this Committee is most concerned about the actual road
42 of Old Highway 86, and the County's future Twin Creek park site.
43 Anahid Vrana said neighbors are very excited about the park site, but are concerned
44 about the entrance/exit to the park, as it is a blind intersection. She said the development is
45 concerned, but has come up with some ideas. She offered one suggestion to enter the park
46 with a right hand turn and to exit the park behind the school and onto Eubanks Road.
47 She said the Department of Transportation (DOT)was able to drop a perpendicular road, called
48 Deer Ridge, to give more sight line to that road area, but there is still a lot of blind traffic.
49 She said the County built a beautiful path from behind Morris Grove Elementary School to the
50 Lake Hogan sub-division, which is an asset and connects with Twin Creek Park. She noted
2
1 that the path ends abruptly. She said if it were completed, it would offer a beautiful and
2 extremely safe way for children to walk and bike to school. She said the Committee wonders
3 where the responsibility lies for completion of this path.
4 Anahid Vrana said there was a County plan to have a connector road between
5 Homestead Road and Eubanks Road, and there is a stub out connection within the Hogan
6 Farms subdivision for this very purpose. She said this plan was never completed, but would
7 take some of the load off of Old Highway 86, if it were. She said the residents that live along
8 old 86 know is a beautiful, historic road and used to be a wagon trail, but the safety issues are a
9 concern.
10 Chair McKee said the BOCC will pursue her concerns with DOT and staff, especially the
11 pathway.
12 David Stancil, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR)
13 Director, said the path was part of the greenway that was constructed several years ago as
14 Phase One of the Twin Creeks Park. He said the extension of the greenway is part of the
15 overall plan for this area, and there is a segment that is missing. He said there is a segment
16 planned to go around a townhome community, and there is some work planned to move this
17 forward. He said this path is called the Jones Creek Greenway.
18 David Stancil referred to the road questions, and said the road is on hold due to the
19 Ballentine subdivision being on hold. He said the County is waiting an ultimate decision about
20 the remainder of this subdivision, noting the County does still have some funding to put towards
21 this road project.
22 Commissioner Jacobs said the north-south road that is east of the park, that connects
23 with Eubanks Road, is a four-lane bike and sidewalk that was required by Carrboro of the
24 County, when the park is completed. He said this will be a hugely expensive project, and may
25 merit further conversation with Carrboro.
26 Commissioner Jacobs said there was some concern about this impacting Duke Forest
27 to the east.
28 David Stancil said there are several questions regarding this north-south road, Lake
29 Hogan Farm Road, but there is a stub out that was built at the same time as Morris Grove
30 Elementary School. He said the next phase will happen when the next school facility is built in
31 this area. He said thereafter there are a couple of different alignments as to how the road gets
32 from there to the existing road that straddles the Ballentine-Twin Creeks property.
33
34 • Chapel Hill Planning Commission: Deborah Harris
35 Deborah Harris said she had no comments.
36 Commissioner Jacobs said one of the reasons the BOCC wanted to have these
37 opportunities to meet with appointees to outside boards is to have open communication
38 between appointing and appointed boards.
39 Commissioner Jacobs said if she could please send the BOCC an email regarding the
40 issues on which her board is working, which may have impact on the County.
41 Chair McKee said the BOCC wants to give all boards an opportunity to bring any
42 concerns forward.
43 Neal Bench said he is the Chair of the Chapel Hill Planning Commission, and noted that
44 Deborah Harris has been on the Planning Commission for about six months. He said she is
45 getting a good feel as to what is going on. He said it was new to her, and she is working on
46 being a continued addition to the Commission.
47
48 • Chapel Hill Parks, Greenways and Recreation Commission: Mary Musacchia
49 Mary Musacchia thanked the Board of County Commissioners for appointing her to this
50 board, saying she has greatly enjoyed representing Orange County. She lives in the University
3
1 Lake area and has had the privilege to take tours of many of the Orange County parks. She
2 said Chapel Hill recently integrated their boards and commissions and reduced them, and this
3 relates to the County at large. She said bringing greenways into the mix was a good idea, and
4 noted the biggest pressure in Chapel Hill is that all of the facilities are heavily used and
5 overtaxed. She said there are a lot of Orange County children that come into the Chapel Hill
6 recreation summer programs, and these children are always accommodated whenever
7 possible. She said there are children with special needs as well, and a park in the southern
8 area of Chapel Hill is being expanded to be a full accessibility park. She said as a
9 representative of the County, she is most concerned with building fully accessible parks.
10 Mary Musacchia said the Legion Road park area has recently received offers from
11 private developers, and Chapel Hill was unable to meet the market price. She is paying
12 attention to that area, since there is a need for new park properties.
13 Commissioner Jacobs said there is a program through the Department of Social
14 Services (DSS) to help subsidize children in recreation programs.
15 Commissioner Jacobs said DSS Director Nancy Coston is here tonight.
16 Mary Musacchia said the earlier children register, the better.
17
18 • Mebane Planning Board: Thomas Fenske
19 Thomas Fenske said there has not been very much activity in the Orange County area
20 of Mebane. He said the Meadows subdivision, which straddles the county line, is re-zoning to
21 increase density. He said there is only a small part of Mebane in Orange County, but he is here
22 to serve.
23 Chair McKee referred to the Meadows project, and asked if there was any discussion
24 about a buffer area on Ben Wilson Road, given that the property on the eastern side is
25 commercial.
26 Thomas Fenske said there was discussion about traffic, but no concerns were raised
27 regarding the commercial property.
28 Commissioner Jacobs said he spoke to the Clerk regarding boards that failed to send
29 representatives this evening, noting that some did not respond to emails. He suggested
30 following up with phone calls next year. He said it is valuable to have face-to-face time with
31 these representatives.
32
33 2. County Commissioners — Boards and Commissions —Annual Work Plans/Reports
34
35 PURPOSE: To provide feedback and/or direction on the list of boards and commissions' annual
36 work plans/reports with their Chairs (or representatives) in attendance.
37
38 BACKGROUND: In the past, as part of the Board of Commissioners' annual planning and goal
39 setting retreats, the Board requested and reviewed/provided feedback on annual
40 summaries/work plans from the County's internal advisory boards and commissions. This
41 information provided the Board with a yearly overview of the boards and commissions and their
42 projected goals for the upcoming year. This particular process ended in 2007. The Board
43 decided at its April 13, 2010 meeting to reinstate this process independent of the Board's
44 annual retreats.
45
46 Boards and their representatives below:
47 • ABC Board:
48 Presentation made to the BOCC on February 2
49
50 Chair McKee moved the Advisory Board on Aging to be first in the line up of reports.
4
1
2 • Advisory Board on Aging: Alex Castro, Jr., Chair
3 Alex Castro said he added a letter at the Commissioners' places, which is in addition to
4 the plan the Commissioners already received. He said this letter concerns senior safety, noting
5 there was a tragic accident with a senior walking home from the Seymour Senior Center. He
6 said in Hillsborough there are people pushing walkers down highway 70 to the senior centers.
7 He noted that Orange County owns the facilities, but there is multi-jurisdictional involvement
8 with towns responsible for the sidewalks and DOT for the roadways. He is concerned that
9 safety gets lost in the bureaucracy. He suggested interagency groups that can be tasked with
10 addressing issues that affect multiple jurisdictions and can be held accountable.
11 Alex Castro said there is a growing population of seniors who are encouraged to get out
12 a walk, but the conditions to do so are unsafe. He referred to a movement called Complete
13 Streets, noting Chapel Hill has received bond approval for$16.2 million to improve
14 infrastructure, including items such as senior crossings, akin to school crossings. He said
15 seniors need crosswalks, and he is asking the Board of County Commissioners to cut across
16 red tape to remedy this concern.
17 Alex Castro then referred back to the report, which was originally submitted to the
18 BOCC for this evening's discussion. He said he is proud to be associated with this Department,
19 and noted its great efforts to implement programs like Project Engage. He said Project Engage
20 selects individuals from throughout Orange County and provides them with a 13-week overview
21 of all resources available in the County, so that they can return to their own communities and
22 share this knowledge, while perhaps getting involved in the services as well. He said the
23 Department has been developing Master Aging Plans that are community driven, including
24 community meetings to hear all concerns. He said the School of Public Health at the University
25 of North Carolina (UNC) was able to help in these efforts. He said the department is good at
26 harvesting resources from young and dedicated students, county staff, and senior volunteers to
27 create multi-faceted programs.
28 Commissioner Pelissier asked staff to look into what happened at Eno Haven
29 Apartments, as she recalled there was supposed to be a pathway to the Senior Center.
30 Alex Castro said there is a sidewalk, but it does not reach the Senior Center, and it is
31 also on a grade.
32 Commissioner Jacobs said he recalled a discussion about a connection not on highway
33 70, but rather a road that goes behind the complex. He informed Alex Castro that the BOCC
34 has asked staff to look at all of the County's facilities to make them more accessible to
35 pedestrians.
36 Alex Castro said attention should be drawn to senior pedestrians, noting the example of
37 strobe lights at some crosswalks in the County.
38 Commissioner Rich suggested erecting signs at crosswalks noting that seniors are
39 crossing.
40 Alex Castro referred to an example in the County where a variable marking sign was
41 added to alert motorists of an upcoming change in traffic pattern. He also said lowering and
42 enforcing the speed limit would help.
43 Commissioner Price said the sidewalk approaching the Senior Center in Hillsborough is on
44 an incline, and once at the Senior Center the line-of-sight needs to be improved at the
45 entrance.
46
47 • Adult Care Community Advisory Board: Mary Frasier, Department on Aging Staff
48 Mary Fraiser said the Adult Care Community Advisory Board volunteers visit all six
49 assisted living facilities and five family care homes each quarter, to look at resident rights and
50 quality of life. She said a report is submitted and is available on the County website. She noted
5
1 there is some disparity between fee-paying facilities and those available to those with lower
2 incomes, and that leadership turnover is a problem. She said Board volunteers try to be
3 supportive to the nurse administrators.
4 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a difference between this Board and the Nursing
5 Home committee.
6 Mary Frasier said the two groups are required by state statute, and it is at the county's
7 discretion whether to keep them separate or combined. She said a nursing home requires
8 skilled nursing, whereas an assisted living is more of a social model program where needs are
9 not medical in nature but rather connected to life skills. She said the work of the two
10 committees is identical.
11 Commissioner Burroughs said the work of the group is laudable. She asked if there are
12 enough volunteers for the Board.
13 Mary Frasier said if the committees are full, there are enough people to do the work
14 necessary of visiting the facilities quarterly. She said there must always be at least two people
15 on each quarterly visit, with three being optimal.
16 Commissioner Burroughs asked if there is a pattern to the timing of the visits.
17 Mary Frasier said visits are made at different times, in order to view different elements of
18 the facility's day, including meal times, evenings, leisure time, and weekends.
19 Commissioner Price visited a facility last year with this Board, and recalled its desire to
20 present to the BOCC about its work and what was going on in the facilities. She asked if such
21 a presentation could be added to a future BOCC agenda.
22 Commissioner Pelissier said a weakness mentioned is that staff have limited experience
23 with mental health issues, and she asked if local mental health providers have been contacted
24 to provide training of some sort.
25 Mary Frasier said the Committee has not done so directly. She noted that Cardinal
26 Innovations is involved in most of the assisted living facilities, as they now have a geriatric
27 education specialty team that is funded through the State. She said her concern is when young
28 people suffering from mental illness are placed in the same facility as elderly, frail patients with
29 the same conditions. She said this mixing occurs more in the Medicaid funded facilities.
30 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the number of beds in Orange County for nursing homes
31 versus assisted living is known, and if there is a waiting list. He asked if these numbers could
32 be forwarded to the BOCC.
33 Mary Frasier said yes, she can easily provide this information to the BOCC. She said
34 there are five assisted living facilities, all at a fairly low census and struggling financially. She
35 said Medicaid funded facilities are more full. She noted that there are few facilities that provide
36 both.
37 Commissioner Jacobs asked if there any models in counties across North Carolina that
38 work with people on government assistance to operate or subsidize nursing homes.
39 Mary Frasier said not that she knows of, noting that this is a big policy issue that
40 requires deep review. She said much depends on the federal government and for what
41 Medicaid and insurance will pay.
42 Commissioner Jacobs asked if this topic will be part of Master Aging plan update.
43 Mary Frasier she said it could be.
44
45 • Affordable Housing Advisory Board: Noah Oswald, Member
46 Noah Oswald said Chair Barbee had another commitment and had to leave, but he said
47 she did want to thank the Board of Commissioners for all that it has done, noting that the
48 Affordable Housing Advisory Board is at full capacity, which allows for more productive
49 meetings. He also expressed her thanks to the BOCC for including affordable housing as part
50 of bond referendum.
6
1 Noah Oswald said the draft plan submitted to the BOCC consists of three components:
2 gather information, innovative solutions, and effective collaboration. He said he would like to
3 give the BOCC and the public more information about the impact of affordable housing efforts.
4 He said his Board has talked about property inventory, housing vouchers and barriers landlords
5 face in offering affordable housing. He said there are a lot of units working toward affordable
6 housing that can be coordinated to have a far greater impact on the issue. He said his Board is
7 hoping to work more effectively with its sister boards and the non-profit community.
8 Commissioner Pelissier expressed agreement with the goal of effective collaboration.
9 She referred to the work plan and asked if the BOCC can attend the affordable housing bus
10 tour.
11 Noah Oswald said he was not part of the Board the last time this tour was conducted,
12 but he would extend an invitation to the BOCC when the tour next occurs.
13
14 • Agricultural Preservation Board (APB): Renee McPherson, Chair
15 Renee McPherson thanked the BOCC for her appointment.
16 Staff Member Peter Sandbeck said the APB had a good year and added 17 new farms
17 this past year voluntarily. He said there is a total of 69 farms in the program now. He said the
18 ordinance was tweaked to allow farms that are not in the present use program to be in the
19 voluntary agricultural district program, and there is now have one farmer who is eligible.
20
21 Issues:
22 o Current Present Use program rules require that new owners or heirs of farmland must
23 apply for Present Use status within a short period of time after the land transfer has
24 taken place, or the option to enroll expires. Some farmers and property owners are not
25 aware of this rule and are forced to wait the full four-year waiting period before they are
26 able to participate in the Present Use program. Better education is needed to inform
27 new owners of this requirement.
28 o Efforts to keep farmland in agricultural producing and farmers in farming in the County
29 depend partly on developing and maintaining local and regional markets for farm
30 products. Nationally and regionally, direct-to-consumer sales of farm products appear to
31 be plateauing or decreasing by some measures, such as sales at farmers markets and
32 customer participation in CSAs. The APB would like to explore the possibility of forming
33 a study group or task force to develop strategies for fostering local direct-to-consumer
34 and regional sales opportunities for our farmers.
35 o Nuisance lawsuits by neighboring property owners continue to be a problem for some
36 farmers. Those who purchase property next to a pre-existing farm operation still have
37 the ability to complain and sue based on farm smells and noise unless the farm is
38 already enrolled in the VAD/EVAD program.
39
40 Chair McKee said he thinks the tax office sends out notifications regarding Present Use
41 status, but he would follow up.
42 Commissioner Pelissier said part of the problem may be the timing of the notification
43 between the Register of Deeds office and the tax office.
44 Commissioner Jacobs said inserts could be placed in tax bills, or during the revaluation,
45 to remind the owners of these requirements.
46 Peter Sandbeck said some members talked about direct sales to consumers plateauing
47 and suggested perhaps a committee could look at this issue.
48 Commissioner Rich said the report referred to the Orange County Agriculture Heritage
49 project, which takes oral histories, and asked if there is a plan for where this will be kept.
7
1 Peter Sandbeck said this is an ongoing conversation, with interest from the APB and the
2 Historic Preservation Commission. He said the project has started by looking at archived
3 recordings, but has run into the technology divide with old equipment. He said it is expected
4 that this problem will be overcome. He said key people within the community are being
5 identified and approached to see if they are willing to be recorded. He said the public library is
6 interested in hosting this information.
7 Peter Sandbeck said there has been discussion about a possible Heritage Center and
8 possibly a web site to host this information in the future.
9 Commissioner Jacobs said the Food Council has requested to come before the BOCC
10 and have a Commissioner volunteer to be a member of the Council, along with a member from
11 each government in the County.
12 Chair McKee said it may be wise to have Mike Ortosky, Orange County Agriculture
13 Economic Developer, take a look at this issue as well.
14 Commissioner Jacobs said the Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing (PFAP)
15 Center is under new management, and wants to be more proactive in reaching out to the
16 agricultural community. He said it may be wise for the APB to take a tour of PFAP.
17 Commissioner Price said asked if the lawsuits mentioned in the report are serious.
18 Peter Sandbeck said yes there are complaints, but many are situational and Board
19 members hear about these issues from their friends. He said he is not sure that they have
20 been serious, full-blown suits.
21
22 • Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB): Warren Porter, Chair
23 Warren Porter said the ASAB has three main tasks: act as a sounding board for
24 residents on all animal related issues in the County; perform the role of the potentially
25 dangerous dog appeal board hearings; and work with Animal Services staff on policies,
26 strategies to improve animal welfare in the County, etc. He said some ways that the ASAB
27 achieves the last task is by seeking partnerships throughout the County, such as working on
28 the UDO, creating a long-term plan to address pet overpopulation and managing free roaming
29 cats.
30 He said future plans include investigating options for animals of the homeless and victims of
31 domestic violence.
32
33 • Arts Commission: Tim Hoke, Chair
34 Tim Hoke said in calendar year 2015, the Arts Commission celebrated its 30th
35 anniversary, and awarded 11 grants to schools, 28 grants to nonprofit organizations, and 5
36 grants to local artists. He said artwork was commissioned and purchased (30th Anniversary
37 Poster Design, NC Emergency Operations Center) from 2 additional local artists. He said the
38 Commission continues to promote, remind and train artists and arts organizations on our online
39 arts calendar (www.ExploreChapelHillARTS.com) embedded in our new WordPress website.
40 He said community outreach is a large goal, and the Commission is starting a new initiative of
41 mini-grants. He said there will be additional funds dedicated to advertising as well.
42 Commissioner Jacobs said Raleigh just adopted a strategic arts plan and suggested the
43 Arts Commission consider something similar for Orange County.
44 Tim Hoke said it was a multi-year process, and the Arts Commission will be looking at
45 their plan.
46 Commissioner Jacobs said there has been criticism of the Art Commission's outreach in
47 the past, and he is glad to hear this is a focus of the Commission moving forward.
48 Tim Hoke said there are several sub-committees with the Commission, one of which is
49 reviewing the grant application process. He said sample grants will be provided to aid in the
8
1 application process, as well as specific training and help for those seeking to submit an
2 application.
3
4 • Board of Adjustment: Michael Harvey, Planning Staff
5 Michael Harvey said a new board was appointed late last fall, which did an admirable job
6 of handling two very difficult cases.
7 Chair McKee agreed.
8
9 • Board of Health (BOH): Liska Lackey, Chair
10 Liska Lackey said it has been her privilege to serve on this Board, which covers all
11 aspects of health. She gave the BOCC an update on the BOH strategic plan. She noted that
12 every four years, the BOH commissions a community health assessment to identify community
13 health issues. She said the current priorities from the 2011 community health assessment are
14 childhood and family obesity prevention, substance abuse and mental health, and access to
15 care.
16 Liska Lackey said a new community health assessment was completed in fall 2015, and
17 a new strategic plan will be completed in spring 2016. She reviewed the following highlights
18 from 2015:
19
20 Substance Abuse and Mental Health
21 • As a result of the BOH Directive, 75% of law enforcement agencies in Orange County
22 are now equipped with naloxone (4 lives saved in the first 6 months of the project)
23 • Winner of the NCACC Innovation in Government Award for the naloxone program
24 • Health Department is one of three major partners in a collaborative approach to reduce
25 binge drinking in and around Chapel Hill
26 • Evaluations show continued improvement in percent of OC residents who know about
27 the Smoke Free Public Places Rule
28
29 Childhood and Family Obesity Prevention
30 • Partnering with UNC Health Promotion and Disease Prevention to pilot online GO NAP
31 SACC tool in OC
32 • Founding partner of No Kid Hungry NC
33 • Participating with UNC's Food for All campus theme
34
35 Access to Care
36 • Celebrated 1st anniversary of the Family Success Alliance
37 o 4 Navigators hired
38 o 3 Kindergarten readiness programs offered
39 o Collective Impact summit recognized statewide
40 • Innovation Grants Program on-going
41
42 Other
43 • Active in the every 4-year community health assessment process including attending
44 focus groups and community listening sessions
45
46 Chair McKee said there has been consideration of a sharp container, or a syringe
47 exchange program, and asked if there was an update on this topic.
48 Colleen Bridger, Orange County Health Department Director, said yes the BOH
49 approved this initiative which will go into effect no later than April 1, 2016. She said this
9
1 initiative will allow people to go either Health Department location and receive a personal sized
2 sharps container, as well as clean syringes and needles. She said these supplies can be
3 returned and replenished as necessary.
4 Chair McKee said there has been a lengthy history of Cardinal Innovations not being
5 accommodating of County policies and procedures, but he sees a change forthcoming based
6 on the Board meeting he attended last night.
7
8 • Board of Social Services: Tamara Dempsey-Tanner, Chair/Nancy Coston, DSS
9 Director
10 Tamara Dempsey-Tanner said the Board has identified the following three issues as
11 those of primary concern for the next year:
12
13 o Child Care
14 Tamara Dempsey-Tanner said DSS received an additional $1 million from the State for
15 childcare, and thus DSS will not need to ask the County for additional child care funds at this
16 time. She said in November there were 160 children on the waiting list, but currently none are
17 on the waiting list. She said 700 children are currently being served with their funds. She said
18 some County funds are being used for after school care.
19
20 o NC FAST Expansion
21 Tamara Dempsey-Tanner reminded the BOCC that NC FAST is North Carolina Families
22 Accessing Services through Technology. She said the intent of this program is to have a
23 universal system for access to all DSS programs, allowing for seamless application and
24 enrollment. She said the State is growing this system slowly, with Work First, Nutrition Services
25 and Medicaid being live thus far. She said there has been some learning curve, and DSS staff
26 has worked diligently to meet the curve while still serving the clients.
27
28 o ABAWD Work Requirements and Employment Services
29 Tamara Dempsey-Tanner said the able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD)
30 program began in January 2016. She said this program applies to adults ages 18 to 49 who
31 previously received food and nutrition services. She said these clients will no longer be eligible
32 for benefits unless they have a qualified dependent, and are not currently working.
33 Nancy Coston said DSS is working diligently with clients regarding this change, noting
34 benefits will not cease until April 1. She said it has been a great challenge to reach clients, but
35 DSS will continue to reach out. She said there has been a wonderful response from community
36 partners regarding work program placements.
37 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a plan in place to inform clients that benefits will
38 be ceasing.
39 Nancy Coston said a notification letter was sent from the State in December 2015, and a
40 termination letter will also come from the State. She said if clients do not read the letter, they
41 will be informed when the benefits card no longer works at the grocery store.
42 Chair McKee asked if there is an emergency plan in place to help clients in the
43 aforementioned scenario, such as extending benefits for a day or a week.
44 Nancy Coston said no, but noted there is a food bank. She said clients can get back
45 into the program by working with DSS staff to reapply or getting an exemption for a disability.
46 She said the number of people facing the loss of benefits may be as high as 900, and DSS will
47 likely receive many phone calls when benefits are terminated.
48 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the local supermarkets have been notified that this may
49 happen.
50 Nancy Coston said not yet, but outreach to some of these vendors has been discussed.
10
1 Commissioner Jacobs said it would be preferable to avoid humiliation at an open
2 market, and perhaps vendors would be willing to exercise some charity.
3 Commissioner Rich asked if there is a telephone number on the card.
4 Nancy Coston said yes, but the number is for the EBT call center only. She said the
5 client would be told the benefits have been terminated, and they must call the local DSS office;
6 it will not replenish the card at that point.
7 Commissioner Burroughs referred to the DSS report and asked if DSS is indeed
8 continuing to see increases in the number of people needing services.
9 Nancy Coston said it varies by service, but the numbers of people needing public
10 assistance are not decreasing.
11
12 • Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau: Rosemary Waldorf, Chair
13 Rosemary Waldorf said the County gets 2.5 million overnight visitors per year, and each
14 one spends between $255.00 and $348.00 per visit. She said in 2014, tourism contributed
15 $181 million to the local economy and provided 1,800 jobs. She said there is a wonderful staff
16 at the Visitor's Bureau, including an excellent, high-energy new sales director, Marlene
17 Barberra.
18 Rosemary Waldorf provided an update on new hotels: the Hyatt Place at Southern
19 Village, which should be accepting guests in spring 2017; and the AC Marriott in downtown
20 Chapel Hill, which has been approved. She noted a boom in hotel building in the area and said
21 the Board will stay on top of that.
22 Rosemary Waldorf said Jeff Stickler has agreed to serve on the Board, pending BOCC
23 appointment. She said he works in health care and will be a helpful addition to the Board as
24 healthcare is a growing industry in the area.
25 Rosemary Waldorf said discussions have begun about whether to move the Visitor's
26 Center to the old InterFaith Council facility, and the Visitor's Bureau has deemed this to be a
27 matter between the Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County. She noted that should the
28 Visitor's Bureau move to this location, it will be a first class operation.
29 Rosemary Waldorf said one issue the Board has been pondering is the potential need
30 for an expanded multi-purpose meeting space, as a lot of business has been lost due to the
31 lack of such a facility. She said several consultants have given proposals for consideration, and
32 the Board would welcome input from the BOCC as this idea is considered further.
33 Rosemary Waldorf said agricultural tourism is growing, and she is thinking about
34 overnight packages connecting to this area.
35 Laurie Paolicelli, Orange County Community Relations Department Director, said a
36 potential multi-purpose meeting space is a three-prong process: local needs assessment,
37 outside market analysis assessment, and site selection review and process.
38
39 • Commission for the Environment (CFE): Lydia Wegman, Chair
40 Lydia Wegman said the Commission has excellent support from staff. She reviewed the
41 following information:
42
43 Highlights/Accomplishments
44 o Initiated a series of articles on environmental issues featured in SOE report (2015)
45
46 Recommendations:
47 o The CFE will continue to advocate for an expansion of the County's commercial food
48 waste pickup and composting services to reduce food waste in the solid waste stream
49
50 o The CFE remains interested in developing incentives for increasing energy efficiency in
11
1 new construction
2
3 o The CFE will continue to learn more about environmental justice matters and
4 incorporate relevant information and considerations in the State of the Environment
5 report and its other activities
6
7 o The CFE will continue to follow the Solid Waste Advisory Group's discussions of how to
8 improve the handling and disposal of Orange County's solid waste, and will advocate for
9 better long-term solutions
10
11 o The CFE will continue to advocate for increased efforts to gather information related to
12 water resources in Orange County and to increase public awareness and understanding
13 of water supply sources, related concerns, and what steps can be undertaken to
14 maintain or improve the quantity and quality of Orange County water supply resources
15
16 o The CFE will continue to address, as appropriate, the critical environmental issues for
17 Orange County as enumerated on page 3 of the 2014 State of the Environment report,
18 which include potential adverse effects from a) invasive, non-native, plant and animal
19 species; b) reductions in State-led collection of water resources data; c) potential drilling
20 for natural gas in the Deep River basin; d) urban sprawl; and CFE support for e) the
21 responsible deployment of clean and appropriately-sited renewable energy and
22 reductions in energy use to help fight climate change
23
24 Commissioner Dorosin said he appreciated that environmental justice has been folded
25 into the CFE plan.
26
27 • Economic Development Advisory Board: Donald (D.R.) Bryan, Chair
28 D.R. Bryan said in 2015, the Advisory Board received 50 small business applications
29 and approved 28 awards, totaling $183,338.00 for the Small Business Investment Grant
30 program. He said in addition, the Agriculture Economic Development Grant program received
31 24 applications and approved 20 awards, totaling $157,178.49.
32 D.R. Bryan said in 2016, staff asked the Board to consider how Orange County should
33 be branded for Economic Development. He said the Board is considering a SWOT (strengths,
34 weaknesses, opportunities and threats) approach to assess and brand Orange County.
35 He said the Board also plans to look more closely at the Economic Development District
36 (EDDs), and the characteristics of each one. He said the EDDs were created 25 years ago. He
37 said the Board has asked staff about the possibility of having certified sites for industrial
38 recruitment.
39 Commissioner Rich said at the BOCC retreat Chair McKee and Commissioner Jacobs
40 requested an update on these issues, and the information is eagerly anticipated.
41 Commissioner Jacobs said Chair McKee suggested having a work session on these
42 issues.
43 Commissioner Jacobs said he would like to have more regular information about what
44 the Economic Development Advisory Board is discussing and considering.
45 Chair McKee said he sees a crucial tie between tourism and economic development.
46 He thanked the Board for its expeditious work on the grant programs.
47 D.R. Bryan said the Board spent a great deal of its efforts on the grants process.
48 Commissioner Rich asked if those who did not receive a grant are being encouraged to
49 reapply.
50 D.R. Bryan said yes.
12
1
2 • Historic Preservation Commission (HPC): Susan Ballard, Chair
3 Peter Sandbeck, Orange County Cultural Resources Coordinator, reviewed the following
4 highlights:
5 o Applied for and received a second federal grant of$5,000 to continue a major
6 project to update the County's historic resources inventory in partnership with the
7 State Historic Preservation Office. This includes GIS mapping, digital photography,
8 research and written text for the HPC's planned publication documenting the
9 county's historic properties. (2015)
10 o Completed in 2015 the first phase of a multi-year project to update the County's
11 historic resources inventory with a focus on African-American, agricultural/farm
12 heritage sites and post-World War II resources. This will culminate in a new
13 publication documenting our historic properties and sites. The HPC obtained a
14 federal grant of$15,000 from the State Historic Preservation Office, through the
15 Certified Local Government (CLG) program.
16 o Designated two new properties as Orange County Local Historic Landmarks: White
17 Cross School in White Cross and the Nicholas Corbett Hester House in Cedar
18 Grove. (2015)
19 o Held a successful piedmont regional history symposium in partnership with
20 Preservation Chapel Hill and the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough (2014)
21 o Hosted a historic preservation training workshop for piedmont region city and county
22 historic preservation and planning staffers, in partnership with the State Historic
23 Preservation Office and the Certified Local Government Program (2014)
24 o Held a full membership retreat to review goals and establish a new five-year action
25 plan to focus the energies of the HPC on a series of major projects and initiatives
26 (2013)
27 o Completed an archaeological survey (Phase II) of Hollow Rock Access Area (New
28 Hope Creek Preserve) to further identify Native American sites, with funding
29 assistance from a $15,000 federal grant through the State Historic Preservation
30 Office (2013)
31 o Designated the Captain John S. Pope Farm in Cedar Grove as an Orange County
32 Local Landmark (2013)
33 o Convened the Orange County Historic Preservation Summit (May 2012) involving 10
34 organizations (historic commissions and non-profits)from the county and
35 municipalities
36 o Completed Design Standards for Orange County Local Landmarks and Local
37 Historic Districts to provide the HPC with proper design review guidelines (2010)
38 o Prepared the Cultural Resources Chapter of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan (2008)
39
40 Issues going forward:
41
42 o The HPC will seek grant funds from private foundations to help complete the update
43 of the county-wide historic resources inventory started in 2014. These funds are
44 needed to allow the HPC to produce a comprehensive book/publication documenting
45 the county's historic resources (Fiscal impact: HPC will request $10,000 in
46 County funds to secure $25,000 in matching grants in 2016; HPC staff will
47 provide project support)
48 o The HPC will continue working with the Hillsborough Planning Staff and the County
49 Attorney on an approach for the handling the further identification and protection of
50 historic resources in the Town's extra-territorial jurisdiction (No fiscal impact)
13
1 o The HPC will increase efforts to promote the Local Historic Landmark program to
2 eligible property owners, working in cooperation with the Lands Legacy Program, to
3 generate at least two new landmark applications per year (No fiscal impact-
4 funding already budgeted for this in the Lands Legacy program funding)
5
6 Commissioner Jacobs said he is encouraged to hear about the planning regarding the
7 historic courthouse. He said the lands legacy program should address historic preservation as
8 part of its charge, and noted there should be communication between departments and the two
9 boards.
10 Chair McKee asked if the HPC is following the events and developments at the Colonial
11 Inn.
12 Peter Sandbeck said yes, but the HPC is at arms length as it is a Town of Hillsborough
13 issue. He said the HPC could bring something back later about this.
14 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the Colonial Inn will be on the agenda for the BOCC joint
15 meeting with the Town of Hillsborough.
16 Chair McKee said yes.
17
18 • Housing Authority: Jean Bolduc, Chair
19 Jean Bolduc thanked the BOCC for its debate on affordable housing as related to the
20 bond referendum. She said a lot of people are being pushed out of their current housing due to
21 unaffordability. She reviewed the following highlights:
22
23 What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments?
24 • Review and Discussion of the Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments
25 • Purging of the Existing Waiting List, Planning for and Opening of the Housing Choice
26 Voucher Waiting List (over 800 applicants). For the first time, mail-in of applications and
27 Saturday hours during application period.
28 • Development and Submission of the HCV Five Year Plan and Annual Plan following
29 required Public Hearing
30 • Initiating a New Resident Advisory Committee
31 • Educating the Community and BOCC on affordable housing needs in support of
32 including affordable housing in the Bond Referendum.
33 • New Resident Member on the Board and full membership and active participation and
34 attendance of members
35
36 For next fiscal year some items already discussed include:
37 • Planning for a 2016 Affordable Housing Conference (in collaboration with the Affordable
38 Housing Advisory Board)
39 • Developing a family self-sufficiency program
40 • Assess initiatives associated with expanding supply of affordable mobile homes
41 • Landlord outreach and incentives
42 • Review and Amendment of the HCV Program Administrative Plan
43 • Increasing homeownership participation in HCV Program for participants
44 • Educating the community on affordable housing needs and the importance to the vitality
45 of the County
46 • Continued advocacy on behalf of low-income families in need of sustainable housing
47 solutions.
48
14
1 Jean Bolduc referred to the idea of having an affordable housing conference, saying its
2 goal would be to bring the many wonderful ideas regarding affordable housing and harnessing
3 them into purpose and action moving forwards. She said the BOCC would be invited to attend
4 and hopefully speak at the conference.
5 Jean Bolduc said the Housing Authority is seeking allocated County funds for board
6 volunteers and staff members to attend professional development conferences.
7 Commissioner Rich suggested tapping into the Triangle J Council of Governments
8 (TJCOG) about the affordable housing conference.
9 Commissioner Jacobs suggested considering the Human Relations Commission as a
10 partner.
11
12 • Human Relations Commission (HRC): Member Matt Hughes and Monica Richard,
13 Vice
14 Chair
15 Monica Richard highlighted some of the Commissions accomplishments: after years of
16 work, the BOCC implemented a mandate for all agenda items to include a consideration of
17 possible social justice impacts; and in June 2015, the HRD presented a proclamation to support
18 the full implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which lead to the County
19 investigating the accessibility of all of its facilities and working towards full ADA compliance.
20 Monica Richard said the HRC is greatly concerned about the demographics of its make
21 up, and its lack of diversity. She said, as a result, the HRC will have a retreat on March 5, out
22 of which the HRC hopes to develop a recruitment plan to generate a more diverse pool of
23 applicants for the HRC. She expressed thanks to the BOCC for its support of the recent HRC
24 forum.
25 Matt Hughes thanked the BOCC for facilitating the ADA review of County facilities, and
26 also Commissioner Price for initiating Constitution Day.
27 Commissioner Rich asked if it would be possible to give the HRC events schedule to the
28 BOCC earlier, in hopes that BOCC members may be able to attend more events.
29
30 • Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee: Teri Driscoll, Chair
31 Teri Driscoll said Mary Frasier shared a great deal of information with the BOCC, and
32 the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee is an advocate for the nursing homes, and
33 also does site visits quarterly and write reports which are on the County website.
34 Teri Driscoll said a goal for 2016 is to recruit more men to serve on the Committee.
35
36 • OUTBoard: Heidi Perry, Chair
37 Heidi Perry said she has been the Chair of the OUTBoard since November, but the
38 Board has not met since that time. She said the Office of Public Transportation (OPT)
39 dominates four of the OUTBoard meetings each year. She said this past year the OUTBoard
40 presented an outline for a Bicycle Safety Task Force to the BOCC. She said this outline is
41 undergoing reviews and will be brought back to the BOCC in a revised format soon, with a
42 focus on education.
43 Heidi Perry said she has asked OPT to arrange for a bus trip to travel the new OPT
44 routes, to allow for a greater understanding of exactly where the routes will run.
45 Heidi Perry said so many boards overlap with transportation issues. She said it may be
46 helpful to add in a few extra meetings solely dedicated to some of these overlap issues,
47 specifically issues pertaining to pedestrians.
48
49 • Parks and Recreation Council (PRC): Neal Bench, Chair
15
1 Neal Bench thanked them for their approval of the PRC Master Plan. He said hiking
2 and trails were a priority amenity, as well as primitive campsites in the plan.
3
4 Accomplishments:
5 o The PRC reviews site plans for major subdivision applications in the county's
6 jurisdiction. Recommendations are made on potential land dedication for parks and
7 open space. (Goal 5)
8 o The PRC was the lead advisory board for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030.
9 This effort was largely undertaken in house, and the Council played a role in advising on
10 surveys, outreach and work products, participating in public input sessions and focus
11 groups in its role as "steering committee." (Goal 5)
12 o The Council reviewed plans and advised on the Blackwood Farm Park Limited Opening
13 Plan and provided input on trail connectivity and disc golf opportunities. (Goal 6)
14
15 Neal Bench wanted to acknowledge David Stancil and the DEAPR staff for their support.
16
17
18 • Planning Board: Lydia Wegman, Chair/Tony Blake, Vice Chair
19
20 Lydia Wegman thanked all involved in supporting the Planning Board and reviewed the
21 following highlights:
22 o UDO text amendment to require a neighborhood information meeting prior to public
23 hearings for Special Use Permit applications.
24 o UDO text amendment to establish a new conditional zoning district for Agricultural
25 Support Enterprises, both within the Rural Buffer and in the remainder of County
26 planning jurisdiction, and various accompanying changes to the text.
27 o UDO text amendment to change standards related to home occupations, which
28 liberalized the ability to have home businesses.
29 o Pleasant Green Woods Phase IV major subdivision concept plan and preliminary
30 plat.
31 o Triple Crown Farms major subdivision preliminary plat.
32 o Stroud's Creek major subdivision concept plan and preliminary plat.
33 o Class A SUP for a solar facility in Cheeks Township.
34
35 More recently:
36 o UDO text amendments for revisions to the public hearing process to enhance public
37 input opportunities, streamline when possible, and improve legal integrity.
38 o UDO, Comprehensive Plan & Zoning Atlas Amendments to adopt two new zoning
39 overlay districts in Efland that recognize community character and add flexibility to
40 target development.
41 o In 2015, two property-owner initiated applications for non-residential rezonings were
42 processed. The Planning Board reviewed these and issued a recommendation to
43 the BOCC on each application.
44 o UDO text amendments related to temporary health care structures.
45 o Henderson Woods major subdivision concept plan and preliminary plat.
46 o UDO text amendments related to impervious surface matters.
47 o Class A SUPs for a solar facility in Bingham Township and for Emerson Waldorf
48 School.
49 o UDO text amendments related to recreational land uses.
50
16
1 Lydia Wegman said she and Craig Benedict, Orange County Planning Director, believe
2 the population projections to be too high as well as the distribution of the population.
3 Craig Benedict said these numbers will be reviewed moving forward.
4 Tony Blake said the Board's priorities are well aligned, and he is pleased with the inter
5 workings with the telecommunications efforts and the alternate septic areas, as they will draw a
6 thread through affordable housing.
7 Commissioner Jacobs thanked Craig Benedict for the work on the population projections
8 and noted the numbers are way off. He said planning based on these numbers is not
9 conducive to smart planning.
10 Lydia Wegman said all involved agree.
11 Commissioner Burroughs said she heard that Chatham County is well ahead of Orange
12 County on tiny houses' regulations.
13 Craig Benedict said it is both the building code and the Planning Board that will move
14 this issue forward. He said definitions are being established for different types of tiny homes,
15 as well as the expansion of the number of unrelated persons that can dwell in one home. He
16 said these items will return to the BOCC in late February.
17 Commissioner Jacobs recalled Commissioner Dorosin questioning County regulations
18 pertaining to how many people can reside in one dwelling.
19 Craig Benedict said the response will be given at the upcoming quarterly public hearing.
20 Commissioner Jacobs asked if this information will pertain just to medically necessitated
21 co-dwelling.
22 Craig Benedict said no, this expands beyond temporary health care structures.
23 Commissioner Jacobs said he could not find when the Pauli Murray awards will take
24 place anywhere on the HRC website, noting this website is not linked into what Laurie Paolicelli
25 publicizes, or into the County website. He asked if all involved could work together to provide
26 clear communication.
27
28 3. County Commissioners — Boards and Commissions Assignments
29
BOARD NAME Serving 2016
STATUTORY
ABC Board Chair McKee
Board of Health Commissioner Burroughs
Board of Social Services Chair McKee
Community Oversight Board (part of OPC Commissioner Price
Community Operations Center)
INTERGOVERNMENTAL and OTHER GROUPS
WITH BOCC MEMBERS
Burlington/Graham MPO Transportation Advisory Commissioner Jacobs — Member
Committee Chair McKee -Alternate
Communities in Schools Commissioner Burroughs
Community Home Trust BOD Commissioner Rich
Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro-Metropolitan Commissioner Jacobs - Member
Planning Organization (MPO)- Transportation Commissioner Price - Alternate
Advisory Committee
Durham- Orange-Chapel Hill Work Group Commissioner Rich
Commissioner Jacobs
17
Durham Tech Board of Trustees Commissioner Price
Family Success Alliance Commissioner Pelissier
Commissioner Rich
Fire Chief's Association of Orange County Chair McKee
Healthy Carolinians Commissioner Dorosin
HOME Program Review Committee Commissioner Dorosin
Intergovernmental Parks Work Group Commissioner Pelissier— member
Commissioner Rich - Alternate
JCPC (Orange County Juvenile Crime Prevention Commissioner Price
Council)
Library Committee- Elected Officials Commissioner Jacobs, Chair McKee,
and Commissioner Pelissier
Orange County Partnership for Young Children Commissioner Burroughs
Small Business Loan Program Commissioner Pelissier
Partnership to End Homelessness Commissioner Dorosin
TJCOG Commissioner Rich — Member
Chair McKee - Alternate
Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization Commissioner Price—Member-Chair-
(TARPO) Transportation Advisory Committee Officer
Alternate-OPEN
Go Triangle Board of Trustees Commissioner Pelissier- Secretary
Upper Neuse River Basin Association Pam Hemminger *not to exceed one
year
Chair McKee
Commissioner Jacobs
Workforce Development Board — Regional Nancy Coston
Partnership
Visitor's Bureau Commissioner Rich — Member— Finance
Officer
BOARDS TO WHICH BOCC HAS ALREADY
MADE APPOINTMENTS for 2015
NACo Voting Delegate Commissioner Price
NCACC Voting Delegate Commissioner Price
Triangle Transit Special Tax Board Commissioner Dorosin
Commissioner Burroughs
LIWG ( Legislative Issues Work Group) Commissioner Burroughs and
Commissioner Rich
1
2 SHORT TERM TASK FORCES/WORKGROUPS
Alternatives to Jail Assessment Work Commissioner Jacobs
Group and Commissioner Pelissier
Cedar Grove Advisory Board Meeting Commissioner Jacobs
and Commissioner Price
Strategic Communications Work In Maintenance
Group
18
Solid Waste Advisory Group (SWAG) Commissioner Jacobs
and Commissioner Rich
Space Study Work Group In Maintenance
1
2
EX-OFFICIO
Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce- Chair Serves
does not require a Commissioner
NC DOT Quarterly Meetings Chair/Vice Chair
School Collaboration Meetings Chair/Vice Chair
3
4 4. Environment and Agricultural Center Project Update
5 Due to time constraints this item is considered an Information Item.
6
7 BACKGROUND:
8 On June 16, 2015 the Board of County Commissioners appropriated design and due
9 diligence funds in the FY2015-16 Capital Investment Plan for a new or renovated Environment
10 and Agricultural Center on its existing and desired Revere Road site. The purpose of the
11 renovation is to improve the facility as an operationally efficient and centralized provider of
12 agriculture related services.
13 Over the past three months, County staff and consultants have performed due diligence
14 on the site in preparation for the coming engineering and design activities. A request for
15 qualifications ("RFQ") process was initiated in September 2015 for the designer for the project.
16 Nine submittals were reviewed, and four firms interviewed with a staff panel representing
17 DEAPR, Cooperative Extension, Asset Management Services, the Soil & Water Conservation
18 District Board of Supervisors, and the Commission for the Environment. The interview panel
19 has since selected a preferred designer. Staff is negotiating the professional services
20 agreement and related fees and hopes to bring a recommendation for this firm as part of the
21 agenda review process in March.
22 Once the designer is engaged, the first priority in the design process will be to solicit
23 stakeholder feedback for the project. The designer will conduct surveys of building residents,
24 County partners, elected officials, staff, and other interested stakeholders in an effort to
25 assemble the best facility of its type and purpose for Orange County.
26 The project team will present this information to the Board for its discussion and
27 feedback
28 As the project progresses through this collaborative design process, staff will provide
29 future updates as the schematic design unfolds. The Board will be asked to approve the final
30 design development documents and authorize construction documents and bidding to occur.
31
32 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
33 adjourn the meeting at 10:26 p.m.
34
35 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
36
37 Earl McKee, Chair
38
39
40 Donna Baker,Clerk to the Board
41