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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 08-23-1994 - VIII-H 4 � 1 OR AN G E C 0 U N T Y BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date August 23, 1994 Action Agenda Item # VII'_N SUBJECT: PRESERVATION PLAN - CONSULTANT SELECTION DEPARTMENT: PLANNING & INSPECTIONS PUBLIC HEARING: Yes X No ATTACHMENT(S) : INFORMATION CONTACT: Request for Proposals Planning Director Extension 2592 Jaeger Proposal (separate enclosure) Leimenstoll Proposal TELEPHONE NUMBERS: (separate enclosure) Hillsborough - 732-8181 8/10/94 Staff Memorandum Durham - 688-7331 8/16/94 Staff Memorandum Mebane - 227-2031 8/16/94 Draft HPC Minutes Chapel Hill - 967-9251/968-4501 PURPOSE: To consider selection of a consultant to prepare the Historic Preservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. BACKGROUND: In May the County was awarded a fourth Survey and Planning Grant from the NC Department of Cultural Resources for Phase IV of the County's initial program of historic preservation. The amount of the grant is $10,000 to be matched by Orange County with $35,890 including cash and $16,850 of in-kind services and materials. The amount budgeted for consultant services is $29,040. The Request for Proposals was distributed in June. By July 31, four proposals were received. The Historic Preservation Commission appointed a subcommittee to review the proposals and make a recommendation to the full Commission. The subcommittee suggested that two of the proposals were worthy of consideration, one from The Jaeger Company of Gainesville, Georgia, and one from Ramsay Leimenstoll, Architect, of Greensboro. Copies of the two proposals are included as separate enclosures. The Historic Preservation Commission met on August 16 to discuss the two candidates. Based on the qualifi- cations and work experience with rural preservation planning, the HPC voted to recommend that The Jaeger 2 j Company be selected as the consultant to prepare the Preservation Element. Melinda Wall, Preservation Planner with the Department of Cultural Resources, State Historic Preservation Office, concurred with the recommendation made by the Historic Preservation Commission. RECOMMENDATION: The Administration recommends that The Jaeger Company be employed as the consultant to prepare the Preservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The Administration further recommends that the consultant be reimbursed for its services in an amount not to exceed $29,040. A y a ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT 3 306F REVERE ROAD HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS For: Preservation Planning Consultant Services Submission Deadline: July 31, 1994 Contact: Marvin Collins, Planning Director Orange County 306F Revere Road Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 919/732-8181 Extension 2592 Orange County is seeking a professional consultant to assist the Planning Department staff in preparing a Historic Preservation Element as part of the Comprehensive Plan; e.g.,the"game plan"to follow in terms of a historic preservation program.The County's land use planning program is innovative and progressive, and the plan will serve as a prototype for other rural counties. The project is Phase IV of a multi-phased project. Project Description Since the inception of its comprehensive planning program, a goal of Orange County has been the completion of detailed inventories of its cultural,historical,recreational,biological,and geological resources. In 1986, the Planning Department completed a general listing of such sites in the unincorporated portions of the county. In 1988, a Master Recreation and Parks Plan was prepared for Orange County. During the same year, the Triangle Land Conservancy completed an Inventory of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats of Oranae County. These studies provided the detailed inventory of recreational, geological, and biological sites. Consistent with the above goal, Orange County applied for Survey and Planning Grant Funds to undertake inventories of historic and archaeological sites in the unincorporated portions of the county. These inventories as well as the preparation of a publication manuscript have been undertaken in the following phases: Grant Year Phase Project 1991 I Historic architectural survey & inventory of unincorporated portions of Chapel Hill Township (159 structures identified) 1992 II Historic architectural survey & inventory of unincorporated portions of remaining six townships (507 structures identified) 1993 III Archaeological survey and preparation of publication manuscript (project currently underway) The results of the archaeological survey and the architectural surveys were to be used in completing Phase IV of Orange County's program. That phase was to consist of the preparation of a preservation plan; e.g., the Historic Preservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan, and nominations for the National Register of Historic Places. Rather than a four-phase project, Orange County proposes to expand the project to five phases. Phase IV will involve the preparation of the Historic Preservation Element, while Phase V will consist of the preparation of the National Register nominations. 4 t The rationale for this shift in priorities is based on Orange County's long-term use of its Comprehensive Plan to guide land use decisions.While the Historic Preservation Element is but one part of that Plan, it will provide a framework within which the Board of Commissioners, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Planning Board can work to preserve the county's rural character and heritage. In that sense, the process and product produced from the project could serve as a prototype for other rural counties threatened with the loss of historic, architectural, and archaeological resources from growth and development. It is an overall program approach to preservation rather than piecemeal initiatives which may gain some immediate benefits but provide limited long-term results. Specifically, Phase IV, the phase for which grant funds have been awarded, will contain three major elements: 1. A summary of the inventory of historic, architectural, and archaeological resources; 2. A statement of goals and objectives for protecting and preserving those resources; and 3. A program of implementation techniques for accomplishing the goals and objectives. Element One will summarize the results of the inventories,including local development history,and unique or distinctive aspects of the architectural, and the historic and prehistoric archaeological resources. Attention will also be given to analyzing population, economic, and land uses changes to identify threats and opportunities for preservation. Element Two will seek to identify specific goals and objectives, including action recommendations, completion dates, and task responsibilities as well as solicit community input through a series of public hearings on preservation goals. Element Three will focus on the full range of techniques available for achieving preservation goals, including evaluation, National Register nominations,and local designation, legal and regulatory protection, financial incentives, easements, and public education and awareness. Specific attention will be given to on- going local initiatives and interests such as the creation of local historic districts for Cedar Grove, Oaks, and Ray-Kenion, and the preparation of preliminary design guidelines; the identification of sites and/or structures for assistance in National Register nomination; the creation of a local historic landmark designation program, including preliminary design guidelines for the principal architectural styles found in the county; pursuit of a purchase of development rights program for farmland protection combined with rural historic landscape designation; and the use of rural character strategies such as conservation and preservation easements, and cluster design techniques to preserve historic resources, open space, and farmland. As an example of the initiatives referred to above, cluster design techniques are not new, but, primarily as a result of the work of Randall Arendt, their use in preserving sensitive environmental lands, farmland, and historic sites has received national attention. Orange County is working with Mr. Arendt, the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, and the N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources to produce a design guidebook for three North Carolina counties under the auspices of the Albemarle-Pamili co Estuarine Study. Serving as a model for other counties, the guidebook will focus on the use of cluster development techniques to preserve important resources while allowing development to occur. Orange County thus wishes to coordinate its efforts on the preparation of a Historic Preservation Element with those on a Rural Character Design Guidebook so that these compatible initiatives benefit from each other. The timing of both projects is also such that they will run concurrently. Because of these initiatives, the progressive attitude of its governing and advisory boards, and the experience of its staff Orange County feels it is uniquely positioned to provide what will serve as a model for other jurisdictions.Because of the nature of the project, Orange County does feel that a consultant,with staff assistance,will be required.A general outline of the Historic Preservation Element is provided below. �I 5 CONCEPTUAL OUTLINE - HISTORIC PRESERVATION ELEMENT I. Identification of Historic, Architectural &Archaeological Resources A. Introduction B. Orange County's Development History C. Identification & Evaluation of Resources D. Threats & Opportunities II. Goals & Objectives for Preservation of Historic Resources A. Community Goals B. Objectives & Action Recommendations M. Tools & Techniques for Achieving Community Goals A. Evaluation & Designation 1. National Register of Historic Places a. Listed Properties b. Study List 2. Local Designation a. Prioritizing Landmarks & Districts b. Evaluation Criteria 3. Geographic.Information System (GIS) Data Base B. Legal and Regulatory Protection 1. Historic Districts Designation a. District Overlay Zones & Landmark Ordinances b. Regulatory Design Review & Certificates of Appropriateness 2. Building & Housing Codes 3. Development Review Procedures 4. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) C. Financial Incentives 1. Rehabilitation Tax Credits 2. Community Development Block Grants 3. Revolving Funds 4. Property Tax Deferrals 5. Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) 6. Conservation & Preservation Easements D. Public Awareness 1. Existing Organizations & Roles 2. Oral History Initiatives 3. Photographic Collections E. Comprehensive Plan Linkages & Conflicts 1. Farmland Preservation 2. Rural Character Protection Strategies 3. Economic Development Strategies 4. Affordable Housing Strategies The consultant,with the assistance of the Project Coordinator and the Historic Preservation Commission, will conduct at least three community meetings to obtain citizen input on preservation goals. In addition, the consultant must make at least one public presentation of the draft Historic Preservation Plan. Project Schedule The project is estimated to take approximately 13 months to complete. The projected starting date is September 1, 1994, and all work must be completed by September 30, 1995. Consultants submitting a proposal must specify a starting date and completion date for the project. r 6 Project Budget The total project budget is $45,890, funded by$35,890 from Orange County and a$10,000 CLG Survey & Planning Grant. The County's total share includes$16,850 of in-kind services and materials. The total cash amount for the project is $29,040 and is budgeted specifically for the consultant. Consultants submitting a proposal must provide,insofar as possible,an estimate of the amount of time to be expended on the project. Type of Contract The type of contract awarded will be on a cost reimbursement basis with a"not-to-exceed" provision. Consultant Selection/Qualifications Consulting firms will be evaluated in part on the basis of the following criteria 1. The person/f= must have performed satisfactorily in the preparation of rural and cultural resources planning, and survey and nomination work; 2. The person/f= must have adequate experience and staff to perform the work required; 3. The person/firm must have the ability to meet the time schedule established for the work; and 4. The person/firm must meet the qualifications of 36 CFR 61. Although familiarity with the area will be a consideration in the selection, it will not be the controlling criterion. Where two or more persons/firms are proposed to undertake the project, the proposal must specify in some detail the working relationship envisaged in the partnership or joint venture. This latter requirement does not apply where two or more persons are members of the same firm. Submission of Proposals Consulting firms interested in the project are invited to submit a proposal, including a statement of qualifications which addresses the above mentioned criteria.References and samples of previous work must be submitted as part of the proposal- Proposals must be submitted to Orange County by 5:00 p.m. (DST) by July 31, 1994. Proposals may be mailed or delivered to: Marvin Collins, Planning Director Orange County 306F Revere Road Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 Telephone: 919/732-8181 Extension 2592 Questions regarding the project may also be addressed to the same individual. All proposals received will become the property of Orange County and will be evaluated to determine which proposal most closely meets the requirements of the County. At the discretion and option of Orange County, oral interviews may be conducted with one or more firms to assist in the selection process. Orange County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to accept the proposal most favorable to the County. ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT 7 306F REVERE ROAD r HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278 � O V� L• 4 MEMORANDUM TO: Historic Preservation Commission FROM: Emily Cameron, ASIA, Planner II/Landscape Architect ACC SUBJECT: Consultant Selection for Preservation Plan DATE: August 10, 1994 COPIES: Marvin Collins, Planning Director On August 8, 1994 , the consultant selection subcommittee met with Staff to review and comment on the four proposals submitted for the Preservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The subcommittee narrowed the field of candidates to two and requested additional information on qualifications and work experience. Staff has received input from The Jaeger Company and Ramsay Leimenstoll which is described below. Also refer to attachments. Jo Ramsay Leimenstoll, AIA - Staff inquired as to her experience with rural preservation issues and whether the UNCG research project is relevant to rural areas. She responded that the UNCG project deals with Greensboro's historic districts. She added that her proposal had included assistance from Kaye Graybeal, who has two years experience working on the proposed Oak Ridge (local rural) Historic District in Guilford County. Kaye Graybeal contacted the Planning Department to provide details on her work with the Oak Ridge community. She indicated that the proposed district has been discussed at four community meetings and seven public hearings and is now before the Guilford County Commissioners for designation. It would be the second such rural districts in the State, the other being Valle Crucis. The Jaeger Company - Staff asked for additional examples of the company's work on preservation plans and for a chart missing from the Hall County, Georgia, plan included with the proposal. The Planning Director for Hall County was contacted for a reference. He praised the work of The Jaeger Company and said the principal appeared to have "good oversight" of her younger staff members. He also said The Jaeger Company has been hired again to work on a community appearance/beautification effort related to the 1996 Olympics. The subcommittee also wanted The Jaeger Company to reassess the time proposed to complete "Project Initiation" and "Resource Identification" as listed in the "Work Approach" chart submitted with the proposal. It seemed that an inordinate amount of time was proposed to compile data that the Planning Department could provide 8 on request, such as the architectural and archaeological surveys, economic, land use, and population changes, developmental history of Orange County, etc. Staff sent copies of the architectural inventories and the Land Use Plan to help The Jaeger Company in revising the work schedule. We encouraged the principal to build in more participation on her part. Refer to the attached b-9-94 letter, page two, 'for descriptions of the experience of Dale Jaeger's staff who will be assigned to the Orange County project. The special meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, August 16, at 5 :30, in our usual meeting room. If you have questions or would like to discuss the proposals prior to the meeting, please call me at 732-8181, extension 2580 . i II I I A ,'Plash ngton Street.Ga nesw!e GA :;501 -.04 53a--02= Atl 9 DO 9 August 1994 Ms. Emily Cameron Orange County Planning Department 306F Revere Road Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 Dear Ms. Cameron: It was a pleasure to talk with you this morning concerning our firm's proposal for the Orange County Historic Preservation Element. As requested, I have included copies of products from Concord Bridge/Ruff's Mill Historic Area studies; several charts from the Hall County Comprehensive Plan; and a copy of The Georgia Courthouse Manual.. The Concord Bridge/Ruff's Mill studies cover almost 10 years of involvement by our firm. There is a summary sheet describing these various studies. A complete copy of the original plan from 1985 is included. Excerpts from the other studies are also attached. Our firm was involved in the early identification of this historic area. We have continued to be involved as a number of pressures, particularly road construction plans, have attempted to intrude on this area. Please let me know if you would like any additional information on any aspect of this project. There area also three charts from the Hall County Comprehensive Plan. These include: (1) Existing Conditions, Implications, and Impacts; (2) Historic Resources: Goals, Objectives, Policies, and Strategies; and (3) Short-Term Work Program. The charts are self-explanatory and are a complement to the plan elements sent with our firm's proposal. Our firm, under the name Jaeger/Pyburn, developed the courthouse manual with assistance from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), and the State Historic Preservation Office. Our firm was responsible for most of the narrative; most of the courthouse sketches, and a number of the photographs. I thought this would provide an example of one of our firm's "how-to" type products. Landscape ArchiteCture•Historic Preserrauon•P-ammwg Page Two 1� Ms. Emily Cameron I feel we will be able to re-allocate time based on our discussions of the existing data. 1 welcome the opportunity to personally be more involved in the project. I will FAX on Monday a revised Level of Effort Chart. This chart will also note a time schedule for the project. As requested, additional information on John Kissane and Amy Kissane is noted below. John Kissane holds a degree in planning from the University of Virginia and is currently completing the thesis requirements for a Master of Historic Preservation at the University of Georgia. John worked in the public sector, prior to joining our firm. He was a planner with a council of government agency in Iowa for several years. During graduate school at the University of Georgia, John was employed by the Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission as a Preservation Planner. He provided staff assistance to the Athens-Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission. John has been employed at The Jaeger Company for over five years. He has worked on a wide variety of preservation projects, including preservation planning efforts. Amy Kissane is also completing the thesis requirements for a Master of Historic Preservation at the University of Georgia. Amy served as a part-time Preservation Planner to the Fannin County Heritage Foundation for several years. During that time, she also worked on a project basis at The Jaeger Company. Amy has been a full-time employee at the firm for approximately three years. Like John, Amy has also been involved in a wide variety of preservation projects. Amy served as the primary planner in the Hall County Comprehensive Plan. Amy and John both possess the experience and the education required to address the needs of this project. I will also be a major contributor in the Orange County effort. Together, this team with the assistance of Emmeline Embry, Graphic Designer, and other staff landscape architects and preservation planners, as necessary, can produce a sound plan. We strive to develop preservatioin planning tools that are technically sound in a format that is understandable to the layman preservationist. We appreciate the opportunity to clarify our proposal. I look forward to receiving information on the existing surveys and comprehensive plan. I will be in contact early next week. Please call if you would like any additional information or have any questions. Sincerely, Dale Ja r, AI , ASLA 11 ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT 306F REVERE ROAD HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278 v ¢ MEMORANDUM TO: Historic Preservation Commission FROM: Emily Cameron, ASLA, Planner II/Landscape Architect EGC SUBJECT: Consultant Selection for Preservation Element DATE: August 16, 1994 COPIES: Marvin Collins, Planning Director On August 15, the Planning Staff received the attached fax and a phone call from The Jaeger Company. The attachment is a revised Work Approach Chart for completion of the Preservation Element. Highlights of the revised version (as compared to the one in the proposal) are as follows: 1. The total number of hours to be contributed by the Principal Preservation Planner, Dale Jaeger, has more than doubled from 50 to 108; 2. The "Staff Preservation Planner, " a recent addition to The Jaeger Company, has been replaced with the other "Senior Preservation Planner, " Amy Kissane, whose experience is described in the 8/9/94 letter from Dale Jaeger attached to the 8/10/94 memo sent to you last week; 3 . A monthly time schedule has been assigned to completion of the project components. The total estimated time is now 6-8 months instead of six months as stated in the original proposal; and 4 . Two one-day work sessions have been scheduled at the beginnipg and the end of the process to coordinate with the Rural Character Study participants. HISTORIC PRESERVATION ELEMENT ORANGE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN '' ti ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA The Jaeger Canpnny w Principal Senor Senior Graphic Clerical Preservation Preservation Pceseroatlon Designer �, Schedule Planner Planner Planner 1 Month Prolecd Initiation 2 Introductory Tour of Orange County 4 4 4 Meeting with Project Coordinator and Preservation Commission 4 4 4 Data Collectbn 8 8 •Architectural Surveys and inventories •Archaeological Survey and Inventory •National Register Nominations •Archival and Demographic Research Reconnaissance of Orange County 8 16 16 One-Day Work Session w/Rural Character Pmjec` Participants 8 8 8 4 2 Months Preparation ol Element One Resource Identification 8 Develolxngntal History of Orange County 4 Resource Overview 8 8 •ArcMectural Resources •Historic Resou toes *Prehistoric Resources Threats&Opportunkies Anslysis 20 20 'Economic *Land Use •P pulation 3-5 Months Preparation of Element Two: Goals and Objectives Public Hearings on Community Goals 12 12 12 8 Identification o1 Community Goals 4 8 2 Objeciives and Action Recommendations 4 12 2 Priorities and Task Responsibii*les 4 12 , 2 v N N HISTORIC PRESERVATION ELEMENT ORANGE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA The Jaeger Company Principal Senior Senior Graphic Clerical Preservation Preservation Preservation Designer o6., Schedule Planner Planner Planner 3-5 Months Preparation of Element Three; Tools and Techniques Evaluation and Designation 4 12 •National Register of Historic Places •Local Designation •Geographic Information SystemtGtS1 Data Base Legal and Regulatory Protection 4 24 • Historic District Designations •Destgn Guidelines •BulIding and Housing Gales f f •Development Review Procedures •Transfer IA Development Rights('CDR)_ Financial Incentives 4 24 •Rehabilitation Tax Credits •Coiununity Development Block Grants •Re✓oivinp Funds •Property Tax Deferral •Purchase ofDevelopmeni Rights(PDR) •Canservation and Preservation Easements •Land Truss Pubic Awareness 4 16 •Existing Organizations and Poles •Orel History Initiatives •PhotoarapMic Collections •New Opportunities for Resource Interpretation Com.rehensive Plan Link.•es and Conflicts 4 24 24 v w w v� HISTORIC PRESERVATION ELEMENT ORANGE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ORANGE COUNTY,NORTH CAROLINA The JaeperCampany w Principal Senior Senior Graphlh Clerical Preservation Preservation Preservation Designer cr Schedule Planner Planner Planner •Farmland Preservation • Rural Character Pretecibn Strategies •Economic Development Stradegies •Atiordabla Housing Strategies 6.8 Months Preparation oiHistoric Preservation Pbn One•Day Work Session w.i Rural Character Project Participants , 8 8 8 4 Preparation of Craft Plan 16 40 40 40 8 Public Presentation of Draft Plan B 8 8 4 Revisions/Production of Final Historic Preservation Plan 16 16 16 18 TOTAL.HOURS 108 _ 248 _ 222 76 26 LABOR FEE $25 228.00 1 15 MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION August 16, 1994 MEMBERS PRESENT: Todd Dickinson, Chair Tom Allison Pat Dickinson Carl Lloyd MEMBERS ABSENT: Jean Anderson Robert Rich Norma White, Vice Chair STAFF PRESENT: Emily Cameron, Planner II Kay Evans, Administrative Assistant I AGENDA ITEM #1: CALL TO ORDER Todd Dickinson called the meeting to order at approximately 5:43 p.m. AGENDA ITEM #2: CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONS TO AGENDA There were no additions or changes. AGENDA ITEM #3: DISCUSSION/DECISION ITEMS a. Preservation Plan Consultant Selection Todd asked Pat Dickinson, as a subcommittee member, to give the Commission a synopsis of her meeting with White and Staff. Then Todd asked Cameron to follow with her comments from her own point of view and from White's point of view, in White's absence. Cameron had stated that White called in to give her opinion on the proposals that morning. Pat Dickinson felt that Cameron's cover letter dated August 10, 1994, served as an overview of the candidates. The subcommittee thought The Jaeger Company and Ramsay Leimenstoll were top runners and that they looked competent. She felt that she could be comfortable working with either one. However, the more she reviewed The Jaeger Company information, the more impressed she was with their presentation. Their material looks very professional. Pat Dickinson stated that the advantage with Leimenstoll is that they are close to Orange County and could make any number of meetings required. She was also impressed with The Jaeger Company's experience with rural districts and getting them 1 16 through the public review process. It looks like they will "bulldog" a plan through. It might be useful if the County calls in outside experts who are really capable of doing the project. The Subcommittee wanted a chart and some extra information that Cameron got from The Jaeger Company which looked really good. It seemed to be just a matter now of choosing between the two at this point. They are both very qualified to do the work. Todd Dickinson asked Pat Dickinson what she had seen from Ramsay Leimenstoll that showed similar work. Pat Dickinson replied that Leimenstoll seemed to be lacking in the rural aspect. Leimenstoll mentioned that Kaye Graybeal, who would be working with Leimenstoll, worked in a rural community. Pat was not sure that Leimenstoll's is as extensive a resume when compared to The Jaeger Company's. Todd Dickinson asked how a National Register Rural Historic District differs from a regular National Register nomination or an inventory like the County has already. Pat Dickinson replied that it would be basically the same, with the same component parts; but it would need to address the landscape more, road plans, paths and routes through the county. She cited The Jaeger Company's work with the preservation plan they have done. Tom Allison mentioned that another factor to consider is that this might take more public input and distance might be a problem (for The Jaeger Company) . Pat Dickinson stated that the Jaeger Company has planned six (6) trips. The Commission then looked at the work approach chart provided by The Jaeger Company that showed a schedule for completion of each step f the planning process. p p q p cess. Cameron stated that based on past experience with the beginning of the Rural Character Study, community meetings could be held back to back over a course of several days during one of the trips that The Jaeger Company makes. Cameron stated that The Jaeger Company will be coming for an introductory tour and lists public hearings on community goals for 12 hours for all 3 planners. They have 2 one-day work sessions with Rural Character Study Participants. She stated that the county will be working with Randall Arendt to produce design guidelines for the Rural Character Study. She added that perhaps 2 whole days will not be necessary to devote 8 hours each for the principal, and two planners on that effort. The time may be used for township meetings instead of Rural Character. 2 D n� 17 W Pat Dickinson clarified that the consultants will be able to collect information on the Rural Character efforts from Staff. Cameron stated that the Rural Character development strategies have been drafted. There is also a series of issues papers addressing farmland preservation and open space protection, which will be available for the consultants to use. They will be able to speak directly with Staff for an overview of what has taken place to date. Todd Dickinson then asked Pat Dickinson to name which consultant she would choose. Pat Dickinson replied that it is a hard decision. Her inclination was to go with The Jaeger Company. They dazzled her with their presentation. After talking with White and the others, she thinks The Jaeger Company could do a great job. She would like to see them get the job, but she was open to comments from the other Commission members. Todd Dickinson then asked Cameron to give her view as a staff member, and then give an overview of White's comments. Cameron stated that she could see at the subcommittee meeting that The Jaeger Company and Ramsay Leimenstoll really were "neck and neck. " After receiving the additional information, Cameron was impressed with the broad range of The Jaeger Company's experience, especially in the rural preservation planning aspect. In terms of the difference between a district and a Preservation Plan, historic preservation in whole county is addressed by a long range plan with numerous facets. Cameron praised the tables The Jaeger Company submitted from the Hall County plan that gives the specific goals, objectives, policies, and strategies. That could give the most help in carrying out the plan. The more specific strategies adopted, the easier our job and that of future commissions will be. She felt confident about The Jaeger Company's experience, especially with rural planning. Cameron stated that one comment from Norma was that if the County were just doing design guidelines or if there is a future project proposing a district nomination with design guidelines, then definitely Ramsay Leimenstoll should be asked to work on such a project. However, in terms of experience with rural planning, when Cameron talked with Ramsay Leimenstoll, she deferred to Kaye Graybeal. From what Cameron could see, Kaye Graybeal's only experience in rural preservation is with the Oak Ridge district. That is good 3 © 18 experience with the public process, but in terms of a preservation plan, Cameron felt that we need someone with more experience. Cameron spoke with White about the type of reception to be expected from the public. Usually when Planning goes out to present a new idea, citizens respond in a negative manner. The County is going to need someone with a solid background, who can project that experience, the confidence, and the knowledge. It is clear to Cameron in the work and examples that The Jaeger Company has submitted, that they have been through that process. Cameron did talk to the Planning Director in Hall County, Georgia. He sounded very objective, giving a good recommendation and noting that the principal had good oversite of the younger staff members. Cameron was also impressed with the revised work approach submitted by The Jaeger Company. The principal had more than doubled her hours of involvement from 50 to 108, which was very encouraging. The principal also pointed out that on the first work schedule submitted, there had been an assignment for a "staff" preservation planner who is a new employee at her office. The revised schedule includes the principal and senior preservation planners. Cameron stated that White noted the consultant selection could have gone either way with her. White received the additional information from the August 10th memo and Cameron shared with her the phone conversations and the fax received yesterday. The new information increased White's confidence in The Jaeger Company and her vote would be with The Jaeger Company. Cameron stated that she and White also talked about the importance of the presentations to the public. They agreed that the County needs to put its "best foot forward" and select a consultant who projects a positive image. Todd Dickinson asked if we have heard from anyone at Archives and History in Raleigh as to who they would choose. Cameron replied that copies of the proposals were sent to the State, but no comments were received. Todd Dickinson then asked if Marvin Collins had a favorite. Cameron replied that Collins has not stated a preference and probably would like it to be the Commission's decision. Pat Dickinson added that the Planning Staff will be working very closely with the consultants. Cameron agreed. 4 © LIU 19 Allison expressed concern with the length of time taken to complete the Rural Character Study, and whether it was realistic to expect that the preservation plan could be completed within 6 months or a year. Cameron responded that because the Preservation Plan is tied into the Survey and Planning grant cycle, there is a schedule to meet in terms of completing the project. Todd Dickinson pointed out that the staffers working for The Jaeger Company seem to be older and experienced. They do not appear to be young, inexperienced graduate students. Their resume's look pretty good. Personally, Ramsay Leimenstoll seems to have more to do than she seems to get around to scheduling. Ramsay Leimenstoll is a local person highly regarded in the state. Ramsay Leimenstoll's presentation style though, does not seem to be compatible with what the County is looking for. Todd Dickinson is concerned about the impression Ramsay Leimenstoll may make on a large group. A small group may have time to get to know her and to trust her, but a large group may leave with a bad impression. Todd Dickinson also stated that Ramsay Leimenstoll does not seem to have done this type of project before. She does not seem to have planning background, but an architectural background. Her husband's background does not seem to provide planning experience either. Todd stated that the Preservation Plan is a big step above a National Register Nomination or guidelines writing. He felt that Ramsay Leimenstoll may figure it out as she goes along, and felt that we may have more of a "bird in the hand" with The Jaeger Company that can efficiently write up a new Preservation Plan since they have already done one. He stated he liked The Jaeger Company better. He also appreciated their quick and complete response to the Staff's request for additional information. Pat Dickinson stated that she was sure that Ramsay Leimenstoll could do the work, but did not want them to learn on our job. That aspect concerned her about Ramsay Leimenstoll. Todd Dickinson stated that the Commission hadn't seen any graphics done by Ramsay Leimenstoll, but had seen some done by The Jaeger Company. The Jaeger Company referred to maps often and the more maps, the better. Allison stated that the attractive proposal would indicate that the company already has formats in their computers they can produce and not start from scratch every time, which can be a great time saver. They can spend their time doing the work instead of coming up with the presentation. The graphics person can work on maps and charts instead of laying out cover graphics. 5 Uu L 20 f Pat Dickinson stated that the Orange County project should be similar to one The Jaeger Company has done in Georgia with a lot of parallels between the counties they have worked in. Gainesville is also a college town like Chapel Hill. Cameron stated that goals and policies may be similar for any Rural Preservation Plan. Strategies would be more specific, such as addressing the role of township advisory councils, and working with the specific private organizations. P P g Todd Dickinson stated that the consultants should also recognize our growth rate and our jobless rate. Lloyd stated that he felt that The Jaeger Company has more varied experience, especially in the area the County is pursuing. He added that Ramsay Leimenstoll may have to do some learning on the job. He thought that The Jaeger Company is well-equipped to do the job. Todd Dickinson asked if the members would like to talk about any of the other s.rou g P Cameron stated that she did have samples of work from Daniel Pezzoni. Allison stated that he liked the Pezzoni proposal, but was concerned that they may not be a congealed company. The four resumes submitted were all done in separate styles with no sample of a unified voice. After Allison read it, there was no real indication that they had ever worked as a team effort. Cameron stated that the subcommittee expressed similar concerns. Allison liked Pezzoni better than Ramsay Leimenstoll. Todd Dickinson called for a motion from the subcommittee. Pat Dickinson moved that the Commission award the contract to The Jaeger Company for the Preservation Plan for Orange County. Seconded by Allison. Vote: unanimous. Todd Dickinson asked Cameron to send a letter to all involved consultants as quickly as possible pending action taken by the Board of County Commissioners. Cameron will also convey to Ramsay Leimenstoll that she was a very close runner up and that the Commission hopes to work with her on another project. Todd Dickinson then adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:28 p.m. I 6 I